The basic steps to wire money from your bank account

To wire money, you log into your bank's website or app, select the wire transfer option, enter the recipient's name and bank account details, specify the amount, review the details, and confirm the transfer. Your bank will deduct the money from your account right away — usually within minutes — and send it to the receiving bank. The recipient's bank typically deposits it into their account within one business day, though it can take longer if the wire is going to another country.

You do not need to visit a branch in person, though you can if you prefer. Most banks let you start a wire transfer online or through their mobile app. Some banks still require you to call or visit in person for your first wire, or for wires over a certain dollar amount.

The bank will charge you a fee for sending the wire — usually between $15 and $30 for a domestic wire (within the United States) and $35 to $50 for an international wire. Some banks waive the fee if you maintain a high balance or have a premium account type.

Key Takeaways

  • You need the recipient's full name, bank name, account number, and routing number to send a domestic wire; international wires also require a SWIFT code.
  • Wire transfers are irreversible once sent, so double-check all account details before you confirm — a typo in the account number means the money goes to the wrong person.
  • Domestic wires usually arrive within one business day; international wires can take three to five business days depending on the receiving country.
  • Your bank will charge a fee for the wire, and the amount varies by bank and whether the wire is domestic or international.
  • You can initiate most wires online or through your bank's app, though some banks require a phone call or branch visit for large amounts or first-time transfers.

What information you need to provide

Before you start a wire transfer, gather the recipient's banking details. For a domestic wire (to another U.S. bank account), you need the recipient's full name, the name of their bank, their account number, and their bank's routing number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the bank; you can find it on a check, on the bank's website, or by calling the bank directly.

For an international wire, you need all of the above plus the recipient's SWIFT code (also called a BIC code), which identifies their bank internationally. Some international wires also require an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) instead of or in addition to the account number, depending on the country. Ask the recipient or their bank which details you need before you start.

Have this information written down or copied before you log into your bank. Do not rely on memory — a single digit wrong in an account number or routing number sends the money to the wrong account, and you may not be able to recover it.

How to initiate a wire transfer online or through your app

Log into your bank's website or open the mobile app and look for "Wire Transfer," "Send Money," or "Payments." The exact label varies by bank. Click or tap that option, and your bank will ask you whether this is a domestic or international wire.

Enter the recipient's information in the fields provided. Start by entering their full name exactly as it appears on their bank account — if their account says "Robert Smith" and you enter "Bob Smith," the receiving bank may reject the transfer or hold it for review. Paste the account number and routing number (or SWIFT code for international) carefully to avoid typos.

Enter the amount you want to send. Your bank will show you the fee and the total that will be deducted from your account. Review this screen carefully — this is your final note to catch a mistake. Once you confirm, the transfer is sent and cannot be stopped or reversed.

Your bank will ask you to confirm the transfer, usually by entering a one-time code sent to your phone or email, or by using your fingerprint or face recognition if your app supports it. After you confirm, the money leaves your account when ready. You will receive a confirmation number — save this in case you need to track the wire later.

Wire transfers at the bank branch

If you prefer to wire money in person, visit your bank branch with a photo ID and the recipient's banking information. Tell the teller you want to send a wire transfer. They will fill out a wire form with you, confirm the details, take the fee from your account, and process the transfer right there.

Some banks require you to visit in person for your first wire transfer, or if you are sending a large amount. A few banks still do not offer online wire transfers at all. Call your bank ahead of time to find out what method is available to you.

The timeline is the same whether you wire online or at the branch — the money leaves your account when ready and arrives at the receiving bank within one business day for domestic wires.

How long a wire transfer takes

A domestic wire (between U.S. banks) usually arrives within one business day. "Business day" means Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. If you send a wire on a Friday evening or over the weekend, it will not process until Monday, and the recipient's bank may not deposit it until Tuesday.

An international wire typically takes three to five business days, depending on the receiving country and whether the receiving bank needs to route the money through additional banks. Some countries have slower banking systems or require extra verification steps, which can add time. Ask the recipient's bank how long they typically take to receive international wires.

Once your bank sends the wire, you cannot speed it up. If the recipient says they have not received the money after the expected time, contact your bank with your confirmation number. Your bank can check the status and, if needed, file a trace to find out where the money is.

Why wire transfers are irreversible

Unlike a check or a credit card charge, a wire transfer cannot be reversed once it is sent. Your bank sends the money directly to the receiving bank's account, and the receiving bank deposits it into the recipient's account. Once it is there, only the recipient can send it back — your bank cannot pull it out.

This is why it is critical to double-check every detail before you confirm. A typo in the account number or routing number means the money goes to a different account, possibly at a different bank. You may be able to contact that bank and ask them to return the money, but they are not required to, and the process can take weeks.

Never wire money to someone you do not know or trust, and never wire money based on a request from an email or text message claiming to be from your bank, your employer, or a government agency. These are common scams. If you are unsure, hang up and call the organization directly using a phone number you find yourself.

Fees and costs

Domestic wire transfer fees range from $15 to $30 at most banks. International wire fees are higher, typically $35 to $50, because the money has to move through multiple banks and currency exchanges. Some banks charge extra if the wire is going to a country with strict banking regulations.

A few banks waive wire fees for customers with certain account types — for example, premium checking accounts or accounts with a high minimum balance. Check your account details or call your bank to see if you may have access to for a waived fee.

The fee is deducted from your account when you send the wire. The recipient receives the full amount you specified — the fee does not come out of what they get. If you want the recipient to receive a specific amount and you are paying the fee, you need to add the fee to the amount you wire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?

No. Once you confirm a wire transfer, it is sent and cannot be canceled. If you realize you made a mistake when ready after sending it, call your bank right away with your confirmation number — in rare cases, a bank can try to intercept a wire before it arrives, but this only works if you call within minutes. After that, the money is in the receiving bank's account and only the recipient can return it.

What happens if I enter the wrong account number?

The money goes to whatever account matches that number at the receiving bank. It may go to another customer's account, or the receiving bank may reject it and send it back to your bank. If it goes to the wrong person's account, you will need to contact that bank and ask them to return the money — they are not required to do so. Always verify the account number with the recipient before you send.

Do I need to tell the recipient I am sending a wire?

It is a good idea to let them know the amount and the approximate arrival date so they are expecting it and can confirm when it arrives. This also gives you a chance to verify their account details one more time before you send the money.

Can I wire money internationally from my personal checking account?

Yes, most banks allow international wires from personal checking accounts. You will need the recipient's SWIFT code and possibly their IBAN, and the fee will be higher than a domestic wire. Some banks have limits on how much you can wire internationally, so check with your bank if you are sending a large amount.

What is the difference between a wire transfer and an ACH transfer?

A wire transfer moves money directly from your bank to the receiving bank and arrives within one business day (domestic) or several days (international). An ACH transfer is slower — it typically takes three to five business days — but costs little or nothing. Use a wire when you need money to arrive quickly; use ACH for routine payments where timing is less urgent.