The basic steps to wire money from your bank
To wire money, you contact your bank, provide the recipient's banking details, specify the amount, and authorize the transfer. Your bank then sends the funds through the Federal Reserve's wire system (for domestic transfers) or through SWIFT (for international transfers). The money typically arrives the same business day for domestic wires, though some banks process them overnight.
You do not need to visit a branch. Most banks let you initiate a wire through online banking, mobile app, or by phone. Some banks charge a fee for outgoing wires—typically $15 to $30 for domestic transfers and $35 to $50 for international ones, though fees vary by institution.
Key Takeaways
- You can wire money online, by phone, or in person at your bank, and the method depends on what your bank offers and how quickly you need to send it.
- Domestic wires usually arrive the same business day; international wires take one to three business days depending on the receiving country and bank.
- You will need the recipient's full name, account number, routing number (for domestic) or SWIFT code (for international), and the bank name and address.
- Wire transfers are difficult to reverse once sent, so verify all recipient details before you authorize the transfer.
- Most banks charge $15 to $50 per wire, though some accounts or membership levels waive the fee.
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 the recipient's full name, bank account number, the bank's routing number, and the bank name and city. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the receiving bank; you can find it on a check or ask the recipient directly.
For an international wire, the process is more detailed. You need the recipient's full name, account number, the bank's SWIFT code (an eight- or eleven-character code that identifies banks worldwide), the bank name and address, and sometimes an IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which is used in Europe and some other regions. Ask the recipient for these details rather than guessing—a wrong SWIFT code or IBAN will cause the transfer to fail or go to the wrong account.
Double-check the spelling of the recipient's name and the accuracy of all numbers. Banks match on name and account number, and mismatches can delay or reject the transfer.
Sending a wire through online banking or mobile app
Log into your bank's online platform or mobile app and look for "Send Money," "Wire Transfer," or "Pay Someone" in the menu. Most banks ask you to enter the recipient's information, select whether it is domestic or international, and enter the amount. Some banks let you save frequent recipients so you do not have to re-enter their details each time.
Review the summary screen carefully before you confirm. This is your final note to catch errors. Once you submit, most banks send you a confirmation number and show the expected delivery date. Keep this confirmation number in case you need to track the wire or contact the bank later.
Processing time varies. Some banks process wires submitted before 2 p.m. Eastern Time the same day; others batch them overnight. Check your bank's cutoff time on the wire screen or in the help section.
Sending a wire by phone or in person
Call your bank's customer service number or visit a branch in person if you prefer not to use online banking or if you need same-day processing and it is late in the day. Have the recipient's information ready when you call. The representative will walk you through the details, read back the information to confirm accuracy, and ask you to authorize the transfer.
In-person wires at a branch may process faster than online wires, especially if you arrive before the bank's wire cutoff time (usually 2 to 3 p.m.). Some banks also allow you to wire cash directly from a teller if you have the funds in hand, though this is less common.
Phone wires require voice authorization, which some banks record for security. You may be asked security questions to verify your identity before the wire is sent.
How long the money takes to arrive
Domestic wires sent before your bank's cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. Eastern) arrive the same business day, often within hours. Wires sent after the cutoff or on weekends and holidays process the next business day. The receiving bank may take an additional day to post the funds to the recipient's account, so the total time is usually one to two business days.
International wires take longer. Most arrive within one to three business days, depending on the receiving country, the receiving bank's processing speed, and whether the banks use a correspondent bank (an intermediary bank that handles the transfer). Some countries' banking systems are slower than others; wires to certain regions can take up to a week.
Your bank can tell you the expected delivery date when you initiate the wire. If the money does not arrive by that date, contact your bank with the confirmation number and ask them to trace the wire.
Fees and what to watch for
Most banks charge $15 to $30 for a domestic outgoing wire and $35 to $50 for an international wire. Some banks waive the fee for premium accounts, business accounts, or if you maintain a high balance. Ask your bank whether your account qualifies for a fee waiver before you send the wire.
The recipient may also be charged a fee by their bank for receiving the wire, typically $10 to $15. This fee is deducted from the amount they receive, so if you wire $1,000 and the receiving bank charges $15, the recipient gets $985. If you want the recipient to receive a specific amount, you may need to wire more to cover their bank's fee.
Be cautious of wire fraud. Scammers often pose as landlords, contractors, or business partners and request wire transfers for fake invoices or urgent situations. Verify requests through a phone number or email address you know is legitimate, not one provided in the message requesting the wire. Wire transfers are nearly impossible to reverse once sent, so confirm the recipient's identity before you authorize the transfer.
What to do if something goes wrong
If the wire does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact your bank when ready with the confirmation number. Your bank can trace the wire through the Federal Reserve (for domestic) or SWIFT (for international) and determine where it is in the system. Tracing usually takes three to five business days.
If the wire was sent to the wrong account due to an error on your part, the situation is difficult. Your bank can contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the funds, but the receiving bank is not required to comply. If the recipient is unwilling to return the money, you may have no recourse. This is why verification before sending is critical.
If you believe you were a victim of wire fraud—for example, you sent money based on a fake invoice or impersonation—report it to your bank and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov. Your bank may be able to recover the funds if the receiving account is still active and the money has not been withdrawn, but recovery is not may provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?
It depends on timing. If you contact your bank within minutes of sending the wire, before it enters the Federal Reserve system, the bank may be able to cancel it. Once the wire has been processed by the Federal Reserve or sent internationally, cancellation is not possible. Contact your bank when ready if you need to cancel; do not wait.
What is the difference between a wire transfer and an ACH transfer?
A wire transfer moves money the same day or next business day and costs $15 to $50. An ACH transfer takes three to five business days and is usually free. Use a wire when you need money to arrive quickly; use ACH for routine payments where timing is flexible.
Do I need to tell the recipient I am sending a wire?
Yes. Let the recipient know the amount, when you are sending it, and what name it will be under. This helps them watch for the deposit and confirm it arrived. For business wires, include an invoice number or reference so the recipient knows what the payment is for.
What happens if I wire money to a closed account?
The receiving bank will reject the wire and return it to your bank, usually within one to three business days. The funds will be credited back to your account. You will not lose the money, but the process takes time and you may be charged a fee for the failed wire.
Can someone wire money to me without my account number?
No. A wire requires a specific account number and routing number (domestic) or SWIFT code (international). Without these, the sender cannot complete the wire. If someone claims they wired you money but you did not receive it, ask them for the confirmation number and have your bank trace it.