What you need before you wire money from Wells Fargo
To send a wire transfer through Wells Fargo, you need the recipient's bank account number, the routing number of their bank, and their full name exactly as it appears on the account. You also need to know whether you are sending a domestic wire (within the United States) or an international wire, because the information required and the fees differ. Wells Fargo charges a fee for outgoing wires — currently $15 for domestic wires and $45 for international wires, though these amounts can change and may vary by account type.
Before you start, confirm you have enough money in your account to cover both the wire amount and the fee. Unlike a check or ACH transfer, a wire cannot be reversed once it leaves your bank, so verify the recipient's details are correct. A single digit wrong in the account number or routing number can send your money to the wrong place.
Key Takeaways
- You need the recipient's full name, account number, and their bank's routing number to send a domestic wire through Wells Fargo.
- International wires require additional information: the SWIFT code of the recipient's bank and sometimes an IBAN (International Bank Account Number).
- Wells Fargo charges $15 for domestic wires and $45 for international wires, and these fees are deducted from your account.
- Wires are permanent once sent — you cannot cancel or reverse them after the money leaves Wells Fargo, so double-check all details before confirming.
- You can send a wire through Wells Fargo online, by phone, or in person at a branch, and the speed depends on which method you use.
How to send a domestic wire online through Wells Fargo
Log into your Wells Fargo online banking account and look for the "Transfers" or "Move Money" section. Select "Wire Funds" or "Send Money" — the exact label depends on your account type and when Wells Fargo last updated the interface. Choose "Domestic Wire" if you are sending money within the United States.
Enter the recipient's full name, their bank account number, and their bank's nine-digit routing number. Wells Fargo will ask you to confirm the recipient's name and may show you the name of the bank associated with that routing number as a safety check. Enter the amount you want to send and add any reference information you want the recipient to see (such as an invoice number or your name). Review all details carefully, then submit the wire.
Wells Fargo will show you a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot — you will need it if you have questions about the wire later. The money typically leaves your account when ready, and the recipient's bank usually receives it the same business day or the next business day, depending on the time you sent it and the recipient's bank's processing schedule.
How to send an international wire through Wells Fargo
International wires require more information than domestic wires. In addition to the recipient's name and account number, you need the SWIFT code (also called a BIC code) of the recipient's bank. This is an eight- or eleven-character code that identifies banks worldwide. You may also need the recipient's IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which is used in Europe and some other regions.
Log into your Wells Fargo online account, select "Wire Funds," and choose "International Wire." Enter the country where the recipient's bank is located. Wells Fargo will then ask for the recipient's bank name, SWIFT code, and the recipient's full name and account number. Some countries also require the recipient's address. Enter the amount in US dollars — Wells Fargo will convert it at their exchange rate, and the recipient will receive the money in their local currency.
International wires typically take three to five business days to arrive, though some banks process them faster. The $45 fee is deducted from your account, and the recipient's bank may charge an additional fee on their end. Ask the recipient's bank in advance whether they charge incoming wire fees, because those fees are usually deducted from the amount the recipient receives.
Sending a wire by phone or at a Wells Fargo branch
If you prefer not to use online banking, you can call Wells Fargo at the number on the back of your debit card or the number listed on your account statement. A representative will ask for the same information you would enter online: the recipient's name, account number, routing number (for domestic) or SWIFT code (for international), and the amount. They will read back the details to you before processing the wire.
You can also visit a Wells Fargo branch in person and ask a teller to send a wire. Bring a photo ID and have the recipient's information ready. The teller will fill out a wire form with you and process it on the spot. Wires sent in person or by phone are processed the same day if you send them before the bank's cutoff time, which is typically 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. local time on business days.
What happens after you send the wire
Once Wells Fargo processes your wire, the money leaves your account and you receive a confirmation number. You cannot cancel the wire after this point. The recipient's bank receives the wire information and deposits the money into the recipient's account, usually within one business day for domestic wires.
If you need to track the wire, log back into your Wells Fargo account and look for the transaction in your account history. You can also call Wells Fargo and provide your confirmation number. If the wire does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact Wells Fargo with your confirmation number and the recipient's bank details so they can investigate.
Common mistakes to avoid when wiring money
The most common error is entering the wrong account number or routing number. Even one digit off sends the money to a different account, and recovering it is difficult and may be impossible. Always ask the recipient to confirm their account number and routing number in writing before you send the wire.
Another mistake is sending the wire to the wrong bank. If the recipient tells you their bank name but you enter the wrong routing number, the money goes to a different bank entirely. Use the recipient's bank statement or call their bank directly to confirm the routing number.
Do not assume the wire will arrive when ready. Domestic wires usually arrive the same day or next business day, but international wires take longer. If the recipient says they have not received the money after one business day (for domestic) or five business days (for international), contact Wells Fargo with your confirmation number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a wire after I send it?
No. Once Wells Fargo processes the wire and it leaves your account, you cannot cancel it. If you made a mistake, contact Wells Fargo when ready with your confirmation number — they may be able to contact the recipient's bank and ask them to return the money, but this is not may provide and can take weeks.
What is the difference between a wire and an ACH transfer?
A wire is faster and more expensive. Wires leave your account when ready and arrive within one to five business days. ACH transfers are slower (typically three to five business days) but cheaper or free. Wires are permanent; ACH transfers can sometimes be reversed within a short window. Use a wire when speed matters and you are certain of the recipient's details.
Do I need the recipient's name to match their account exactly?
Yes. Enter the recipient's full name exactly as it appears on their bank account. If the name does not match, the recipient's bank may reject the wire or hold it for review, which delays the deposit.
What if I do not know the recipient's routing number?
Ask the recipient for their bank statement, which shows the routing number. You can also call the recipient's bank directly and ask for the routing number. Do not guess or use a number you find online without confirming it with the recipient or their bank.
Are there limits on how much I can wire?
Wells Fargo sets daily and monthly wire limits that vary by account type and your account history. Log into your online account or call Wells Fargo to find out your limit. If you need to send more than your limit, contact Wells Fargo to request a temporary increase.