The basic steps to wire money from one bank to another
To wire money, you contact your bank and give them the recipient's bank account number, routing number, and the amount you want to send. Your bank deducts the money from your account, sends it electronically to the other bank, and that bank deposits it into the recipient's account. The whole process usually takes one to two business days, though some banks offer same-day wiring for an extra fee.
You do not need to visit a branch in person — most banks let you start a wire through their website, mobile app, or by calling customer service. However, some banks require you to go in person for your first wire, or if you are sending a large amount. Check with your bank about their specific rules before you plan your transfer.
Key Takeaways
- You will need the recipient's full name, bank account number, routing number, and the name of their bank before you start a wire.
- Wire transfers usually cost between $15 and $30 per transfer, and the fee comes out of your account at your bank.
- Money typically arrives within one to two business days, though same-day options exist at some banks for an additional cost.
- Once a wire is sent, you cannot cancel it if the recipient's bank has already received it, so double-check all details before confirming.
- Your bank will give you a confirmation number — keep this in case you need to track the wire or dispute it later.
What information you need to collect before you wire
The recipient needs to give you four pieces of information. First is their full name — the exact name on their bank account, spelled correctly. Second is their account number — the number that identifies their specific account at their bank. Third is the routing number of their bank — a nine-digit code that identifies which bank holds their account. Fourth is the name of the bank where they have the account.
The routing number is the trickiest piece to find. The recipient can ask their bank directly, look it up on their bank's website, or check a routing number database online by searching for their bank's name and state. If the recipient is unsure, they should call their bank's customer service line — it is a quick question and the bank will have the answer when ready.
Write down all four pieces of information exactly as the recipient gives it to you. A single digit wrong in the account number or routing number will send your money to the wrong place, and recovering it can take weeks or be impossible.
How to start a wire through your bank
Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for a link labeled "Wire Transfer," "Send Money," or "Transfer Funds." Click it and you will see a form asking for the recipient's information — their name, account number, routing number, and bank name. Enter each piece exactly as you wrote it down. Then enter the amount you want to send.
Your bank will show you a summary of the wire before you confirm it. Read this summary carefully. Check that the recipient's name is spelled right, the amount is correct, and the account number matches what you were given. Once you hit "Confirm" or "Send," the wire is usually locked in and cannot be stopped.
If your bank does not offer wiring through their app or website, or if this is your first wire with them, call their customer service number. A representative will walk you through the information they need and process the wire over the phone. They will also tell you the fee your bank charges and when the money should arrive.
Wire transfer fees and timing
Most banks charge a fee to send a wire transfer. This fee typically ranges from $15 to $30 for a domestic wire (sending money within the United States). Some banks charge less, and some charge more — it depends on the bank and whether you are a premium customer. The fee is deducted from your account when the wire is processed.
A standard domestic wire usually arrives within one to two business days. If you need the money to arrive the same day, some banks offer expedited or same-day wiring for an additional fee — sometimes $10 to $20 extra. Ask your bank whether they offer this option and what they charge. International wires take longer, usually three to five business days, and cost more.
Business days means Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. A wire you send on Friday afternoon may not arrive until Monday or Tuesday. If timing is critical, confirm with your bank exactly when they will process the wire and when the receiving bank will deposit it.
What happens if you send money to the wrong account
If you realize you made a mistake before you confirm the wire, cancel it when ready and start over. Once you have confirmed the wire and your bank has sent it, you cannot straightforward reverse it like you can with a debit card transaction.
If the receiving bank has already received and deposited the money into the wrong account, you will need to contact your bank and ask them to attempt a recall. Your bank will reach out to the receiving bank and ask them to return the funds. The receiving bank is not required to do this, especially if the money has already been moved or spent. Recovery can take weeks and is not may provide.
This is why checking all details before you confirm is so important. If you are sending a large amount or to someone new, consider sending a small test amount first to make sure the account information is correct.
Wire transfers versus other ways to send money
A wire transfer is fast and direct, but it is not the only way to move money between banks. An ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House) is slower but cheaper — it usually costs nothing or a few dollars, and takes three to five business days. Use ACH when you are not in a hurry and want to save on fees.
A cashier's check is a physical check issued by your bank that the recipient can deposit at their bank. It is safer than a personal check because the bank guarantees the funds, but it requires a trip to a branch and takes a few days to clear. Use a cashier's check when you need a paper record or the recipient does not trust a wire.
A money order is similar to a cashier's check but is issued by places like the post office or grocery stores, not your bank. It costs a few dollars and is useful if you do not have a bank account or do not want to give out your banking information. For most people, a wire transfer is the fastest option when speed matters, and an ACH transfer is the cheapest option when you have time.
Keeping your wire transfer safe
Before you send a wire, make sure you trust the person or organization asking for the money. Scammers sometimes pose as landlords, employers, or government agencies and ask people to wire money urgently. If someone is pressuring you to wire money right now, stop and verify their identity by calling them back at a number you find yourself — not a number they gave you.
Never wire money to someone you have not met or verified independently. If you are paying a bill or sending money to a business, call the business directly using a phone number from their official website to confirm the wire instructions. Do not use contact information from an email or text message.
Once you send a wire, save your confirmation number and the date. If there is a problem, you will need this information to track the wire or dispute it with your bank. Your bank should keep a record of the wire for several years, but having your own copy is helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?
If you contact your bank when ready after sending the wire and before the receiving bank has processed it, your bank may be able to stop it. Once the receiving bank has received and deposited the money, cancellation is very difficult. Call your bank right away if you need to cancel — do not wait.
What is the difference between a routing number and an account number?
The routing number identifies the bank itself — it is the same for all customers of that bank in a given region. The account number identifies the specific account within that bank. You need both to send a wire to the right person at the right bank.
How do I know if the wire arrived?
Check the recipient's bank account to see if the deposit shows up. You can also call your bank and give them the confirmation number — they can tell you whether the wire was delivered to the receiving bank. The receiving bank may hold the deposit for a day or two before it appears in the account.
Do I need to tell the recipient I am sending a wire?
Yes. Let them know the amount, the date you are sending it, and approximately when it should arrive. This way they know to expect it and can watch for it in their account. If it does not arrive on time, you will both know to investigate.
What if I do not know my bank's routing number?
Call your bank's customer service line or log into your online banking and look for account information — the routing number is usually listed there. You can also search online for your bank's name and state, and routing number databases will show it. Your checks may also have the routing number printed on them.