How to send a wire transfer through your bank
To send a wire transfer, you contact your bank and provide the recipient's banking details, the amount, and your reason for sending it. Your bank verifies the information, deducts the money from your account, and sends it to the receiving bank, which deposits it into the recipient's account. The process typically takes one business day for domestic transfers and two to five business days for international ones, though some banks offer same-day options for an additional fee.
You do not need to visit a branch in person. Most banks let you start a wire transfer online through their website or mobile app, by phone with a representative, or in person at a branch. The method you choose affects how quickly the transfer goes through and whether you pay a fee.
Key Takeaways
- You need the recipient's full name, account number, routing number (for domestic transfers), and bank name before you start.
- Wire transfers are irreversible once sent, so verify all recipient details match exactly before confirming the transfer.
- Domestic wire transfers typically cost $15 to $30 and take one business day; international wires cost more and take longer.
- Your bank may limit how much you can wire in a single day or require you to call a representative for large amounts.
Information you need before you wire
Gather the recipient's details before you contact your bank. For a domestic wire, you need the recipient's full legal name (as it appears on their account), their account number, their bank's routing number, and their bank's name and address. For an international wire, you also need the recipient bank's SWIFT code (an eight or eleven-character identifier) or IBAN (International Bank Account Number), depending on the country.
Ask the recipient to provide this information directly rather than guessing or using an old statement. A single digit wrong in the account number or routing number can send the money to the wrong account. Some banks will not process a wire if the name on the receiving account does not match the name you provide, even if the account number is correct.
Have your own bank account information ready as well. Your bank will ask for the account you want to wire from and may ask for your account number, though they usually pull this from your login if you are wiring online.
Wiring money online, by phone, or in person
Online wiring is the fastest and cheapest option at most banks. Log into your bank's website or app, find the wire transfer or send money section, enter the recipient's details and the amount, review the details for accuracy, and confirm. The bank sends a confirmation number. Online wires typically process the same day if you submit before your bank's cutoff time, usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. on business days.
Phone wiring takes longer because a representative must enter your information manually and verify your identity. Call your bank's wire transfer line, provide the recipient's details and amount, and ask the representative to read back the information before you confirm. Phone wires usually process the next business day. Some banks charge more for phone wires than online wires.
In-person wiring at a branch gives you a paper receipt and lets you ask questions face-to-face, but it takes the most time. Bring the recipient's information and a form of identification. The teller enters the details, you review and sign, and the wire processes the same day if you arrive before the cutoff or the next business day if you arrive after.
Wire transfer fees and limits
Domestic wire transfer fees range from $15 to $30 per transfer at most banks. Some banks charge less for online wires than phone or in-person wires. International wire fees are typically $40 to $75 and may include a separate fee charged by the receiving bank, which is deducted from the amount the recipient gets.
Your bank may set a daily wire limit, such as $10,000 or $25,000, depending on your account type and history. If you need to wire more, call your bank to request a higher limit or ask whether you can split the transfer across two days. Some banks require you to call a representative for any wire over a certain amount, such as $50,000.
Ask your bank about its specific fees and limits before you wire. Fees and limits vary by bank and account type, and some banks waive fees for certain account holders or wire amounts.
Timing: when the money arrives
Domestic wire transfers typically arrive within one business day. If you wire on a Friday after 3 p.m., the money usually arrives on Monday. If you wire on a holiday or weekend, the transfer processes on the next business day.
International wire transfers take two to five business days because the money passes through one or more intermediary banks before reaching the recipient's bank. The exact time depends on the countries involved, the banks involved, and whether the receiving bank is in the same time zone as the sending bank.
Some banks offer expedited or same-day domestic wires for an extra fee, typically $15 to $25 on top of the standard wire fee. Ask your bank whether this option is available and what the total cost is.
What happens after you confirm the wire
Once you confirm the wire, your bank deducts the full amount (including the fee) from your account when ready. You receive a confirmation number. Write down this number and keep it until the recipient confirms they received the money.
The recipient's bank deposits the money into their account once it arrives. The recipient will see the deposit in their account balance, though it may take a few hours to appear in their transaction history. Some banks place a hold on incoming wire transfers for one to three business days before the recipient can withdraw the money, particularly for new accounts or large amounts.
If the recipient does not receive the money within the expected timeframe, contact your bank with your confirmation number. Your bank can trace the wire and determine whether it was sent correctly, is still in transit, or was rejected by the receiving bank.
Why a wire transfer might be rejected or delayed
A wire can be rejected if the account number or routing number is wrong, if the recipient's name does not match the account name, if the receiving bank cannot process the wire for some reason, or if the receiving bank suspects fraud. When a wire is rejected, your bank returns the money to your account, usually within three to five business days. You are not charged a fee for a rejected wire at most banks, though some charge a small fee.
A wire can be delayed if the receiving bank is closed (on weekends or holidays), if there is a large volume of wires being processed, or if the receiving bank needs to verify information. If your wire does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact your bank to check the status.
Wire transfers cannot be reversed once they are sent and processed by the receiving bank. If you wire money to the wrong person or account by mistake, you must contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the money. They are not required to do so. This is why verifying all recipient details before confirming is critical.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?
If you cancel before the wire leaves your bank, you can stop it. Once the receiving bank receives it, you cannot cancel it. Contact your bank when ready if you need to cancel. Your bank can tell you whether the wire has been sent and whether it can be stopped. If it is stopped, the money returns to your account within a few business days.
What is the difference between a wire transfer and an ACH transfer?
A wire transfer moves money directly between banks and typically arrives within one business day. An ACH transfer moves money through a clearing house and typically takes three to five business days. Wire transfers cost $15 to $30; ACH transfers are often free. Wire transfers are irreversible; ACH transfers can sometimes be reversed within a short window.
Do I need to tell the recipient I am sending a wire?
It is a good idea to tell the recipient you are sending a wire and when they should expect it, especially for large amounts or international transfers. This way they know to watch for the deposit and can contact you if it does not arrive. Provide them with your confirmation number so they can help trace the wire if needed.
What information does the recipient see when the wire arrives?
The recipient sees the amount and the sending bank's name in their account. Depending on the bank, they may also see a reference number or memo line if you included one. They do not automatically see your name or personal details unless you included a note in the wire instructions.
Can I wire money internationally from any bank account?
Most banks allow international wires from checking and savings accounts, but some restrict them to certain account types or require you to call a representative. Ask your bank whether your account type supports international wires and what the process is. Some banks charge higher fees for international wires or require a minimum account balance.