What you need to send money by wire
To wire money, you need four pieces of information about the person or business receiving it: their full name, their bank account number, their bank's routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies the bank), and the bank's name and address. You also need to know how much you want to send and have that amount available in your own bank account.
The receiving bank's routing number is the most commonly missed piece. You can find it on the bank's website, by calling the bank directly, or by asking the person receiving the money to provide it. Do not guess or use a number from an old check — routing numbers change, and sending money to the wrong routing number can delay the transfer by days or send it to the wrong institution entirely.
Some banks also ask for a SWIFT code if the money is going to another country. A SWIFT code is an eight or eleven-character identifier for international banks. Again, the receiving bank's website or a phone call will give you this number.
Key Takeaways
- You need the recipient's name, account number, routing number, and bank name before you start — missing any one of these will delay or fail the transfer.
- Domestic wire transfers typically arrive the same business day or next business day, while international wires take three to five business days.
- Wire transfer fees range from about $15 to $50 depending on your bank and whether the wire is domestic or international.
- Once a wire leaves your bank, you cannot cancel it, so verify all recipient details before you confirm the transfer.
- Banks are required to ask you why you are sending the money and who the recipient is — this is standard anti-fraud procedure, not a sign of suspicion.
How to initiate a wire transfer at your bank
Log into your bank's online banking portal or mobile app and look for a "Send Money," "Wire Transfer," or "Payments" section. Most banks put this in the main menu or under a transfers tab. Click on it and select "Wire Transfer" or "Send Money to Another Bank."
Enter the recipient's information exactly as it appears on their bank account. If the name on the account is "Robert James Martinez" and you enter "Bob Martinez," the receiving bank may reject the transfer or hold it for manual review. Copy and paste the information if you have it in an email or text message — this reduces typing errors.
Enter the amount, review all details one more time, and submit. Your bank will show you a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot. If something goes wrong, you will need this number to trace the wire.
Wire transfers by phone or in person
If you do not use online banking or prefer to speak with someone, call your bank's wire transfer line or visit a branch in person. A representative will ask you the same questions the online form asks: recipient name, account number, routing number, bank name, and amount.
In-person wires at a branch may take longer because the bank needs to verify your identity and may ask additional questions about the purpose of the transfer. Bring a government-issued ID. Phone wires are faster but require you to verify your identity through security questions or a PIN.
Some banks charge a higher fee for phone or in-person wires than for online wires. Ask about the fee before you proceed.
Domestic versus international wire transfers
A domestic wire transfer stays within the United States. It uses the recipient's routing number and typically arrives the same business day if sent before your bank's cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Eastern time) or the next business day if sent after.
An international wire transfer goes to a bank outside the United States. It uses the recipient's SWIFT code instead of a routing number and takes three to five business days to arrive. International wires also cost more — typically $30 to $50 compared to $15 to $30 for domestic wires. The receiving bank may also charge a fee on their end, which is deducted from the amount the recipient gets.
If you are sending money internationally, ask your bank whether the amount you are sending will be reduced by fees. Some banks quote you the amount the recipient will receive; others quote you the amount you will send and deduct fees from what arrives.
What happens after you send a wire
Once you submit a wire transfer, your bank deducts the money from your account when ready. The funds are in transit to the receiving bank, and you cannot cancel the transfer — this is why verifying the recipient's information before you hit send is so important.
For domestic wires, the receiving bank usually posts the money to the recipient's account within one business day. For international wires, add two to four more days. If the money 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.
The receiving bank will notify the recipient that the money has arrived, usually by email or through their online banking portal. The recipient does not have to do anything to receive it — the money goes directly into their account.
Common mistakes that delay or fail wire transfers
The most common error is a typo in the routing number or account number. A single wrong digit sends the money to the wrong account or the wrong bank. If this happens, contact your bank when ready with your confirmation number. Your bank can try to recover the funds, but recovery is not may provide and can take weeks.
The second most common error is a mismatch between the recipient's name on the wire and the name on their bank account. Banks are increasingly strict about this for anti-fraud reasons. If you wire money to "John Smith" but the account is registered to "John Michael Smith," the receiving bank may reject it or hold it for manual review.
A third mistake is sending a wire after your bank's cutoff time and expecting it to arrive the same day. Cutoff times vary by bank and by the time of year. Ask your bank what time you need to send a wire for same-day delivery.
Finally, do not wire money to someone you do not know or trust, especially if they contacted you first. Wire transfers are irreversible, and scammers rely on this. If someone you do not know asks you to wire money, it is almost certainly a scam.
Wire transfer fees and costs
Domestic wire transfer fees typically range from $15 to $30, depending on your bank and whether you send the wire online, by phone, or in person. Online wires are usually the cheapest. Some banks charge more if you are sending money to a bank outside their network.
International wire transfer fees are higher, usually $30 to $50 from your bank. The receiving bank may also charge a fee, which is typically $10 to $25. This fee is usually deducted from the amount the recipient receives, so if you send $500 internationally, the recipient might receive $465 after both banks take their fees.
Some banks offer free or reduced-fee wire transfers if you maintain a high account balance or have a premium account. Ask your bank whether you are may be able to access for any discounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?
No. Once your bank sends a wire transfer, the money is gone from your account and in transit. You cannot cancel it. This is why you must verify all recipient information before you confirm the transfer. If the money went to the wrong account, contact your bank when ready with your confirmation number, and they can try to recover it, but recovery is not may provide.
How long does a wire transfer take?
Domestic wire transfers usually arrive the same business day or the next business day, depending on what time you send it and your bank's cutoff time. International wire transfers take three to five business days. Weekends and holidays add extra time — a wire sent on Friday may not arrive until Tuesday.
What if the recipient's bank rejects the wire?
If the receiving bank rejects the wire because of incorrect information, the money returns to your account within three to five business days. Your bank will notify you. You can then correct the information and send the wire again. If the receiving bank rejects it for other reasons, contact your bank to find out why.
Do I need to tell the recipient I am sending a wire?
It is a good idea to tell them in advance so they know to expect it and can watch for it in their account. Give them your confirmation number in case they need to trace it. Do not send the confirmation number through an unsecured channel if the wire contains a large amount of money.
What information should I keep after sending a wire?
Keep your confirmation number, the date and time you sent it, the amount, the recipient's name and bank, and the fee you paid. Save this information for at least one year in case you need to reference it for taxes, accounting, or dispute resolution.