How to Send a Wire Transfer Through Fidelity

Wire transfers through Fidelity work the same way as other banks, but the steps depend on which Fidelity account you have and whether you're sending money from a brokerage account or a bank account

Fidelity offers wire transfer services through two main products: Fidelity Bank (their FDIC-insured deposit accounts) and Fidelity brokerage accounts. If you have a Fidelity Bank account, you can send domestic and international wires through online banking or by phone. If you have a brokerage account, you can wire out cash that's sitting in your account, but the process is slightly different. The key difference is that brokerage accounts require you to have settled cash available — money that has been in the account for at least two business days after a sale.

Fidelity does not charge a fee for outgoing domestic wire transfers from either account type. International wires do carry a fee, which varies depending on the destination country and the amount. Before you start, you'll need the recipient's full name, bank account number, routing number (for domestic transfers), and SWIFT code or IBAN (for international transfers).

Key Takeaways

Fidelity Bank customers can send domestic wires for free through online banking or by calling 1-800-343-3548, while international wires carry a fee that depends on the destination.
Fidelity brokerage account holders can wire out settled cash only — money that has been in the account for at least two business days after a sale.
Domestic wires typically arrive within one business day, while international wires take three to five business days depending on the receiving bank.
You must provide the recipient's full name, account number, and routing number for domestic transfers, or SWIFT code and IBAN for international transfers.
Once a wire is sent, it cannot be stopped or reversed, so verify all recipient details before confirming the transfer.

Sending a domestic wire from a Fidelity Bank account

Log into your Fidelity Bank account online and look for the "Transfer Money" or "Wire Funds" option in the main menu. Select "Send a wire" and choose "Domestic wire" from the options. You'll enter the recipient's full name, bank account number, routing number, and the amount you want to send. Fidelity will show you a summary of the transfer before you confirm it.

If you prefer to send the wire by phone, call Fidelity Bank at 1-800-343-3548 and speak with a representative. Have the recipient's information ready. The wire will be processed the same day if you call before the cutoff time, which is typically 4 p.m. Eastern Time on business days. Wires sent after that time or on weekends will process the next business day.

Sending an international wire from a Fidelity Bank account

International wires follow the same process as domestic wires, but you'll select "International wire" instead. You'll need the recipient's SWIFT code (an eight or eleven-character code that identifies their bank) and IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which replaces the routing number and account number used in the U.S. Some countries use different formats, so confirm with the recipient's bank if you're unsure.

Fidelity charges a fee for international wires, typically between $15 and $25 depending on the destination country and whether the wire is sent to a bank account or a non-bank institution. The fee is deducted from your account. International wires usually take three to five business days to arrive, though some countries may take longer. The receiving bank may also charge a fee on their end, which the recipient will see when the money arrives.

Wiring money out of a Fidelity brokerage account

If you have a Fidelity brokerage account and want to wire out cash, you first need to make sure you have settled cash available. Settled cash is money that has been in your account for at least two business days after you sold a security. Unsettled cash from recent sales cannot be wired out. You can check your settled cash balance in the "Balances" section of your account.

Once you have settled cash, go to "Accounts & Trade" and select "Transfers." Choose "Wire funds" and then "Domestic wire" or "International wire." Enter the recipient's information and the amount. The process is the same as with Fidelity Bank, but you're only moving cash that's already in your brokerage account, not pulling from a linked bank account. Fidelity does not charge a fee for domestic wires from brokerage accounts, but international wires carry the same fees as Bank accounts.

What information you need before starting

For any wire transfer, you must have the recipient's full legal name exactly as it appears on their bank account. Even a small difference — like "Robert" instead of "Bob" — can cause the wire to be rejected or delayed. You also need their bank account number and, for domestic transfers, their bank's routing number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the bank in the U.S. banking system.

For international wires, you need the recipient's SWIFT code and IBAN instead of a routing number. The SWIFT code identifies the bank internationally, and the IBAN is the account number in the format used by that country. You can ask the recipient for this information, or you can look it up on the recipient's bank website. Some banks also provide a "wire instructions" sheet that has all the details you need in one place.

How long a wire takes and what happens next

Domestic wires sent before the cutoff time (usually 4 p.m. Eastern Time) arrive the same business day. Wires sent after the cutoff or on weekends process the next business day. Once the wire leaves Fidelity, it goes through the Federal Reserve's wire system and arrives at the recipient's bank within hours. The recipient's bank then credits the money to their account, which usually happens the same day or the next business day.

International wires take longer because they pass through multiple banks and currency conversion systems. Most arrive within three to five business days, but some countries may take up to ten business days. The exact timing depends on the destination country, the receiving bank, and whether any additional information is needed. You can track the status of your wire by logging into your Fidelity account or calling customer service.

What to do if a wire goes wrong

Once a wire is sent, it cannot be stopped or reversed. This is why it's critical to verify all recipient information before you confirm the transfer. If you notice an error after the wire has been sent, contact Fidelity when ready at 1-800-343-3548. Fidelity can attempt to recall the wire, but success depends on whether the receiving bank has already processed it. If the money has been credited to the recipient's account, the only way to recover it is to contact the recipient directly and ask them to send it back.

If a wire is rejected by the receiving bank — for example, because the account number is invalid — Fidelity will notify you and the money will be returned to your account within a few business days. You'll then need to correct the recipient's information and send the wire again. Always double-check the routing number and account number before sending, especially if you're sending to a new recipient for the first time.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, wire transfers cannot be canceled once they've been sent. You can contact Fidelity when ready to attempt a recall, but success depends on whether the receiving bank has already processed the money. If the funds have been credited, you'll need to contact the recipient directly to ask for a refund.

What's the difference between a wire transfer and an ACH transfer?

Wire transfers are faster and more expensive, arriving the same day or next business day. ACH transfers are slower and free, taking three to five business days. Use a wire when you need money to arrive quickly; use ACH for routine transfers where speed doesn't matter.

Do I need to set up the recipient's bank account before I can wire money to it?

No, you don't need to set up the account in advance. You can send a wire to any bank account as long as you have the correct account number, routing number (domestic) or SWIFT/IBAN (international), and the recipient's full name. However, some banks allow you to add frequent recipients to your account for faster future transfers.

Will Fidelity charge me a fee for a domestic wire?

No, Fidelity does not charge a fee for outgoing domestic wire transfers from either Bank or brokerage accounts. International wires do carry a fee, typically between $15 and $25 depending on the destination country.

What happens if I send a wire to the wrong account?

If you send a wire to the wrong account, contact Fidelity when ready. Fidelity can attempt to recall the wire, but if the receiving bank has already processed it, the only way to recover the money is to contact the recipient and ask them to send it back. This is why verifying all details before sending is essential.

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.