What You Need Before You Start

A bank wire transfer moves money directly from your bank account to someone else's account at another bank. To send one, you will need the recipient's full name, their bank account number, and their bank's routing number. You will also need to know how much you are sending and have that amount available in your account.

The recipient's bank routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies their bank. You can find it on a check, or the recipient can give it to you. Some banks also call this the ABA number. Make sure you have the exact spelling of the recipient's name and the correct account number — wire transfers cannot be reversed once they leave your bank, so accuracy matters.

You will also need to decide whether to wire the money through your bank's website, mobile app, phone line, or in person at a branch. Most banks offer all of these options, though some charge different fees depending on which method you use.

Key Takeaways

  • Wire transfers require the recipient's full name, account number, and their bank's routing number before you can send money.
  • You can initiate a wire through your bank's website, app, phone line, or by visiting a branch in person.
  • Most banks charge a fee to send a wire transfer, typically between $15 and $30, though some accounts or transfer amounts may be free.
  • The money usually arrives within one business day, but can take longer if sent on a weekend or holiday.
  • Once a wire leaves your bank, you cannot cancel it, so double-check all details before confirming the transfer.

Sending a Wire Through Your Bank's Website or App

Log into your bank account online or open your bank's mobile app. Look for a section called "Send Money," "Transfers," "Wire Transfer," or "Pay Someone." The exact name varies by bank, but it is usually in the main menu or under a "Payments" tab.

Click on the option to send a wire transfer. You will be asked whether this is a new recipient or someone you have wired to before. If it is your first time sending to this person, select "New Recipient" or "Add Recipient." Enter the recipient's full name exactly as it appears on their bank account, their account number, and their bank's routing number. Some banks will also ask for the recipient's address.

Enter the amount you want to send. Review all the information on the confirmation screen — name, account number, routing number, and amount. If anything looks wrong, go back and correct it. Once you confirm, the wire is submitted to your bank for processing. You will receive a confirmation number; save this in case you need to track the transfer later.

Sending a Wire by Phone or at a Branch

If you prefer not to use the website or app, you can call your bank's customer service line and ask to send a wire transfer. Have the recipient's name, account number, routing number, and the transfer amount ready before you call. The representative will walk you through the process and may ask you to verify your identity.

You can also visit a branch in person and ask a teller to send a wire for you. Bring a form of ID and have the recipient's information written down. Some banks charge a higher fee for in-person or phone wires than for online wires, so ask about the cost before you proceed.

How Long a Wire Transfer Takes

Most wire transfers arrive within one business day. If you send a wire on a weekday before your bank's cutoff time — usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. — it often arrives the same day or the next morning. If you send it after the cutoff or on a weekend or holiday, it will not process until the next business day.

In rare cases, a wire can take longer. If the recipient's bank needs to verify information or if there is a problem with the routing number, the transfer may be delayed by a day or two. Your bank can tell you the status of your wire if you call and provide the confirmation number.

Wire Transfer Fees and Costs

Most banks charge a fee to send a domestic wire transfer. The fee typically ranges from $15 to $30, though some banks charge less and others charge more. A few banks waive the fee for certain account types or if you maintain a high balance. International wire transfers usually cost more — often $35 to $50 or higher — because they involve currency conversion and multiple banks.

Ask your bank what it charges before you send the wire. The fee is usually deducted from your account on the same day the wire is sent. Some banks show the fee on the confirmation screen before you submit the transfer, so you can see the total cost upfront.

What Happens If You Make a Mistake

If you realize you made an error after you have submitted the wire, contact your bank when ready. If the wire has not yet left your bank — which is usually within a few minutes — your bank may be able to cancel it. Once the wire has been sent to the recipient's bank, it cannot be reversed or recalled.

If the money went to the wrong account because of an incorrect account number or routing number, you will need to contact your bank and ask them to reach out to the recipient's bank to try to recover the funds. This process can take weeks and is not always successful. This is why checking all details before you confirm is so important.

Domestic Versus International Wire Transfers

A domestic wire transfer stays within the United States and uses the recipient's routing number. An international wire transfer goes to a bank in another country and requires additional information, such as the recipient's SWIFT code or IBAN number instead of a routing number. International wires also take longer — usually three to five business days — and cost significantly more.

If you are sending money internationally, ask the recipient which information their bank needs. Different countries use different banking codes, so you cannot use a U.S. routing number for a wire to another country. Your bank can provide the SWIFT code or IBAN if you give them the recipient's bank name and country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?

Only if you contact your bank within minutes of sending it, before the wire leaves your bank. Once it reaches the recipient's bank, it cannot be canceled. This is why wire transfers are considered final — you should only use them when you are certain about the recipient and the amount.

What if I send money to the wrong account number?

Contact your bank right away and explain the error. Your bank can ask the recipient's bank to return the funds, but this is not may provide. If the recipient's bank cannot locate the account or the account holder refuses to return the money, you may not recover it. This is why verifying the account number before you send is critical.

Do I need the recipient's name to match their account exactly?

Yes. Banks use the name to verify the account. If the name does not match what is on file at the recipient's bank, the transfer may be rejected or delayed. Ask the recipient how their name appears on their account and enter it exactly that way.

How do I find my bank's routing number if I need to give it to someone?

Your routing number is printed on the bottom left of your checks. You can also find it on your bank's website or by calling customer service. Do not confuse it with your account number, which is also on your check but is longer and appears in the middle.

Are wire transfers safe?

Wire transfers are find once they reach the recipient's bank, but they are irreversible. The main risk is sending money to the wrong person or account by mistake. Only use wire transfers when you trust the recipient and have verified their account information directly with them, not through email or text.