The basic steps to wire money from your bank

To wire money, you log into your bank's online platform or call the wire department directly, provide the recipient's bank account number and routing number, enter the amount you want to send, and confirm the transaction. Your bank then sends the funds electronically to the recipient's bank, usually within one business day. The whole process takes minutes to set up, but the actual transfer happens on the bank's schedule, not yours.

You'll need specific information about where the money is going before you start. Have the recipient's full name, their bank account number, and their bank's routing number ready. If you're sending money outside the United States, you'll also need the recipient's bank's SWIFT code or IBAN (International Bank Account Number). Getting any of these details wrong can delay the transfer or send the money to the wrong place, so double-check everything before you confirm.

Key Takeaways

  • Wire transfers move money the same business day or next business day, depending on when you initiate the transfer and your bank's processing schedule.
  • You need the recipient's bank account number, routing number, and full name; for international transfers, you also need a SWIFT code or IBAN.
  • Wire transfers are irreversible once sent, so verify all recipient details before confirming—mistakes cannot be undone by your bank.
  • Most banks charge a fee for outgoing domestic wire transfers, typically between $15 and $30, and international wires cost more.
  • You can initiate a wire through online banking, mobile app, phone call, or in person at a branch, depending on what your bank offers.

Where to get the recipient's banking information

Ask the person or business receiving the money directly for their account details. For a person, they can find their account number on a check or by logging into their own bank's website. For a business, call their accounting or billing department and ask for wire instructions—most have a standard form they send out.

The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the specific bank branch. The recipient can find it on their checks (it's the first set of numbers on the bottom left), or they can search the American Bankers Association routing number database online using their bank name and state. Never guess or use a routing number from a website unless you've confirmed it matches the recipient's actual bank.

For international transfers, the process is similar but the codes are different. Ask the recipient for their SWIFT code (a four-to-eleven character code that identifies their bank internationally) or their IBAN (a longer code used mainly in Europe and other regions). Some banks use one, some use both—the recipient's bank statement or their bank's website will show which one applies.

How to initiate a wire through your bank

Most banks let you wire money through online banking, a mobile app, or by calling the wire department. Log into your account online or open the app, look for "Send Money," "Wire Transfer," or "Payments," and select the option to send a wire. You'll be asked to enter the recipient's name, account number, routing number, and the amount. Review everything carefully, then submit.

If you prefer to do it by phone, call your bank's wire transfer department (the number is on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website). A representative will ask you the same questions and process the wire while you're on the call. Some banks require you to be the account holder and may ask security questions to confirm your identity.

You can also walk into a branch and ask a teller to send a wire. Bring a photo ID and be ready to provide all the recipient's information. This method takes longer than online or phone but can be useful if you're uncomfortable with digital banking or need to wire a large amount that your bank limits online.

Timing: when the money actually arrives

Domestic wire transfers usually arrive the same business day if you send them before your bank's cutoff time, which is often 2 or 3 p.m. If you initiate a wire after the cutoff or on a weekend or holiday, it will process the next business day. The recipient's bank then deposits the money into their account, which can take a few hours to a full business day depending on their bank's processing speed.

International wire transfers take longer. Most arrive within two to five business days, depending on the recipient's country and their bank's processing time. Some countries have slower banking systems, and some banks process international transfers in batches once a day rather than continuously. Ask the recipient's bank how long they typically take to receive incoming international wires so you can set expectations.

Wire transfer fees and what they cover

Domestic wire transfers typically cost between $15 and $30 per transfer, though some banks charge less and some charge more. The fee is usually deducted from your account when you send the wire. International wire transfers cost significantly more—often $35 to $50 or higher—because the money passes through multiple banks and currency conversion may be involved.

Some banks waive wire fees for certain account types (like premium checking accounts) or if you maintain a minimum balance. Ask your bank whether any of your accounts may have access to for fee waivers. A few online banks charge lower fees than traditional banks, so if you wire money regularly, comparing banks' wire fees might be worth your time.

The fee covers your bank's processing and the electronic transmission of the funds. It does not cover any fees the recipient's bank may charge to receive the wire—some banks charge a small fee to deposit incoming wires, though most do not. The recipient should confirm with their bank whether they'll be charged.

Why wire transfers cannot be reversed

Once you confirm a wire transfer, the money leaves your account and goes to the recipient's bank. Your bank cannot recall it or stop it, even if you change your mind minutes later. This is different from a check or credit card payment, which can be disputed or reversed. Wire transfers are final, which is why they're popular for large transactions but also why they're a common target for scams.

If you send a wire to the wrong account number or routing number, the money may go to a different person or bank. Some banks can contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the funds, but this is not may provide and can take weeks. The receiving bank is not required to return money sent to the wrong account if the account holder refuses to cooperate.

Before you confirm any wire transfer, verify the recipient's information one more time. Call the recipient directly and read back the account number and routing number to make sure they match. This extra step takes two minutes and prevents costly mistakes.

Domestic vs. international wire transfers

Domestic wires stay within the United States and use routing numbers to identify the receiving bank. They're faster, cheaper, and simpler because all banks use the same system. International wires leave the country and may pass through multiple banks in different countries before reaching the recipient. They require SWIFT codes or IBANs, take longer, cost more, and may involve currency conversion.

If you're sending money to someone in another country, ask them which method their bank prefers. Some banks are better equipped to receive international wires than others, and using the wrong code can cause delays. Your bank may also offer alternatives like international money transfer services, which sometimes charge lower fees than wire transfers for smaller amounts, though they take longer to arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?

Not reliably. Once your bank processes the wire, the money is gone from your account and on its way to the recipient's bank. Some banks can attempt to recall a wire within a few hours of sending it, but the receiving bank is not required to stop it. Call your bank when ready if you need to try, but do not count on success.

What happens if I use the wrong routing number?

The money may go to a different bank or account. Your bank can contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the funds, but this is not may provide. The receiving bank can refuse to return money if the account holder will not cooperate. Always verify the routing number with the recipient before sending.

Do I need to tell the recipient I'm sending a wire?

Yes. Let them know the amount, when you're sending it, and which bank it's coming from. This way they can watch for it and contact their bank if it doesn't arrive on time. It also helps them recognize the deposit and know it's not a mistake or fraud.

Is it safe to wire money to someone I don't know?

Wire transfers are final and irreversible, so they carry high risk if the recipient is dishonest. Never wire money to someone you haven't verified through a trusted source. Scammers often ask for wire transfers because they cannot be reversed. If someone you don't know is pressuring you to wire money, it is almost certainly a scam.

Can my bank refuse to send a wire?

Yes. Banks can refuse to process a wire if they suspect fraud, if the recipient is in a country under sanctions, or if the transaction violates their policies. They may also ask you questions about the purpose of the transfer or the recipient's identity. This is normal and is part of the bank's fraud prevention process.