The basic steps to wire money from your bank
To send a wire transfer, you need to contact your bank with the recipient's banking details, authorize the transfer, and pay any fees your bank charges. Most banks let you start a wire through online banking, a phone call, or by visiting a branch in person. The process takes about 15 minutes to set up, though the money itself may take one to three business days to arrive, depending on whether it's going to a domestic or international account.
You'll need the recipient's full name, their bank account number, and their bank's routing number (for transfers within the United States) or SWIFT code (for international transfers). Some banks also ask for the recipient's address. Have this information ready before you contact your bank, because the details must match exactly or the transfer may be delayed or sent to the wrong account.
Wire transfers are generally irreversible once sent. Unlike a credit card dispute or a check you can stop, money that leaves your account through a wire is gone. For this reason, verify the recipient's details twice before confirming the transfer, and only wire money to people or organizations you trust.
Key Takeaways
- You can initiate a wire transfer through your bank's online portal, by phone, or in person at a branch, and the setup takes about 15 minutes.
- You must provide the recipient's full name, account number, and routing number (domestic) or SWIFT code (international), and these details must be exact.
- Your bank will charge a fee for the wire, typically between $15 and $50 for domestic transfers and $25 to $75 for international ones, depending on the bank.
- Domestic wires usually arrive within one business day; international wires typically take three to five business days.
- Wire transfers cannot be reversed after they are sent, so confirm all recipient details before you authorize the transfer.
What information you need before you start
Gather the recipient's details before you contact your bank. For a domestic wire within the United States, you need their full legal name (as it appears on their bank account), their account number, and their bank's nine-digit routing number. The routing number identifies the specific bank branch where the account is held.
For an international wire, you need the recipient's full name, their account number, and their bank's SWIFT code (also called a BIC code). A SWIFT code is an eight or eleven-character code that identifies banks worldwide. You may also need the recipient's address and the name and address of their bank. Ask the recipient directly for this information rather than guessing, because even a single digit wrong in an account number or routing number can send the money to the wrong place.
You should also know how much you want to send. Some banks set daily or monthly limits on wire transfers, so if you're sending a large amount, call ahead to confirm your limit or request a temporary increase.
How to send a wire through online banking
If your bank offers online banking, log in and look for a "Wire Transfer" or "Send Money" option, usually under a Transfers or Payments menu. Click it and select "Domestic Wire" or "International Wire" depending on where the money is going. Enter the recipient's name, account number, and routing number (or SWIFT code for international), then enter the amount you want to send.
Review the details on the confirmation screen. Check that the recipient's name, account number, and routing number are all correct—this is your final note to catch a mistake. The bank will also show you the fee and the expected delivery date. Once you confirm, the bank will send you a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot; you'll need it if you ever need to track the transfer or contact the bank about it.
Some banks require you to verify the transfer through a second method, such as a code sent to your phone or email. This is a security step and is normal. Complete it to finish the wire.
Sending a wire by phone or in person
If you prefer not to use online banking, call your bank's customer service number and ask to send a wire transfer. Have the recipient's information and the amount ready. The representative will ask you to confirm the details out loud and will read them back to you. Listen carefully and correct any mistakes before they process the transfer.
You can also visit a branch in person and ask a teller to send a wire. Bring a photo ID and have the recipient's information written down. The teller will fill out a wire transfer form, show it to you for approval, and process the transfer. In-person wires are useful if you want to send a large amount or if you're not comfortable with online banking, but they may take longer than an online wire because you have to travel to the branch.
Wire transfer fees and timing
Your bank will charge a fee for sending a wire. Domestic wire fees typically range from $15 to $50, depending on whether you send it online, by phone, or in person. International wire fees are usually higher, between $25 and $75. Some banks charge extra if the wire is urgent or if you need to send it outside normal business hours. Ask your bank what the fee is before you confirm the transfer.
Domestic wires sent during business hours usually arrive the same day or the next business day. International wires take longer—typically three to five business days—because they pass through multiple banks and may involve currency conversion. Wires sent on weekends or holidays are processed on the next business day. If you need the money to arrive by a specific date, send it a few days early to account for delays.
What to do if something goes wrong
If the wire doesn't arrive when you expect it, contact your bank with the confirmation number. The bank can check the status and tell you whether the money has left your account, whether it's in transit, or whether there was a problem. If the recipient's bank rejected the wire because the account number or routing number was wrong, the money will be returned to your account, though this can take several days.
If you sent the wire to the wrong person or realize you made a mistake, contact your bank when ready. Domestic wires can sometimes be stopped if they haven't been processed yet, but this is not may provide. International wires almost never can be stopped once they've been sent. The sooner you call, the better your chances of stopping it.
If the wire was sent as a result of fraud or a scam—for example, someone tricked you into sending money—report it to your bank and to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Your bank may be able to recover the money if it hasn't been withdrawn from the recipient's account, but this is not certain. Wire transfers sent to scammers are rarely recovered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a wire transfer after I've sent it?
Domestic wires can sometimes be stopped if you contact your bank within a few hours of sending them, before the money reaches the recipient's bank. International wires almost never can be stopped. Call your bank when ready with your confirmation number if you need to cancel. The bank will tell you whether it's possible and what the process is.
What's the difference between a wire transfer and an ACH transfer?
A wire transfer moves money directly from one bank to another and usually arrives within one business day. An ACH transfer is slower (typically three to five business days) but cheaper or free. Use a wire when you need money to arrive quickly or when you're sending a large amount. Use ACH for routine payments like bills or payroll.
Do I need to tell the recipient I'm sending a wire?
Yes. Let them know the amount, the date you're sending it, and approximately when it will arrive. This way they won't be confused when the money shows up, and they can watch for it. Also ask them to confirm their account number and routing number before you send the wire, so you can catch any mistakes.
What happens if I enter the wrong routing number?
The wire may be sent to a different bank or account. If the account number doesn't exist at that bank, the money will be returned to you, but this can take several days. If the account does exist, the money will go to that account and you'll have to contact that bank to try to recover it. Always double-check the routing number before you send.
Can I wire money from a savings account or only from checking?
Most banks let you wire from either a checking or savings account. Some banks have limits on how much you can wire from a savings account in a single day or month. Call your bank to confirm what accounts you can wire from and what limits explore.