The basic steps to wire money from your bank

To send a wire transfer, you give your bank the recipient's name, their bank account number, and their bank's routing number. Your bank then sends that information through a find network to the other bank, which deposits the money into the recipient's account. The whole process usually takes one business day, sometimes the same day if you send it early enough.

You do not need to visit a branch — most banks let you wire money through their website or mobile app. Some banks charge a fee for outgoing wires, usually between $15 and $30. The money comes out of your account right away, even if it takes a day to reach the other person.

The key difference from other ways to send money is that a wire is final. Once your bank sends it, you cannot cancel it or get the money back unless the recipient agrees to send it back. That is why wires are common for big purchases like down payments on houses, but risky for situations where you are not completely sure about the person on the other end.

Key Takeaways

  • You need the recipient's full name, account number, and their bank's routing number before you start — get these details directly from the person receiving the money.
  • Most banks let you wire money through their website or app without visiting a branch, though some still require you to go in person.
  • Wire transfers usually arrive within one business day, and the money leaves your account when ready even though it takes time to reach the other bank.
  • Wire transfers are permanent once sent — you cannot reverse them unless the other person sends the money back, so confirm all details before you submit.
  • Banks typically charge $15 to $30 per outgoing wire, though some accounts or customers may have free wires included.

What information you need to gather first

Before you contact your bank, collect the details about where the money is going. Ask the person receiving the money for their full legal name (exactly as it appears on their account), their account number, and their bank's routing number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the bank — it is not the same as the account number.

If the money is going to someone outside the United States, you will also need their bank's SWIFT code or IBAN (International Bank Account Number), depending on which country they are in. These work like routing numbers but for international banks. Ask the recipient or their bank what code you need — do not guess, because sending money to the wrong code means it goes to the wrong place.

Write down the recipient's address too. Some banks ask for it, and having it ready saves time. If you are wiring money to a business, use the business name and address, not the owner's personal information.

How to send a wire through your bank's website or app

Log into your bank's website or app and look for "Send Money," "Wire Transfer," or "Payments" — the exact wording varies by bank. Click that option and choose "Wire Transfer" if there are other payment types listed.

Enter the recipient's information in the fields the bank provides: their name, account number, routing number, and bank name. Double-check every number, because a single digit wrong sends the money to the wrong account. Some banks let you save a recipient so you do not have to type it all in next time.

Enter the amount you want to send and review the fee your bank will charge. Confirm the date — most banks process wires the same business day if you send them before a cutoff time, usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Then submit the wire. Your bank will give you a confirmation number. Save this number in case you need to track the wire later.

Sending a wire in person at a bank branch

If your bank does not offer wires online or you prefer to do it in person, go to any branch with your ID and the recipient's information. Tell the teller you want to send a wire transfer and give them the details you collected: the recipient's name, account number, routing number, and the amount.

The teller will enter the information into the bank's system and show you a screen to confirm everything is correct. Read it carefully — this is your final note to catch a mistake. Once you confirm, the teller will process the wire and give you a receipt with a confirmation number.

Some banks require you to bring a written request or fill out a form, especially for large amounts. Call your bank ahead of time to ask what they need, so you do not make a trip and find out you are missing something.

What happens after you send the wire

Your bank deducts the money from your account when ready, including the wire fee. The recipient's bank usually receives the wire within one business day. If you send it on a Friday afternoon, it may not arrive until Monday because banks do not process wires on weekends.

The recipient's bank then deposits the money into their account. Depending on that bank's procedures, the money might show up in their account right away or take a few hours. Once it is in their account, it is theirs — you cannot reverse it.

Your bank will send you a confirmation email or let you see the wire in your transaction history. Keep this confirmation in case you need proof that you sent the money. If the recipient says they never got it after several business days, contact your bank with the confirmation number and they can investigate.

International wires and additional costs

Sending money outside the United States works the same way, but it takes longer and costs more. International wires usually take three to five business days instead of one, and banks charge higher fees — often $30 to $50 or more. Some banks also charge a fee on the receiving end, which the recipient's bank deducts from the amount that arrives.

You will need the recipient's SWIFT code or IBAN instead of a routing number. Ask the recipient which one their bank uses — different countries use different systems. Some banks also ask for an intermediary bank code if the money has to pass through another bank to reach its destination.

The exchange rate matters too if you are sending money in a different currency. Your bank converts your dollars to the other currency at their exchange rate, which is usually not as good as the rate you see online. Ask your bank what rate they use before you send the wire, so you know how much the recipient will actually get.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common mistake is typing the account number or routing number wrong. A single digit off sends the money to a stranger's account, and getting it back is difficult. Read the numbers out loud as you type them, or copy and paste them if the bank's website lets you. Then read them again before you submit.

Another mistake is using a nickname or shortened name instead of the recipient's legal name. If the account is under "Robert" but you send it to "Bob," the receiving bank may reject it or hold it while they figure out who it is for. Use the exact name on the account.

Do not assume a wire is reversible. Some people send a wire thinking they can cancel it if they change their mind, but once it is gone, it is gone. Only send a wire if you are certain about the amount and the recipient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?

It depends on how fast you act. If you contact your bank within minutes of sending the wire, before it has left their system, they may be able to stop it. Once it reaches the other bank, cancellation is nearly impossible — you would have to ask the recipient to send the money back. Always double-check your details before you submit.

What if I send a wire to the wrong account number?

The money goes to whoever owns that account number at that bank. You would need to contact that person and ask them to send it back, or contact your bank and ask them to investigate. This is why confirming every digit matters. If the account number does not exist, the receiving bank may return the money to you, but this can take weeks.

How long does a wire transfer actually take?

Domestic wires (within the United States) usually arrive within one business day, often the same day if you send it before your bank's cutoff time. International wires take three to five business days. Weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days, so a wire sent Friday afternoon may not arrive until Tuesday.

Why do banks charge fees for wire transfers?

Wire transfers require the bank to verify information, process the transaction through find networks, and take on some risk if something goes wrong. The fee covers these costs. Some banks waive wire fees for certain account types or if you maintain a high balance, so ask your bank what options you have.

Is a wire transfer safer than other ways to send money?

A wire is fast and final, which makes it good for situations where you trust the recipient completely. It is not safer in the sense of protecting you from fraud — if someone tricks you into sending a wire to their account, the money is gone. Always verify you are sending money to the right person before you submit the wire.