The basic steps to wire money from your bank
To wire money, you contact your bank, give them the recipient's banking details, tell them how much to send, and they move the money directly from your account to theirs. The whole process usually takes a few minutes on the phone or online, though the money may not arrive at the other bank until the next business day.
You do not need to visit a branch in person — most banks let you wire money through their website, mobile app, or by calling customer service. Some banks charge a fee for this service, usually between $15 and $30 for a domestic wire (money staying within the United States).
The key difference between a wire and other ways to send money is that it is nearly irreversible once sent. A wire transfer moves money directly from one bank account to another with no waiting period for the check to clear, which is why it is often used for large purchases, rent payments, or time-sensitive transactions.
Key Takeaways
- You can wire money through your bank's website, mobile app, or by phone, and the process takes just a few minutes to set up.
- You will need the recipient's full name, bank account number, routing number, and the name of their bank before you start.
- Domestic wire transfers (within the US) usually arrive by the next business day, while international wires can take several days.
- Wire transfers are difficult to reverse after they are sent, so double-check all the recipient's details before confirming the transaction.
- Most banks charge a fee for wire transfers, typically $15 to $30 for domestic wires, though some accounts or transfers may be free.
Information you need before you start
Gather the recipient's banking information before you contact your bank. You will need their full legal name (exactly as it appears on their bank account), their bank account number, and their bank's routing number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the specific bank branch where their account is held.
If you are sending money to someone at a different bank, ask them directly for this information rather than guessing. A single digit wrong in the account number or routing number can send your money to the wrong account, and recovering it is difficult and slow.
For international wire transfers, you may also need the recipient's SWIFT code (an international bank identifier) or IBAN (International Bank Account Number), depending on which country they are in. Your bank can tell you what information is required for the country you are sending to.
Wiring money through your bank's website or app
Most banks now offer wire transfers through their online banking portal or mobile app. Log in to your account, look for a section labeled "Send Money," "Wire Transfer," or "Pay Someone," and select the option to send a wire.
You will be asked to enter the recipient's name, account number, routing number, and the amount you want to send. Some banks let you save frequent recipients so you do not have to re-enter their details each time. After you review the details and confirm, the bank will show you the fee (if any) and ask you to authorize the transfer.
Online and app-based wires are usually processed when ready, though the money may not show up in the recipient's account until the next business day. Keep a record of the confirmation number the bank gives you — you will need it if you ever need to track the transfer or dispute it.
Wiring money by phone
If you prefer to wire money over the phone, call your bank's customer service number (on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement). Tell them you want to send a wire transfer and have the recipient's information ready.
The bank representative will ask you to confirm your identity, then walk you through the details: the recipient's name, account number, routing number, the amount, and the reason for the transfer (banks ask this for record-keeping). They will tell you the fee and ask you to authorize the wire before processing it.
Phone-based wires take the same amount of time to arrive as online wires — usually by the next business day. The bank will give you a confirmation number at the end of the call; write it down when ready.
How long it takes and what happens next
Domestic wire transfers (money staying within the United States) usually arrive within one business day, often within a few hours. The exact timing depends on when you send the wire and what time your bank and the recipient's bank process transfers.
If you send a wire after your bank's cutoff time (often 2 or 3 p.m.), it may not process until the next business day. Weekends and bank holidays also delay transfers — a wire sent on Friday evening may not arrive until Monday.
International wire transfers take longer, usually three to five business days, because the money has to move through multiple banks in different countries. International wires also cost more, often $25 to $50 or higher depending on the destination country.
Why wire transfers are hard to reverse
Once a wire transfer is sent and processed, the money is in the recipient's bank account and cannot be recalled like a check can. If you send money to the wrong account by mistake, you have to contact your bank and ask them to reach out to the other bank to request the money back — a process that can take weeks and may not succeed.
This is why it is critical to verify every detail of the recipient's information before you confirm the transfer. Read the account number and routing number back to the person sending it to you, or ask them to send it in writing so you can copy it exactly.
Some banks offer wire transfer insurance or fraud protection, but these typically only cover transfers you did not authorize yourself. If you voluntarily sent money to the wrong person or account, the bank usually cannot recover it.
Alternatives to wire transfers
If you are uncomfortable with wire transfers because they cannot be reversed, consider other options depending on what you are paying for. ACH transfers (Automated Clearing House) are slower but cheaper and easier to reverse — they usually take three to five business days and cost nothing or a small fee.
Checks are also reversible and free, though they take longer to clear and are not practical for time-sensitive payments. Money transfer services like Western Union or MoneyGram let you send cash that the recipient picks up in person, which is useful if they do not have a bank account.
For bills and regular payments, ask if the company accepts automatic bill pay through your bank, which is free and can be set up to happen on a schedule. For peer-to-peer transfers between friends or family, apps like Venmo or PayPal may be faster and cheaper than a wire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?
It depends on timing. If you cancel within a few minutes of sending, before the wire has been processed, your bank may be able to stop it. Once the money leaves your bank and enters the recipient's bank, cancellation is nearly impossible. 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 and explain the mistake. Your bank can ask the other bank to return the money, but there is no may provide they will comply or that the process will be fast. Prevention is much easier than recovery — always verify the account number with the recipient before sending.
Do I need to tell the recipient I am sending a wire?
It is a good idea to let them know in advance so they are expecting the money and can watch for it. Give them the confirmation number from your bank so they can track it if it does not arrive on time. This also gives them a chance to confirm their account details are correct before you send.
Are there limits on how much I can wire?
Most banks set daily or monthly limits on wire transfers, which vary by account type and how long you have been a customer. Your bank can tell you your specific limit. If you need to send more than your limit, you may be able to request a temporary increase by calling customer service.
Is it safe to wire money to someone I do not know?
Wire transfers are safe from a technical standpoint, but they are popular with scammers because they cannot be reversed. Never wire money to someone you have not verified through an independent source — do not rely on email or text messages alone. If someone is pressuring you to wire money quickly, that is usually a sign of fraud.