What you need before you start a wire transfer
To send a wire transfer, you need three things: money in your bank account, the recipient's banking details, and access to your bank (online, by phone, or in person). The recipient's banking details are the specific pieces of information your bank uses to find their account and send the money there — not their name alone, but their account number and routing number, or the equivalent if they bank outside the United States.
Before you contact your bank, gather this information about the person or business receiving the money. Ask them directly for their account number and routing number (sometimes called a transit number). If the recipient banks outside the US, you may need their IBAN (International Bank Account Number) or SWIFT code instead. Write these down exactly as the recipient gives them to you — a single digit wrong and the money goes to the wrong account.
You will also need to know how much money to send. Wire transfer fees vary by bank, so ask your bank what they charge before you commit. Some banks charge a flat fee (often $15 to $30 for a domestic wire), while others charge a percentage of the amount. The fee comes out of your account on top of the amount you are sending.
Key Takeaways
- You need the recipient's account number and routing number (or IBAN and SWIFT code for international transfers) before you contact your bank.
- Wire transfers are permanent once sent — the money cannot be reversed if you make a mistake, so verify all details with the recipient first.
- You can send a wire through your bank's website, mobile app, by phone, or in person, depending on what your bank offers.
- Domestic wires usually arrive the same business day or next business day; international wires typically take three to five business days.
- Your bank will charge a fee for the wire, ranging from $15 to $30 or more depending on the type of transfer and your bank.
Sending a wire transfer online or through your bank's app
Most banks let you send a wire transfer through their website or mobile app. Log into your account and look for a link labeled "Send Money," "Wire Transfer," "Transfer Funds," or something similar — the exact wording depends on your bank. Click that link and you will see a form asking for the recipient's information.
Fill in the form with the recipient's name, account number, routing number, and the amount you want to send. Some banks also ask for the recipient's address or a reason for the transfer (like "rent" or "loan payment"). Enter everything exactly as you have it written down. Then review the entire form before you submit it — this is your final note to catch a mistake.
Once you submit the form, your bank will show you a confirmation screen with all the details. Take a screenshot or write down the confirmation number. The money will leave your account when ready, though it may take a business day or two to reach the recipient's bank.
Sending a wire transfer by phone or in person
If you prefer not to use your bank's website or app, you can call your bank's customer service line and ask to send a wire transfer. Have the recipient's information ready before you call. The representative will ask you the same questions the online form would ask — recipient's name, account number, routing number, amount, and sometimes a reason for the transfer.
You can also visit a branch in person and ask a teller to send a wire transfer for you. Bring a form of identification and the recipient's banking details written down. The teller will fill out the wire transfer form with you, show you what it says, and ask you to confirm before sending it. This method is slower than online or phone, but some people prefer it because they can ask questions face-to-face.
Understanding wire transfer timing and when the money arrives
A domestic wire transfer (money sent to another account in the United States) usually arrives the same business day if you send it before your bank's cutoff time, which is often 2 or 3 p.m. If you send it after the cutoff, it will arrive the next business day. Weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days, so a wire sent on Friday afternoon may not arrive until Monday.
An international wire transfer (money sent to a bank account outside the United States) takes longer — usually three to five business days. The money has to move through multiple banks in different countries, and each one processes it on their own schedule. Some international wires take longer depending on the country and the banks involved.
Once your bank sends the wire, you cannot stop it or reverse it. The money is gone from your account and on its way to the recipient. This is different from a check, which can be cancelled, or a credit card charge, which can be disputed. For this reason, always verify the recipient's information before you send the wire.
What happens if you send money to the wrong account
If you make a mistake with the account number or routing number, the wire transfer may go to someone else's account. Your bank cannot reverse a wire transfer once it has been sent. You would have to contact the bank that received the money and ask them to return it, which they are not required to do. The recipient's bank may freeze the account or contact the account holder, but there is no may provide the money will come back.
This is why it is critical to double-check the recipient's information before you send the wire. Call the recipient and read back the account number and routing number to them. Ask them to confirm that the numbers you have are correct. Spend an extra minute on this step — it is much easier than trying to recover money sent to the wrong place.
Wire transfer fees and what they cover
Your bank charges a fee to send a wire transfer. Domestic wire fees typically range from $15 to $30, though some banks charge more. International wire fees are usually higher — often $30 to $50 or more — because the money has to move through multiple banks. A few banks offer free wire transfers to certain customers (like those with premium accounts), so check with your bank about what you pay.
The fee is separate from the amount you are sending. If you want to send $500 and your bank charges $25, you will need $525 in your account. Some banks deduct the fee from your account automatically; others ask you to pay it when you send the wire. Ask your bank how they handle the fee before you start the transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?
Not reliably. Once your bank sends a wire transfer, it is out of their hands. You can contact your bank when ready and ask them to try to recall it, but they can only ask the receiving bank to return the money — they cannot force them to. The receiving bank may or may not comply. The sooner you notice the mistake and contact your bank, the better your chances, but there is no may provide.
What is 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 (Automated Clearing House) is slower — it typically takes three to five business days — but costs less or nothing. ACH transfers are good for planned payments; wire transfers are for when you need money to arrive quickly or when the recipient requires it.
Do I need the recipient's name to match their account exactly?
Yes, as closely as possible. Banks use the account number as the main identifier, but they also check the name. If the name is very different from what is on the account, the receiving bank may reject the transfer or hold it for review. Ask the recipient for their name exactly as it appears on their bank account.
What if my bank does not offer wire transfers online?
Call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch in person. Some smaller banks do not have online wire transfer options, but they can still send wires by phone or in person. Ask what methods your bank supports and whether there are any additional fees for sending a wire by phone or in branch.
Can I send a wire transfer to a savings account or only a checking account?
You can send a wire to either a savings account or a checking account. The account type does not matter — what matters is that you have the correct account number and routing number. Ask the recipient which account they want the money sent to and get the details for that specific account.