Chase wire transfer fees depend on the type of transfer and your account

Chase charges different amounts for wire transfers depending on whether you send money within the United States or internationally, and whether you initiate the transfer in person, online, or by phone. Domestic wire transfers (money sent to another U.S. bank account) typically cost less than international transfers. The exact fee also depends on your account type — some Chase accounts include a certain number of free transfers per month, while others charge for every transfer.

As of now, Chase charges $15 for a domestic outgoing wire transfer sent online or through a Chase branch. International wire transfers cost $45 when sent online or through a branch. If you call Chase to request a wire transfer, the fee is higher: $20 for domestic and $50 for international. These fees are deducted from your account when the transfer is sent.

Some Chase checking accounts waive wire transfer fees for a limited number of transfers each month, or offer them free entirely. It is worth checking your specific account agreement or calling Chase to confirm what your account includes, since account features change and vary by account tier.

Key Takeaways

  • Domestic wire transfers through Chase cost $15 online or in-branch, and $20 by phone.
  • International wire transfers cost $45 online or in-branch, and $50 by phone.
  • Some Chase checking accounts include free wire transfers each month, so review your account terms before paying a fee.
  • Wire transfer fees are taken from your account balance at the time you send the transfer.
  • Incoming wire transfers to your Chase account are free regardless of where they come from.

The difference between domestic and international wire transfers

A domestic wire transfer moves money from your Chase account to another bank account within the United States. Chase processes these the same day if you send them before the cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. in your local time zone on a business day). The receiving bank typically deposits the money within one business day.

An international wire transfer sends money from your Chase account to a bank account outside the United States. These transfers take longer to process — usually three to five business days — because the money passes through multiple banks in different countries. International transfers also involve currency conversion if the receiving account is in a different currency, which adds another layer of cost beyond the wire fee itself. Chase charges a separate currency conversion fee on top of the $45 wire transfer fee.

How to reduce what you pay for wire transfers

The simplest way to avoid wire transfer fees is to use a different method to move money if you have time. ACH transfers (also called electronic bank transfers) move money between U.S. bank accounts for free through Chase, though they take three to five business days instead of the same day. If the person or business you are paying is willing to wait, an ACH transfer costs nothing.

If you send wire transfers regularly, review your Chase account type. Chase Premier Plus checking, for example, includes a certain number of free domestic wire transfers per month. If you frequently send international transfers, the fee adds up quickly, and switching to an account with higher benefits might save money over time. Call Chase at the number on the back of your card to ask which of your account options include wire transfer benefits.

Another option is to use a money transfer service like Western Union or MoneyGram for international transfers, though these services have their own fees and exchange rates. For large amounts or frequent transfers, comparing the total cost across methods — Chase wire, ACH, or a third-party service — can reveal which is cheapest for your situation.

What happens when you send a wire transfer through Chase

When you initiate a wire transfer, you provide the receiving bank's routing number, the recipient's account number, and the recipient's name. Chase verifies this information before processing. If any detail is wrong, the transfer may be delayed or sent to the wrong account, and reversing a wire transfer is difficult or impossible once it has been sent.

Chase deducts the wire fee from your account at the time you send the transfer, not when the receiving bank gets the money. This means the fee comes out when ready, even if the transfer itself takes several days to arrive. Make sure your account has enough money to cover both the transfer amount and the fee.

You can track the status of a domestic wire transfer through your Chase online account or mobile app. International transfers are harder to track because they move through multiple banks, and Chase may not have real-time visibility into where the money is. If a wire transfer does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact Chase with the confirmation number from when you sent it.

Incoming wire transfers to your Chase account

Chase does not charge you a fee when someone sends you money via wire transfer. The sending bank may charge the person sending the money, but your account receives the full amount. Incoming domestic wire transfers usually arrive the same business day or the next business day. Incoming international transfers typically take three to five business days.

When a wire transfer arrives at Chase, the bank deposits it into the account number you provided. Make sure anyone sending you money has your correct account number and Chase's routing number for your region. If the information is wrong, the transfer may go to the wrong account or be rejected.

Wire transfer limits at Chase

Chase does not publish a single wire transfer limit that applies to all customers. Limits depend on your account type, how long you have had the account, and your banking history with Chase. New accounts typically have lower limits than established accounts. Business accounts may have different limits than personal accounts.

If you need to send a large wire transfer, contact Chase before you initiate it. The bank may require you to call and verify the transfer, or may need to approve a higher limit for your account. Attempting to send a transfer that exceeds your limit will result in the transfer being rejected, and you may still be charged the wire fee depending on when the rejection occurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?

It depends on timing. If you contact Chase when ready after sending a domestic wire transfer and before it has been processed, Chase may be able to cancel it and refund the fee. Once the transfer has left Chase's system, cancellation is much harder. International transfers are nearly impossible to cancel once sent. Call Chase when ready if you need to stop a transfer.

Why is my wire transfer taking longer than expected?

Domestic transfers usually arrive within one business day, but delays happen if you send after the cutoff time, on a weekend, or on a bank holiday. International transfers routinely take three to five business days because they move through multiple banks. Contact Chase with your confirmation number if a transfer has not arrived after the expected timeframe.

Do I have to go to a Chase branch to send a wire transfer?

No. You can send a wire transfer online through your Chase account, through the mobile app, or by phone. Sending online or through the app costs $15 for domestic and $45 for international. Sending by phone costs $20 for domestic and $50 for international. You only need to visit a branch if you prefer to do it in person.

What is the difference between a wire transfer and an ACH transfer?

A wire transfer moves money the same day (or next business day for international) and costs $15 to $50 depending on the type. An ACH transfer takes three to five business days and is free. Use a wire transfer when you need money to arrive quickly. Use ACH when you have time and want to avoid the fee.

Does Chase charge a fee to receive a wire transfer?

No. Incoming wire transfers to your Chase account are free. The person or bank sending the money may pay a fee on their end, but you receive the full amount with no deduction.