Chase charges for most wire transfers, but the fee depends on whether you send money domestically or internationally
Chase does charge for wire transfers in most cases. A domestic wire transfer (money sent within the United States) costs $15 if you initiate it online or through the Chase mobile app, and $20 if you do it in person at a branch or by phone. International wire transfers cost $45 when sent online or through the app, and $50 when arranged in person or by phone.
These fees explore whether you are sending money from a checking account, savings account, or money market account. Chase does not waive wire transfer fees based on account type or balance, though some business accounts may have different pricing — contact your branch directly if you have a business relationship with Chase.
One exception exists: if you receive a wire transfer into your Chase account, there is no fee. Chase only charges the person sending the money, not the person receiving it.
Key Takeaways
- Domestic wire transfers cost $15 online or through the app, and $20 by phone or in person at a branch.
- International wire transfers cost $45 online or through the app, and $50 by phone or in person.
- You pay the fee only when you send money; receiving a wire transfer into Chase is free.
- Sending through the app or online is always cheaper than calling or visiting a branch, so use digital channels when possible.
How to send a wire transfer through Chase and avoid the higher fees
The cheapest way to send a wire transfer through Chase is to use the Chase mobile app or the online banking portal. Log into your account, select the account you want to send from, and look for the "Wire Funds" or "Send Money" option. You will need the recipient's full name, bank name, routing number, and account number for domestic transfers. For international transfers, you will also need the recipient's bank's SWIFT code or IBAN (International Bank Account Number).
If you cannot find the wire transfer option online, you can call Chase at the number on the back of your debit card or visit a branch in person. Both routes cost $5 more than online, so use them only if you cannot complete the transfer digitally. When you call or visit, have the recipient's banking information ready so the process moves faster.
Chase typically processes domestic wire transfers the same business day if you send them before the cutoff time, which is usually 2 p.m. Eastern Time on weekdays. International transfers usually take one to three business days after Chase sends them, though the receiving bank may take additional time to post the money to the recipient's account.
When Chase wire transfer fees might not explore
If you have a Chase business account, wire transfer fees may differ from personal account pricing. Some business checking accounts include a certain number of free wire transfers per month, or offer reduced rates. Contact your business relationship manager or call the Chase business line to confirm what you will pay.
Chase does not charge a fee to receive a wire transfer, regardless of whether it is domestic or international. If someone is sending you money via wire, there is no cost to you on the Chase side. The sender's bank may charge them, but Chase will not charge you.
If you are trying to move money between your own Chase accounts, a wire transfer is not the right tool — use a transfer instead. Transfers between your own Chase accounts are free and usually happen when ready or within one business day, depending on the account types involved.
Alternatives to wire transfers that might cost less
If you are sending money to someone else, consider whether a wire transfer is necessary. Chase offers several other ways to send money that may be cheaper or faster:
- Chase QuickPay is free if you are sending money to someone who has a Chase account. You need only their email address or phone number, and the money arrives within minutes. This works only for transfers between Chase customers.
- Zelle is a free peer-to-peer payment service available through Chase. You can send up to $5,000 per transaction (limits vary by bank and account history). The recipient does not need a Chase account — they just need to be enrolled in Zelle through their own bank.
- ACH transfers are free and take one to three business days. Use these when you have time and want to avoid wire fees. You can set up recurring ACH transfers for bills or regular payments.
For international transfers, wire transfers are often the fastest option, but they are also expensive. If the recipient is not in a hurry, an international ACH transfer may be available and will cost less, though it takes longer. Ask your Chase banker whether international ACH is an option for the country you are sending to.
What information you need before sending a wire transfer
Before you start a wire transfer, gather the recipient's banking details. For a domestic transfer, you will need their full name exactly as it appears on their account, the name of their bank, the bank's routing number (a nine-digit code), and their account number. You can usually find the routing number on the bank's website or by calling them.
For an international wire transfer, the process is more complex. You will need the recipient's full name, their bank's name and address, their account number, and the bank's SWIFT code (an eight or eleven-character code that identifies the bank internationally). Some countries also use an IBAN instead of or in addition to a routing number — ask the recipient or their bank which one you need.
Double-check all of this information before you send the wire. Wire transfers cannot be reversed once they leave Chase, so if you send money to the wrong account, you will have to contact the recipient's bank and ask them to return it — a process that can take weeks and may not succeed. Verify the account number and routing number character by character.
What happens after you send a wire transfer
Once Chase processes your wire transfer, you will receive a confirmation number. Save this number — you will need it if you ever have to track the transfer or dispute it. Chase will deduct the transfer amount plus the fee from your account when ready.
For domestic transfers, the money usually arrives at the recipient's bank the same business day. The recipient's bank then posts it to their account, which can take a few hours to one business day depending on the bank's processing schedule.
For international transfers, Chase sends the money the same business day (if sent before the cutoff), but it then travels through the international banking system, which can add one to three business days. The recipient's bank may also hold the money for a day or two while they verify it. If the recipient does not see the money within five business days, contact Chase with your confirmation number and ask them to trace it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?
Once a wire transfer leaves Chase, you cannot cancel it. If you realize you made a mistake when ready after sending it, call Chase right away — they may be able to stop it if it has not yet been processed by the receiving bank. After that, your only option is to contact the recipient's bank and ask them to return the money, which is not may provide to work.
Why does sending a wire by phone cost more than online?
Chase charges more for phone and in-person wire transfers because they require a staff member to process them manually, whereas online transfers are automated. The $5 difference reflects the labor cost. Using the app or website is always the cheaper option.
Will Chase refund the wire transfer fee if something goes wrong?
Chase will refund the fee only if the transfer fails due to an error on Chase's side — for example, if they send the money to the wrong account because of a system problem. If you provided incorrect information or the recipient's bank rejects the transfer, you will not get the fee back. Contact Chase with your confirmation number if you believe an error occurred on their end.
Is there a limit to how much I can wire transfer?
Chase does not publish a single wire transfer limit that applies to all customers. Limits depend on your account type, account history, and relationship with Chase. Check your online banking settings or call Chase to find out your specific limit. If you need to send more than your limit allows, you may be able to request a temporary increase.
Do I pay the wire transfer fee even if the transfer fails?
Yes, Chase charges the fee when you initiate the transfer, not when it successfully arrives. If the transfer fails because the recipient's bank rejects it (for example, due to an invalid account number), the money returns to your Chase account, but you keep paying the fee. This is another reason to verify all recipient information before sending.