What you need to send a wire transfer

To send a wire transfer, you will need the recipient's full name, their bank account number, and their bank's routing number. If the recipient's bank is outside the United States, you will also need the bank's SWIFT code (an international identifier) or IBAN (International Bank Account Number). You should have this information in writing before you start — banks will not send a wire without it, and a single digit wrong means the money goes to the wrong account.

You will also need to know how much you want to send. Wire transfers move the full amount you specify, so double-check the sum before you confirm. Most banks charge a fee to send a domestic wire (typically $15 to $30) and a higher fee for international wires (often $35 to $50), though some accounts waive these fees. Ask your bank what it charges before you proceed.

Have your bank account or debit card ready, because you will need to prove you have the funds. If you do not have enough money in your account to cover both the transfer amount and the fee, the wire will not go through.

Key Takeaways

  • You need the recipient's full name, account number, and routing number (or SWIFT code for international transfers) before you can start a wire.
  • Wire transfers are permanent once sent — the money leaves your account when ready and cannot be reversed if you give the wrong account number.
  • You can send a wire in person at a bank branch, by phone, or through your bank's online platform, depending on what your bank offers.
  • Domestic wires usually arrive the same business day; international wires typically take one to three business days.
  • Your bank will charge a fee ($15 to $50 depending on whether it is domestic or international), and you must have enough funds to cover both the transfer and the fee.

Sending a wire at your bank branch in person

Walk into any branch of your bank during business hours and tell the teller you want to send a wire transfer. Bring a photo ID and have the recipient's information ready. The teller will give you a form to fill out with the recipient's name, account number, routing number, and the amount you want to send. Read it carefully before you sign — once you sign, the wire is authorized and cannot be stopped.

The teller will tell you the fee and confirm you have enough money in your account. They will process the wire when ready and give you a confirmation number. Write this number down and keep it — if the recipient does not receive the money, you will need this number to trace the wire.

Sending a wire through your bank's website or app

Most banks let you send a wire through their online banking platform. Log in to your account, look for a "Send Money" or "Wire Transfer" option (the exact name varies by bank), and select it. You will be asked to enter the recipient's information: their full name, account number, routing number, and the amount. Some banks let you save a recipient's information so you do not have to type it in every time.

Before you confirm, the system will show you the fee and the total amount that will leave your account. Review this carefully. Once you click "Confirm" or "Send," the wire is submitted and cannot be reversed. Your bank will send you a confirmation number by email or display it on your screen — save this.

Timing varies by bank. Some process wires when ready; others process them during business hours only. If you send a wire after 5 p.m. on a Friday, it may not leave your account until Monday morning.

Sending a wire by phone

Call your bank's customer service number (on the back of your debit card or on your statement) and ask to send a wire transfer. A representative will ask you for the recipient's information and the amount. They will also verify your identity by asking security questions or requesting information from your account.

The representative will confirm the fee and the total amount leaving your account. Once you authorize the wire verbally, it is submitted. Ask for a confirmation number and write it down when ready. The representative may email or mail you a written confirmation as well.

What happens after you send a wire

For a domestic wire (within the United States), the money usually arrives in the recipient's account the same business day, often within a few hours. For an international wire, it typically takes one to three business days, depending on the recipient's country and their bank's processing speed.

The money leaves your account when ready — you will see it deducted as soon as the wire is processed. The recipient's bank may hold the funds for a day or two before crediting them to the recipient's account, depending on that bank's policies.

If the wire does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact your bank with your confirmation number. Your bank can trace the wire and find out where it is. If you gave the wrong account number, the wire may have gone to a different account, and your bank will work with the other bank to try to recover the funds — but this process is slow and not always successful.

Wires sent to accounts outside the United States

International wires require the recipient's SWIFT code or IBAN instead of a routing number. A SWIFT code is an eight- or eleven-character code that identifies the recipient's bank worldwide. An IBAN is a longer code (up to 34 characters) that includes the country, bank, and account information in one string. Ask the recipient which one their bank uses, or ask them for both.

Some banks also ask for an intermediary bank — a bank in the United States that will help route the money to the recipient's foreign bank. Your bank will tell you if you need this information. International wires cost more than domestic wires and take longer to arrive, usually one to three business days.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common mistake is typing the account number or routing number wrong. A single digit error sends the money to the wrong account, and recovering it is difficult and slow. Before you confirm the wire, read the account number and routing number character by character against what the recipient gave you. If you are unsure, ask the recipient to confirm it again.

Another mistake is not having enough money in your account. If your balance is less than the transfer amount plus the fee, the wire will be rejected. Check your balance before you start.

Do not assume a wire can be reversed. Once it is sent, it is gone. Some banks can stop a wire if you call within minutes of sending it, but this is rare and not may provide. If you realize you made a mistake, call your bank when ready — do not wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?

It depends on how quickly you call your bank. If you contact them within minutes of sending the wire, before it has left the banking system, they may be able to stop it. But most wires cannot be reversed once they are processed. Call your bank when ready if you need to cancel — do not wait.

What if I send money to the wrong account number?

Contact your bank right away with your confirmation number. Your bank can contact the other bank and ask them to return the funds, but this process can take weeks or months. There is no may provide the money will be returned, especially if the recipient's bank has already credited it to someone else's account.

How long does a wire transfer take?

Domestic wires usually arrive the same business day, often within hours. International wires typically take one to three business days. The exact timing depends on when you send it (wires sent after business hours may not process until the next day) and the recipient's bank's processing speed.

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

Yes. The recipient needs to know a wire is coming so they can watch for it and know what it is for. Give them your name and the amount so they can match it to the incoming transfer. If your name does not match their expectations, their bank may hold the funds while they verify it is legitimate.

What information do I need for an international wire?

You need the recipient's full name, account number, and either their bank's SWIFT code or their IBAN. Some banks also ask for an intermediary bank code. Ask the recipient for all of this information in writing before you start the wire.