Chase Swift is Chase Bank's system for sending and receiving international wire transfers

Chase Swift is the name Chase uses for its international wire transfer service. When you send money to someone outside the United States, Chase routes it through the SWIFT network — a global system that connects banks worldwide. You initiate the transfer through your Chase account, and Chase handles the technical work of moving your money across borders and converting currency if needed.

The term "Swift" can be confusing because it refers to two things at once. SWIFT is the actual international messaging system that banks use to communicate transfer details. Chase Swift is Chase's branded service that uses that system. When you hear "SWIFT code" or "SWIFT transfer," both terms describe the same underlying process — moving money internationally through established banking channels.

You do not need to understand how SWIFT works technically. What matters is that you can send money to almost any country, the recipient's bank receives it, and you have a record of the transaction. The process takes longer than a domestic wire (usually one to three business days) and costs more, but it is straightforward once you know what information you need.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase Swift transfers go through the international SWIFT network and typically take one to three business days to arrive.
  • You will need the recipient's full name, bank account number, and their bank's SWIFT code or routing information before you start.
  • Chase charges a fee for outgoing international wires, and the recipient's bank may charge a fee to receive the money.
  • You can send a Chase Swift transfer through Chase online banking, the mobile app, or by visiting a branch in person.
  • The exchange rate Chase uses may differ from the mid-market rate, so the amount the recipient receives may be less than you expect.

What information you need to send a Chase Swift transfer

Before you start a transfer, gather the recipient's banking details. You will need their full name exactly as it appears on their bank account, their account number, and their bank's SWIFT code. The SWIFT code is an eight or eleven-character code that identifies the specific bank and branch. If you do not have the SWIFT code, ask the recipient or look it up on their bank's website.

Some countries also require an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) instead of or in addition to the account number. An IBAN is a longer code that includes the country, bank, and account information in one string. If the recipient is in Europe, the Middle East, or parts of Africa, ask them for their IBAN. If you are unsure which one to use, ask the recipient's bank directly — they can tell you exactly what Chase needs to route the money correctly.

You will also need to know the purpose of the transfer for Chase's records. This is usually something straightforward like "family support" or "invoice payment." Chase asks this for regulatory reasons, not to judge the transfer. Be honest but brief.

How to send a Chase Swift transfer online or through the app

Log into Chase online banking or open the Chase mobile app. Look for "Wire Transfer" or "Send Money" in the menu. Select "International Wire" or "Wire Transfer to Another Country" — the exact wording varies by account type. Chase will ask you to choose whether this is a new recipient or someone you have sent to before.

For a new recipient, enter their full name, bank account number, and SWIFT code. Chase will ask for the bank name and country. Double-check every detail before you proceed — banks cannot always reverse international wires if the information is wrong. Enter the amount you want to send and review the fee Chase will charge. The fee appears on the screen before you confirm, so you know the exact cost.

Chase will show you the exchange rate it is using and the amount the recipient will receive in their local currency. This is your final note to see the rate and decide whether to proceed. Once you confirm, the transfer is sent. Chase will give you a confirmation number and a reference number to track the transfer.

Sending a Chase Swift transfer in person at a branch

You can also walk into any Chase branch and ask a banker to send an international wire. Bring your ID and the recipient's banking information. The banker will fill out the wire form with you, show you the fee and exchange rate, and process the transfer while you wait. This method takes longer than online banking but gives you a chance to ask questions and get a paper receipt.

Some branches have longer wait times than others. Call ahead if you want to avoid a line, or go during off-peak hours like mid-morning on a weekday. The banker can also help you look up a SWIFT code if you do not have it, though it is usually faster to find it yourself before you go.

Fees and exchange rates for Chase Swift transfers

Chase charges a flat fee for outgoing international wires. The amount varies depending on whether you are sending the money to a Chase account or a non-Chase account, and it may differ based on your account type. Check your account details or call Chase to confirm the exact fee before you send.

The recipient's bank may also charge a fee to receive the money. This fee comes out of the amount they receive, so if you send $1,000, they might receive $950 after their bank's fee. Ask the recipient whether their bank charges a receiving fee and how much it is. Some banks charge nothing; others charge a fixed amount or a percentage.

Chase uses its own exchange rate, which is usually close to but not identical to the mid-market rate (the rate you see on financial news sites). The difference is how Chase makes money on the currency conversion. The exact rate depends on the currency pair and market conditions. Chase shows you the rate before you confirm, so you can see what the recipient will receive in their local currency.

How long a Chase Swift transfer takes

Most Chase Swift transfers arrive within one to three business days. The exact timing depends on the recipient's country, their bank's processing speed, and whether there are any delays in the SWIFT network. Some countries are faster than others — a transfer to Canada or the United Kingdom usually arrives within one business day, while transfers to some other countries may take longer.

Chase processes outgoing wires on business days only. If you send a wire on a Friday evening or over a weekend, Chase will not process it until Monday. The recipient's bank also processes on its own schedule, which may not match the U.S. business day. This is why international wires can take longer than you might expect.

Once Chase sends the wire, you cannot stop it. Chase will give you a reference number to track the transfer. You can call Chase with this number to check the status, but you cannot cancel or change the amount after you confirm. This is why it is so important to verify the recipient's information before you send.

What happens if something goes wrong with a Chase Swift transfer

If the recipient's information is wrong — a typo in the account number or an incorrect SWIFT code — the money may be sent to the wrong bank or rejected entirely. If it is rejected, it will bounce back to your Chase account within a few days. If it goes to the wrong bank, you will need to contact that bank to try to recover the money, which can take weeks or may not be possible at all.

If the transfer does not arrive within the expected timeframe, call Chase with your reference number. Chase can check the status with the recipient's bank. Sometimes transfers are delayed because the recipient's bank is processing a backlog or because additional information is needed. Chase can also help you contact the recipient's bank directly if there is a problem on their end.

If you sent money to the wrong person or changed your mind, you cannot reverse an international wire. The money belongs to the recipient once it arrives in their account. Your only option is to contact the recipient and ask them to send the money back, which they may or may not do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send a Chase Swift transfer to any country?

Chase can send wires to most countries, but some countries have restrictions due to U.S. sanctions or banking regulations. Call Chase or check your account to see if the destination country is supported. If Chase cannot send to that country, you will need to use a different service.

What is the difference between a SWIFT code and a routing number?

A routing number is used for domestic U.S. transfers and identifies a specific bank branch in the United States. A SWIFT code is used for international transfers and identifies a bank anywhere in the world. They serve the same purpose but are used in different systems. For international wires, you need the SWIFT code, not the routing number.

Do I need to tell Chase why I am sending money internationally?

Yes, Chase will ask you to state the purpose of the transfer. This is a regulatory requirement, not a judgment. Common purposes include family support, invoice payment, or personal loan. Be honest and specific. Chase uses this information to comply with anti-money-laundering laws.

Can I send a Chase Swift transfer to someone else's account?

Yes, you can send money to any account as long as you have the correct recipient information. The account does not have to be in your name. However, some banks have rules about who can receive transfers, so confirm with the recipient's bank that they can accept incoming wires from the United States.

What if the recipient's bank does not have a SWIFT code?

Almost all banks that accept international transfers have a SWIFT code. If you cannot find one, ask the recipient's bank directly or ask the recipient to provide it. If the bank truly does not have a SWIFT code, it may not be able to receive international wires, and you will need to use a different method to send money.