What you need before you wire money
To send a wire transfer, you need the recipient's bank details and your own account to have enough money in it. The recipient's information you'll need includes their full name, bank account number, routing number (for domestic US transfers), and the name and address of their bank. For international wires, you may also need a SWIFT code or IBAN instead of a routing number, depending on the country.
You'll also need to know how much you're sending and have a way to contact your bank — either online, by phone, or in person at a branch. Some banks let you set up wire transfers through their website or app; others require you to call or visit in person. Check with your bank about which methods they offer and whether there are any limits on how much you can wire in a single day.
Have your recipient's information written down or copied accurately before you start. A single digit wrong in an account number or routing number can send your money to the wrong account, and recovering it can be difficult or impossible.
Key Takeaways
- You need the recipient's full name, account number, routing number (or SWIFT code for international transfers), and their bank's name and address.
- Wire transfers are usually irreversible once sent, so verify all recipient information before you confirm the transfer.
- Most banks charge a fee for outgoing wire transfers, typically between $15 and $50 depending on whether it's domestic or international.
- Domestic wires usually arrive the same business day; international wires typically take one to five business days.
How to initiate a wire transfer through your bank
Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for a "Send Money," "Wire Transfer," or "Payments" section. Some banks put this under a "Transfers" tab. If you don't see it online, call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch in person.
Enter the recipient's information exactly as it appears on their bank account. This includes their full legal name, account number, and the routing number of their bank. For international transfers, you'll enter a SWIFT code or IBAN instead. Double-check every number and letter — banks process wires based on the account number and routing number, not the name, so an error in those numbers will send money to the wrong place.
Enter the amount you want to send and review the total fee your bank will charge. Confirm the transfer. Your bank will give you a confirmation number — save this. You'll need it if you ever need to contact the bank about the wire.
Sending a wire transfer in person at your bank
Go to a branch of your bank with a valid ID and the recipient's banking information. Tell the teller you want to send a wire transfer. They will ask you for the recipient's name, account number, routing number (or SWIFT code for international), and the amount you want to send.
The teller will enter this information into the bank's system and show you a screen or form with the details. Review it carefully — this is your final note to catch any errors. The teller will also tell you the wire fee and the total amount that will be deducted from your account (the amount sent plus the fee).
Once you approve, the teller will process the wire and give you a receipt with a confirmation number. Keep this receipt. If there's ever a problem with the wire, you'll need the confirmation number to trace it.
Wire transfer fees and timing
Banks charge a fee for sending a wire transfer. Domestic wire fees typically range from $15 to $30, while international wire fees are usually $35 to $50 or more. Some banks charge less for online wires than for wires sent by phone or in person. A few banks waive wire fees for customers who maintain a certain account balance or have a premium account, so ask your bank if you may have access to.
Domestic wire transfers usually arrive in the recipient's account the same business day, often within a few hours. International wires take longer — typically one to five business days depending on the destination country and the banks involved. Wires sent after business hours or on weekends may not process until the next business day.
What happens after you send the wire
Once you've sent a wire transfer, the money leaves your account when ready (or at the end of the business day if you sent it after hours). The recipient's bank receives the wire and deposits it into their account. You cannot cancel or reverse a wire transfer after it's been sent, so if you made a mistake with the recipient's information, you have very limited options.
If the wire went to the wrong account because of an error in the account number or routing number, contact your bank right away with your confirmation number. Your bank can try to contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the money, but there's no may provide the other bank will cooperate or that the money hasn't already been withdrawn.
Keep your confirmation number and receipt for at least 30 days. If the recipient says they didn't receive the money, you'll need the confirmation number to investigate with your bank.
Domestic versus international wire transfers
A domestic wire transfer stays within the United States and uses the recipient's nine-digit routing number. These wires are faster and cheaper than international wires, usually arriving the same business day and costing $15 to $30.
An international wire transfer goes to a bank outside the United States. Instead of a routing number, you'll need the recipient's SWIFT code (an eight or eleven-character code that identifies their bank) or their IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which varies in length by country. International wires take longer to process — usually one to five business days — and cost more, typically $35 to $50 or higher. Some international wires also pass through intermediary banks, which may charge additional fees that reduce the amount the recipient receives.
Common mistakes to avoid when wiring money
The most common mistake is entering the wrong account number or routing number. Because banks process wires by account number, not by name, a single digit wrong sends your money to a different account. Always copy the recipient's information directly from their bank statement or ask them to read it to you over the phone rather than typing it from memory.
Another mistake is sending money to someone you don't know or haven't verified. Wire transfers are irreversible, so scammers often ask victims to wire money. If someone you don't know well is asking you to wire them money urgently, pause and verify their identity through a separate method (like calling them at a number you know is theirs).
Don't assume a wire has arrived just because you sent it. For domestic wires, check with the recipient after a few hours. For international wires, wait at least one business day. If the recipient hasn't received it, contact your bank with your confirmation number so they can trace it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?
No, not in any practical sense. Once a wire transfer is sent, it cannot be recalled. If you made a mistake, contact your bank when ready with your confirmation number, and they can try to ask the receiving bank to return the money, but there's no may provide they will.
How long does a domestic wire transfer take?
Most domestic wire transfers arrive the same business day, often within a few hours. If you send a wire after your bank's cutoff time (usually 2 or 3 p.m.) or on a weekend, it may not process until the next business day.
What information do I need for an international wire?
You need the recipient's full name, account number, their bank's name and address, and either a SWIFT code (eight or eleven characters) or an IBAN (the format varies by country). Ask the recipient for this information directly from their bank statement to make sure it's correct.
Why would a wire transfer fail?
A wire can fail if the account number or routing number is wrong, if the recipient's name doesn't match the account, or if the receiving bank rejects it for compliance reasons. If a wire fails, your bank will usually return the money to your account within a few business days, though it may take longer.
Is a wire transfer safer than other payment methods?
Wire transfers are fast and direct, but they're irreversible, which makes them risky if you're sending money to someone you don't know or trust. For purchases from strangers, other methods like credit cards or PayPal offer more protection. For sending money to people you know, wire transfers are generally safe as long as you verify the recipient's account information.