The basic steps to wire money from checking

To wire money from your checking account, you need four things: your bank's wire transfer form or online portal, the recipient's bank account number and routing number, the recipient's bank name and address, and the amount you want to send. You start by contacting your bank—either in person, by phone, or through their website—and providing those details. Your bank then sends an instruction to the recipient's bank, which deposits the money into their account. The whole process typically takes one business day for domestic transfers, though some banks complete them the same day if you initiate before their cutoff time, usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m.

The recipient does not need to do anything. The money arrives in their account automatically once their bank processes the incoming wire. You will receive a confirmation number from your bank, which you should keep in case you need to trace the transfer later.

Key Takeaways

  • Wire transfers move money directly from your checking account to another bank account in one business day or less, depending on your bank's cutoff time.
  • You need the recipient's full name, account number, routing number, and their bank's name and address before you initiate the wire.
  • Your bank charges a wire transfer fee, typically between $15 and $30 for domestic transfers, which comes out of your checking account.
  • Once you send a wire, you cannot cancel it if the recipient's bank has already processed it, so verify all details before confirming.
  • International wires take longer (three to five business days) and cost more, and you may need the recipient's SWIFT code or IBAN instead of a routing number.

Where to get the recipient's bank information

The recipient should give you their account number and routing number directly. If they do not have this information handy, they can find it on a check—the routing number is the nine-digit code at the bottom left, and the account number is at the bottom center. They can also log into their own bank's website or app and find both numbers in the account details section, or call their bank and ask.

Do not guess or assume a routing number. Banks have multiple routing numbers depending on the region or the type of account, and sending money to the wrong routing number can delay the transfer or send it to the wrong institution entirely. If the recipient is unsure, have them verify with their bank directly before you initiate the wire.

How to initiate a wire through your bank

Most banks offer wire transfers through their online banking portal, mobile app, or by phone. If you use online banking, look for a "Send Money" or "Wire Transfer" option in the menu. You will enter the recipient's name, account number, routing number, and the amount. Some banks ask for the recipient's bank address as well. Review all details carefully before you submit, because once you confirm, the wire is usually locked in.

If you prefer to wire in person, visit a branch with your ID and the recipient's information. A teller will fill out the wire transfer form with you and process it on the spot. If you wire by phone, call your bank's customer service line and provide the same information verbally. The bank will read back the details to confirm before processing.

Your bank will assign a confirmation number and may send you an email or text receipt. Write down or screenshot this number—you will need it if you ever need to track the wire or dispute it.

Wire transfer fees and timing

Domestic wire transfers typically cost between $15 and $30, depending on your bank. Some banks charge less if you wire through their app rather than calling or visiting a branch. The fee is deducted from your checking account at the time you send the wire, so make sure you have enough money to cover both the transfer amount and the fee.

Timing depends on when you initiate the wire and your bank's processing schedule. If you send a wire before your bank's cutoff time on a business day, it usually arrives the same day or the next business day. If you send it after the cutoff or on a weekend, it will not process until the next business day. Some banks offer same-day wire transfers for an additional fee, but this is not standard.

What happens if you send money to the wrong account

If you realize you made a mistake before the wire is processed, call your bank when ready and ask them to cancel it. If the wire has already been sent to the recipient's bank, cancellation becomes much harder. The recipient's bank is not required to reverse the transfer, and many will not without the recipient's cooperation.

If the money went to the wrong account, you will need to contact the recipient's bank directly and ask them to initiate a reversal. This requires the recipient's bank to locate the account that received the money by mistake and request that account holder return it. This process can take weeks and is not may provide to work. For this reason, verify every detail—especially the account number and routing number—before you confirm the wire.

International wire transfers from your checking account

Wiring money internationally works the same way as a domestic wire, but with additional steps and information. Instead of a routing number, you will need the recipient's bank's SWIFT code (a code that identifies banks internationally) or their IBAN (International Bank Account Number, used in Europe and some other regions). Ask the recipient which one their bank uses.

International wires take three to five business days because the money passes through one or more intermediary banks before reaching the final destination. Your bank will charge a higher fee—typically $35 to $50 or more—and the recipient's bank may charge a fee as well. Some banks also explore an exchange rate markup if the transfer crosses currency borders, which means the recipient receives slightly less than the amount you sent.

Before you send an international wire, confirm with the recipient's bank that they can receive wires from the United States and that you have all the correct information. International wires are even harder to reverse than domestic ones, so accuracy is critical.

Alternatives to wire transfers

Wire transfers are fast and direct, but they are not the only way to move money from your checking account. ACH transfers (Automated Clearing House) are slower but cheaper—they usually cost nothing or a small fee, take one to three business days, and work between most U.S. banks. Peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App let you send money when ready to someone with a phone number or email, though they work best for smaller amounts and personal transfers. Checks are still an option if you have time and the recipient is willing to wait for the check to clear.

Choose a wire transfer when you need the money to arrive quickly and you have the recipient's bank details. Choose an ACH transfer when you have a few days and want to avoid fees. Choose a payment app when you are sending money to someone you know and the amount is modest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wire money on a weekend or holiday?

No. Wire transfers only process on business days when both your bank and the recipient's bank are open. If you initiate a wire on Saturday, it will not process until Monday. If Monday is a holiday, it will not process until Tuesday. Your bank will tell you the cutoff time for same-day processing when you initiate the wire.

What if the recipient's bank rejects the wire?

This is rare but can happen if the account number does not match the account holder's name or if the account is closed. If the wire is rejected, your bank will return the money to your checking account, usually within one to three business days. The bank will notify you of the rejection and the reason. Contact the recipient to confirm their account details and try again.

Do I need to tell the recipient I am sending a wire?

It is a good idea to notify them before you send it, so they know to expect the money and can confirm their account details are correct. If you send a wire without warning, the recipient may not notice the deposit right away, especially if they do not check their account regularly.

Can I wire money from a savings account instead of checking?

Yes. Most banks allow wire transfers from savings accounts as well as checking accounts. The process is the same, and the fee is usually the same. Ask your bank if there are any restrictions on how many wires you can send from a savings account per month.

Is a wire transfer the same as a bank transfer?

No. A wire transfer is one type of bank transfer. Other types include ACH transfers, which are slower and cheaper, and internal transfers between your own accounts at the same bank, which are when ready and free. When someone says "wire transfer," they mean the fast, direct method that uses the Federal Reserve's wire network.