What you need to send an international wire through Chase

Chase processes international wire transfers using the SWIFT system, which is a global network that connects banks and moves money between countries. When you send money internationally from a Chase account, the bank assigns a SWIFT code to route your transfer through the correct financial institutions abroad.

To send an international wire through Chase, you will need the recipient's bank account number, the recipient's full name, the receiving bank's name and address, and the receiving bank's SWIFT code. You can find a bank's SWIFT code by asking the recipient directly, searching the bank's website, or using a SWIFT code directory online. Chase also requires you to specify the country where the money is going and the amount in US dollars.

You can initiate an international wire through Chase online, by phone, or in person at a branch. The method you choose depends on your account type and the amount you are sending. Some Chase accounts allow online international wires up to a certain limit, while larger transfers may require a phone call or branch visit.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase uses SWIFT codes to route international wire transfers to the correct bank and account abroad.
  • You will need the recipient's bank account details, the receiving bank's SWIFT code, and the transfer amount before you can send money.
  • Chase charges a fee for international wire transfers, and the amount varies depending on the destination country and your account type.
  • International wires through Chase typically take one to three business days to reach the recipient's bank, though the receiving bank may take additional time to post the funds.

How Chase's SWIFT code works in your transfer

Chase's own SWIFT code is CHASUS33, which identifies Chase Bank as the sending institution. However, the SWIFT code that matters most for your transfer is the one belonging to the receiving bank — that code tells the SWIFT network which bank abroad should receive your money.

When you submit your wire, Chase uses the receiving bank's SWIFT code to find the correct routing path through the international banking system. The SWIFT code is an eight or eleven-character code that includes the bank's identifier, the country code, and sometimes a specific branch. For example, a SWIFT code might look like DEUTDEFF (Deutsche Bank in Frankfurt, Germany) or MIDLGB22 (HSBC in London, United Kingdom).

If you provide an incorrect SWIFT code, your wire may be delayed, sent to the wrong bank, or rejected entirely. Always confirm the SWIFT code with the recipient or the receiving bank's website before you send the transfer. Chase will not process the wire if the code format appears invalid, but a code that is valid but belongs to a different bank will go through to that wrong destination.

Chase fees and exchange rates for international wires

Chase charges an outgoing international wire fee that varies by account type and destination. As of the most recent fee schedules, Chase typically charges between $15 and $50 for an outgoing international wire, depending on whether the transfer goes to a country within a certain region or outside it. Your specific fee depends on your account tier and the receiving country, so you should check your account's fee schedule or call Chase before sending to know the exact cost.

In addition to the wire fee, Chase applies an exchange rate to convert your US dollars into the foreign currency. This exchange rate is not the same as the mid-market rate you see online — Chase adds a markup to the rate, which means you receive fewer units of foreign currency than you would at the true market rate. The markup amount is not published and varies based on market conditions and the currency pair.

Some receiving banks may also charge a fee on their end to receive the wire. This fee is deducted from the amount that reaches the recipient, so the person receiving the money gets less than the amount you sent. You can ask the recipient's bank whether they charge an incoming wire fee and how much it is, so you can factor that into the amount you send.

Step-by-step: sending an international wire online through Chase

If your Chase account allows online international wires, you can send money through Chase Online or the Chase mobile app. Log in to your account and look for the "Transfer Money" or "Wire Money" option, usually found under the Transfers section.

Select "International Wire" or "Send Money Abroad" from the menu. Enter the recipient's full name exactly as it appears on their bank account, the receiving bank's name and country, and the recipient's account number. Paste or type the receiving bank's SWIFT code into the designated field. Enter the amount you want to send in US dollars.

Review all the details carefully — especially the SWIFT code, account number, and recipient name — before you confirm. Once you submit the wire, you will receive a confirmation number. Save this number; you will need it if you need to track the transfer or contact Chase about the wire later. The wire will be processed on the next business day if you submit it before the cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. Eastern Time on business days).

Sending an international wire by phone or at a Chase branch

If you prefer to send an international wire over the phone, call the number on the back of your Chase debit or credit card, or call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935. Have the recipient's information and the receiving bank's SWIFT code ready before you call. A representative will walk you through the wire details, confirm the fee, and process the transfer.

You can also visit a Chase branch in person to send an international wire. Bring a photo ID and have the recipient's bank details and SWIFT code written down or on your phone. A banker will help you fill out the wire form and answer questions about fees or timing. Some branches may require you to have a minimum account balance or may limit the amount you can wire in person on the same day.

Wires sent by phone or in person are often processed the same business day if submitted before the cutoff time. Phone and branch wires may have higher limits than online wires, so if you are sending a large amount, these methods may be your only option.

How long an international wire takes and how to track it

An international wire sent through Chase typically takes one to three business days to reach the recipient's bank. The timing depends on the destination country, the receiving bank's processing speed, and whether the wire needs to pass through intermediate banks. Some countries have faster banking systems than others, and wires to certain regions may take longer.

Once the wire reaches the receiving bank, that bank must process it and post the funds to the recipient's account. This can take an additional one to two business days, depending on the bank's procedures. The recipient should not assume the money has arrived until they see it in their account.

To track your wire, log into Chase Online or the mobile app and look for the wire in your transaction history. You can also call Chase customer service with your confirmation number to ask about the status. Chase can tell you whether the wire has left their system, but they cannot always confirm whether it has reached the receiving bank or been posted to the recipient's account — you may need to ask the recipient to check with their bank.

Common mistakes and what to avoid

The most common mistake is providing an incorrect SWIFT code or account number. Even a single wrong digit will cause the wire to go to the wrong place or be rejected. Always ask the recipient to confirm their SWIFT code and account number in writing, and double-check both before you submit the wire.

Another frequent error is misspelling the recipient's name. Banks match wires to accounts by name, and if the name does not match the account holder's name on file, the receiving bank may reject or delay the wire. Use the exact spelling and format the recipient provides.

Do not assume the exchange rate you see online is the rate Chase will use. Chase's rate includes a markup, so you will receive less foreign currency than you expect. If the exchange rate matters for your transfer, ask Chase for the exact rate before you send the wire.

Finally, do not send a wire without confirming the receiving bank's incoming wire fee with the recipient. If the receiving bank charges a fee and you did not account for it, the recipient will receive less money than you intended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a Chase international wire after I send it?

If you cancel before the wire leaves Chase's system, you may be able to stop it, though you may still be charged a fee. Once the wire has been sent to the receiving bank, Chase cannot recall it. Contact Chase when ready if you need to cancel — the sooner you call, the better your chances. Have your confirmation number ready.

What is the difference between a SWIFT transfer and a SEPA transfer?

SWIFT is a global system used for international wires to any country. SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) is a faster, cheaper system used only for transfers between European Union and some other European countries in euros. If you are sending money to Europe in euros, ask whether SEPA is available — it is usually faster and cheaper than SWIFT.

Do I need to report an international wire to the IRS or any government agency?

If you send more than $10,000 in a single wire or multiple wires within a short period, Chase is required to file a Currency Transaction Report with the US government. This is routine and does not mean you have done anything wrong. If you are sending money for a specific reason (such as a business transaction or loan repayment), keep documentation of the purpose in case you are asked about it later.

What happens if the receiving bank rejects my wire?

If the receiving bank rejects the wire because of an incorrect account number, SWIFT code, or name mismatch, the money will be returned to your Chase account. This can take one to two weeks. Chase will notify you when the return is processed. You can then correct the information and send the wire again.

Can I send an international wire from a Chase savings account?

Yes, you can send an international wire from a Chase savings account, though some account types may have limits on the number of wires you can send per month or the maximum amount per wire. Check your account terms or call Chase to confirm what limits explore to your specific account.