How to Send Money Out of Your Fidelity Account by Wire Transfer

What You Need Before You Wire Money From Fidelity

Fidelity processes outgoing wire transfers through its standard wire department, but the exact steps depend on whether you're wiring from a brokerage account, an IRA, or a cash management account. Before you start, you'll need the recipient's bank account number, routing number, and the bank's name and address. Fidelity will also ask you to confirm the amount and the reason for the transfer — this is standard anti-fraud procedure, not a judgment about where your money goes.

You can initiate a wire through Fidelity's website, by phone, or in person at a Fidelity branch. The method you choose affects how long the process takes and what information you'll need to have ready. Phone and in-person requests are typically processed the same business day if you call before the cutoff time, usually 4 p.m. Eastern. Online requests may take longer depending on the account type and whether Fidelity flags the transfer for review.

Key Takeaways

You need the recipient's full bank name, routing number, account number, and account holder name before you start a wire from Fidelity.
Fidelity charges a wire fee that varies by account type — typically $15 to $25 for domestic wires — and the fee comes out of your account.
Domestic wires usually arrive within one business day, but international wires can take three to five business days and may cost $45 or more.
Once Fidelity sends a wire, you cannot cancel it, so verify the recipient's details are correct before you confirm the transfer.

How to Initiate a Wire Through Fidelity's Website

Log into your Fidelity account and navigate to the "Accounts & Trade" section. Look for "Transfer Funds" or "Move Money" — the exact label depends on your account type. Select "Wire Funds Out" and choose the account you're wiring from. Fidelity will show you the available balance and any restrictions on that account (for example, some IRAs have limits on how often you can move money).

Enter the recipient's bank details exactly as they appear on the account. This is where most wire errors happen: a transposed digit in the routing number or a mismatch between the account number and the account holder's name will send your money to the wrong place. Fidelity will ask you to review the information twice before you submit. Take the time to do it — once the wire leaves Fidelity's system, recovery is difficult and may not be possible.

After you submit the request online, Fidelity will send you a confirmation number. Write this down or screenshot it. If the wire doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe, you'll need this number to track it down. Fidelity's website also shows the status of pending wires in your account history.

Wiring Money by Phone or at a Branch

Call Fidelity's wire department at the number on the back of your account statement or debit card. Have your account number, the recipient's bank details, and the wire amount ready before you call. A Fidelity representative will walk you through the process, confirm your identity, and read back the recipient's information to make sure it's correct. This verbal confirmation catches errors that online submission might miss.

If you prefer to wire in person, visit a Fidelity branch with a photo ID and your account information. A branch representative can process the wire when ready and give you a receipt on the spot. This method is slower than phone or online if you're in a hurry, but it's useful if you have questions about the wire or want to discuss the transfer with someone face-to-face.

Phone and branch wires processed before the cutoff time (usually 4 p.m. Eastern on a business day) will typically leave Fidelity the same day. Requests after the cutoff or on weekends and holidays will be processed the next business day.

Fidelity Wire Fees and Costs

Fidelity charges a flat fee for outgoing wires. Domestic wires (within the United States) typically cost $15 to $25, depending on your account type and whether you're a Fidelity customer with other accounts or services. International wires cost more — usually $45 to $50 — because they involve correspondent banks and currency conversion in some cases.

The fee is deducted from your account balance before the wire is sent. If your account doesn't have enough money to cover both the wire amount and the fee, Fidelity will reject the request. Some Fidelity accounts, such as certain premium brokerage accounts, may waive wire fees for customers who meet minimum balance or activity requirements — check your account terms or call Fidelity to confirm.

Domestic vs. International Wire Transfers

A domestic wire stays within the U.S. banking system and uses the recipient's nine-digit routing number. These wires almost always arrive within one business day. An international wire goes through the SWIFT network and requires additional information: the recipient's SWIFT code (also called a BIC code), the name of the country where the bank is located, and sometimes an IBAN (International Bank Account Number). International wires take three to five business days and may be subject to currency conversion fees on top of Fidelity's wire fee.

Before you send an international wire, confirm with the recipient's bank what information Fidelity needs to include. Some banks require specific reference codes or intermediary bank details. Missing or incorrect information can delay the wire by days or send it back to Fidelity, which will then charge you a return fee.

What Happens If Your Wire Goes to the Wrong Account

Once Fidelity sends a wire, the money is out of your control. If you realize you made an error in the recipient's account number or routing number, call Fidelity when ready — the sooner you report it, the better the chance of recovery. Fidelity can contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the funds, but the receiving bank is not required to do so, especially if the money has already been moved or withdrawn.

If the receiving bank refuses to return the money, you may need to file a dispute with your state's banking regulator or pursue a civil claim against the recipient. This process is slow and expensive. The best protection is to verify the recipient's details before you submit the wire and, if possible, send a small test wire first to confirm the account is correct.

Timing and When Your Wire Will Arrive

Domestic wires sent before the 4 p.m. Eastern cutoff on a business day will typically arrive at the recipient's bank by the next business day. The recipient's bank may take an additional day to post the funds to the account, depending on their internal processes. International wires take longer — usually three to five business days — because they pass through multiple banks and may involve currency conversion.

Weekends and federal holidays do not count as business days. A wire submitted on Friday afternoon will not leave Fidelity until Monday, and it will not arrive at the recipient's bank until Tuesday at the earliest. If you need the money to arrive by a specific date, submit the wire at least two business days before that date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a wire after I've sent it?

No. Once Fidelity sends a wire, it cannot be stopped. If you realize you made a mistake, call Fidelity when ready and ask them to contact the receiving bank to request a return. The receiving bank may or may not comply, and there is no may provide your money will come back.

What information do I need to give Fidelity to send a wire?

You need the recipient's full name, bank name, account number, and routing number (for domestic wires) or SWIFT code (for international wires). Fidelity will also ask for the wire amount and the reason for the transfer. Have all this information ready before you call or log in.

Does Fidelity wire money on weekends or holidays?

No. Fidelity only processes wires on business days. A wire submitted on a weekend or federal holiday will be processed the next business day. Plan ahead if you need the money to arrive by a specific date.

What if the wire amount is very large?

Large wires may trigger additional review by Fidelity's compliance department, which can delay the transfer by one or two business days. Fidelity may also ask you to provide documentation of the source of the funds or the reason for the wire. This is standard practice and not a sign of a problem.

Can I wire money from an IRA or retirement account?

Yes, but there are restrictions. You can wire money out of an IRA, but the withdrawal may be subject to income tax and early withdrawal penalties if you're under 59½. Some IRAs also limit how often you can move money. Contact Fidelity before you wire to understand the tax consequences and any account-specific rules.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.