What Chase International Wire Transfers Do

A Chase international wire transfer moves money from your Chase account to a bank account outside the United States. Chase handles the currency conversion, routing through correspondent banks, and delivery to the recipient's bank. The money typically arrives within one to three business days, though some countries take longer.

Chase offers this service to customers with checking and savings accounts. You can initiate a wire through Chase's website, mobile app, or by visiting a branch. The recipient does not need to be a Chase customer — they just need a bank account in their country and the ability to receive international transfers.

International wires are not reversible once sent. Chase will not recall the money if you change your mind or realize you made an error. This is why banks require you to double-check the recipient's details before confirming.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase international wires move money to bank accounts outside the United States and typically arrive within one to three business days.
  • You need the recipient's full name, bank account number, bank name, and SWIFT code or IBAN — getting any of these wrong will delay or fail the transfer.
  • Chase charges a flat fee for outgoing international wires, which varies by account type and destination country.
  • Once you send an international wire, Chase cannot recall it, so verify all recipient information before you confirm.
  • You can send a wire online, through the mobile app, or at a branch, and each method has different daily limits.

Information You Need Before You Send

Gather the recipient's banking details before you log into Chase. You will need their full legal name exactly as it appears on their bank account, their complete bank account number, and the name of their bank. You will also need either the bank's SWIFT code (a unique identifier for banks worldwide) or the recipient's IBAN (International Bank Account Number), depending on the country.

The SWIFT code is usually eight or eleven characters and looks like CHASGB2L. The IBAN is longer and includes the country code at the start — for example, a UK IBAN begins with GB. Ask the recipient which one their bank uses, or ask them to provide both. If you provide the wrong code or number, the wire may be rejected or sent to the wrong account.

You may also need to provide a reason for the transfer. Chase asks this for compliance reasons. Common reasons include "family support," "payment for goods," or "loan repayment." Be honest and straightforward.

How to Send an International Wire Online or Through the Mobile App

Log into Chase.com or the Chase Mobile app and navigate to the wire transfer section. Select "Send money internationally" or a similar option. Enter the recipient's full name, bank account number, SWIFT code or IBAN, and bank name. Double-check every character — a single digit wrong can cause the wire to fail or go to the wrong place.

Enter the amount you want to send. Chase will show you the exchange rate and the fee before you confirm. Review both carefully. The exchange rate Chase offers may differ from the mid-market rate you see online; this difference is how Chase makes money on the transaction.

Add a reference or memo if you want the recipient to know what the money is for. This is optional but helpful if the recipient is expecting multiple transfers. Review all details one final time, then confirm. Chase will send you a confirmation number — save this for your records.

Daily limits for online and mobile transfers vary by account type. Chase typically allows $10,000 per day for online transfers, but limits may be higher or lower depending on your account history and status. If you need to send more, you can visit a branch or contact Chase to request a higher limit.

Sending an International Wire at a Chase Branch

Visit any Chase branch with your ID and the recipient's banking information. Tell the teller you want to send an international wire. They will fill out a form with the recipient's details, the amount, and your reason for sending. You will review and sign the form.

The teller will tell you the fee and exchange rate before you authorize the transfer. Once you sign, the wire is sent and cannot be stopped. The teller will give you a confirmation number and receipt.

Sending a wire at a branch may allow you to send larger amounts than online, depending on your account and the teller's authority. If you are sending a very large sum, calling ahead to confirm the branch can handle it is a good idea.

Chase International Wire Fees and Exchange Rates

Chase charges a flat fee for outgoing international wires. The fee is typically between $15 and $25 for most accounts, though some premium accounts may have lower fees or fee waivers. The exact fee depends on your account type and the destination country — some countries may have higher fees due to regulatory requirements.

In addition to the wire fee, Chase converts your dollars to the recipient's currency at its own exchange rate. This rate is not the same as the mid-market rate you see on financial websites. Chase's rate includes a markup, which is another way the bank profits from the transaction. The difference between Chase's rate and the mid-market rate can be significant, especially for large transfers.

Before you send, Chase shows you the total fee and the exchange rate you will receive. Compare this to what other banks or money transfer services offer if you are sending a large amount. For transfers under $500, the difference may not matter much. For transfers of several thousand dollars, shopping around can save you money.

How Long International Wires Take

Most Chase international wires arrive within one to three business days. The exact timing depends on the destination country, the recipient's bank, and whether the wire needs to pass through multiple correspondent banks.

Some countries have faster banking systems and receive wires within 24 hours. Others, particularly in Africa, South America, and parts of Asia, may take three to five business days or longer. If the recipient's bank is not directly connected to Chase's network, the wire may pass through one or more intermediate banks, which adds time.

Weekends and holidays do not count as business days. A wire sent on Friday afternoon may not arrive until Tuesday or Wednesday. If timing is critical, send the wire early in the week and early in the day.

What Happens If the Wire Goes Wrong

If you provide incorrect recipient information, the wire may be rejected by the recipient's bank and returned to your Chase account. This can take one to two weeks. Chase will not charge you a second fee for the return, but you will have lost time.

If the wire is sent to the wrong account because you provided the wrong SWIFT code or account number, recovery is difficult. Chase cannot straightforward recall the money. You would need to contact the recipient's bank directly and ask them to retrieve the funds from the wrong account holder — a process that may not succeed and could take weeks.

If you believe a wire was sent in error, contact Chase when ready. The sooner you report it, the better the chance of recovery. Have your confirmation number ready. Chase may be able to contact the recipient's bank and ask them to hold or return the funds, but this is not may provide.

Alternatives to Chase International Wires

For small amounts or frequent transfers, a money transfer service like Western Union, MoneyGram, or Wise may be cheaper and faster than a bank wire. These services often have lower fees and better exchange rates for smaller transfers. Wise, in particular, is known for offering mid-market exchange rates with a small markup, which can save money compared to Chase.

If the recipient is also a Chase customer, you can use Chase QuickPay or a similar peer-to-peer service if they are available in the recipient's country. These are faster and cheaper than international wires but only work between Chase customers.

For very large transfers or business payments, ask Chase about other options like a foreign exchange service or a dedicated international payment platform. Some of these services offer better rates for large amounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Once Chase sends an international wire, it cannot be canceled or recalled. This is why you must verify all recipient information before confirming. If you realize you made a mistake when ready after sending, contact Chase right away — they may be able to contact the recipient's bank and ask them to hold the funds, but this is not may provide and may not work.

What is the difference between a SWIFT code and an IBAN?

A SWIFT code identifies the bank. An IBAN identifies the specific account within that bank. Most countries use one or the other, though some use both. Ask the recipient which their bank requires. If you have both, providing both reduces the chance of error.

Why is Chase's exchange rate different from the rate I see online?

Chase adds a markup to the mid-market exchange rate. This markup is how the bank makes money on currency conversion. The difference can range from 1% to 3% or more, depending on the currency pair and market conditions. You can see Chase's exact rate before you confirm the transfer.

How do I know if my international wire arrived?

Chase will show the wire as "sent" in your account once it leaves Chase's system. The recipient's bank will notify them when the money arrives. Ask the recipient to confirm receipt and the amount they received. If they do not receive it within the expected timeframe, contact Chase with your confirmation number and ask them to trace the wire.

Can I send an international wire from a savings account?

Yes. Chase allows international wires from both checking and savings accounts. The process is the same, and the fees are typically the same. Some savings accounts may have lower daily transfer limits, so check your account terms or call Chase if you are unsure.