The basic steps to send a wire transfer

To send a bank wire, you gather the recipient's banking details, log into your bank's website or app, enter those details into a wire transfer form, review the amount and fees, and authorize the transaction. Most banks process domestic wires the same business day if you submit before their cutoff time — usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. — though some banks charge extra for same-day processing. International wires take longer and require additional information.

The exact steps vary slightly by bank. Some banks let you initiate a wire through their mobile app; others require you to use their website or visit a branch. The core information you need to provide stays the same regardless of which method you use.

Key Takeaways

  • You need the recipient's full name, bank name, account number, and routing number (for domestic wires) or SWIFT code (for international wires) before you start.
  • Most banks have a daily wire transfer limit — often $10,000 to $25,000 for online transfers — though you can request a higher limit or wire more money in person at a branch.
  • Domestic wires typically arrive the same business day if submitted before your bank's cutoff time, while international wires usually take three to five business days.
  • Wire transfer fees range from $0 to $50 depending on your bank and whether the wire is domestic or international.
  • Once a wire is sent, you cannot cancel or reverse it, so double-check all recipient details before you authorize the transaction.

Gather the recipient's banking information

Before you log into your bank, collect the information the recipient needs to give you. For a domestic wire (within the United States), 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; the recipient can find it on a check, or you can search for it on their bank's website.

For an international wire, you need the recipient's full name, their account number, their bank's name and address, and the bank's SWIFT code (also called a BIC code). Some international wires also require an IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which is a standardized account number used in Europe and many other countries. Ask the recipient which information their bank requires.

Verify the spelling of the recipient's name and the accuracy of the account number before you proceed. A wire sent to the wrong account number will go to that account, and you will not be able to recover the money easily.

Check your bank's wire transfer limits and fees

Most banks set a daily limit on how much you can wire online without visiting a branch. These limits commonly range from $10,000 to $25,000 per day, though some banks allow higher amounts if you have a premium account or have requested a limit increase. If you need to send more than your limit, you can either request a temporary increase, visit a branch to wire the money in person, or split the wire across multiple days.

Ask your bank what it charges for a wire transfer. Domestic wires often cost $0 to $15, while international wires typically cost $15 to $50. Some banks charge extra if you need the wire to arrive the same day. A few banks offer free wires to customers with certain account types or minimum balances, so check whether you may have access to.

Log in and navigate to the wire transfer form

Open your bank's website or mobile app and log in with your username and password. Look for a section labeled "Send Money," "Transfer Money," "Wire Transfer," or "Pay Bills." The exact name varies by bank. If you cannot find it, use the search function within the app or website, or call your bank's customer service line to ask where to start a wire transfer.

Some banks require you to verify your identity a second time before you can initiate a wire — for example, by entering a code sent to your phone or answering security questions. This is normal and is a security measure to prevent unauthorized transfers.

Enter the recipient's information and the amount

Fill in the wire transfer form with the recipient's banking details you gathered earlier. Enter the recipient's full name exactly as it appears on their bank account. Enter their account number and routing number (domestic) or SWIFT code (international) carefully — a single digit wrong will send the money to the wrong place.

Enter the amount you want to send. The form will usually show you the wire fee at this point, so you can see the total amount that will leave your account. Some banks also ask you to enter a reference or memo line — a short note that appears on the recipient's bank statement. This is optional but useful if the recipient is expecting multiple wires and needs to know which one is which.

Review and authorize the transaction

Before you submit, review every detail on the confirmation screen: the recipient's name, account number, bank name, the amount, and the fee. Read it twice. Wire transfers cannot be reversed once they are sent, so catching an error at this stage is critical.

Once you are certain everything is correct, click the button to authorize the transfer. Your bank may ask you to confirm your identity again — for example, by entering a code from your phone or authenticator app. Complete this step, and your wire will be submitted to your bank's processing system.

Track the wire and confirm delivery

After you submit, your bank will give you a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot. You can use this number to track the wire's status through your bank's website or by calling customer service.

For a domestic wire, check your account the next business day to confirm the money left. Then contact the recipient to confirm they received it. For an international wire, it may take three to five business days to arrive, so give it time before following up. If the wire does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact your bank with the confirmation number and ask them to investigate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?

Cancellation is very difficult once a wire leaves your bank. Some banks can attempt to recall a wire within a few hours of sending it, but success is not may provide. The receiving bank may have already processed the transfer, and the recipient may have already withdrawn the money. Contact your bank when ready if you need to cancel, but do not count on it working.

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

The money will arrive in that account, and recovering it is slow and uncertain. You will need to contact your bank and file a claim, then your bank will contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the funds. The receiving bank is not required to comply. If the recipient is a person you know, contact them directly and ask them to return the money. This process can take weeks or months.

Why does my bank have a daily wire limit?

Wire transfer limits are a fraud prevention measure. They reduce the amount of money a scammer or thief can move out of your account if they gain access to your login credentials. You can request a higher limit by calling your bank, and most banks will increase it if you have a good account history.

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

It is a good idea to tell them beforehand so they know to expect it and can watch for it to arrive. Give them the confirmation number from your bank so they can track it on their end if needed. For international wires, let them know it may take several business days.

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

A wire transfer moves money directly from your bank to another bank and usually arrives the same day (domestic) or within a few days (international). An ACH transfer is slower — typically three to five business days — but costs less or nothing. Wire transfers are better for large amounts or time-sensitive payments; ACH transfers are better for routine bills or smaller amounts where speed does not matter.