The basic steps to wire money
To wire money to a bank account, you need four pieces of information: the recipient's full name, their bank account number, their bank's routing number, and the amount you want to send. You then go to your own bank (in person, by phone, or online) and tell them you want to send a wire transfer. They will ask you for all four pieces of information, charge you a fee (usually $15 to $30), and send the money. The recipient's bank receives it the same day or the next business day.
The process is straightforward because banks have been wiring money the same way for decades. What changes is how you start the process — some banks let you do it online in five minutes, others require you to call or visit a branch. The fee and the speed depend on which bank you use and whether you are sending money within the United States or internationally.
Key Takeaways
- You need the recipient's full name, account number, routing number, and the amount before you can start a wire transfer.
- Wire transfers are sent the same day or next business day, making them faster than checks or ACH transfers.
- Your bank will charge a fee for the service, typically between $15 and $30 for domestic transfers.
- Once you send a wire transfer, you cannot cancel it, so double-check all the information before you confirm.
Where to get the recipient's bank information
The recipient should give you their routing number and account number. If they do not have it, they can find it on a check — the routing number is the first nine digits at the bottom left, and the account number is the second set of digits. They can also call their bank and ask for both numbers, or log into their online banking and find it there.
Do not guess or ask someone else for these numbers. If you send money to the wrong account, the bank cannot retrieve it. The money goes to whoever owns that account number at that bank, and you will have to contact that person directly to ask for it back — which rarely works. Confirm the account number and routing number with the recipient directly, not with a family member or friend who might have written it down wrong.
How to send a wire transfer through your bank
Most banks now let you start a wire transfer online through their website or mobile app. Log in, look for "Send Money," "Wire Transfer," or "Payments," and enter the recipient's information. The bank will show you the fee and the expected delivery date before you confirm. Read both carefully, then click to send.
If your bank does not offer online wire transfers, or if you prefer to speak to someone, call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch in person. Have the recipient's information written down so you do not have to search for it while on the phone. The bank representative will ask you the same questions the online form would, enter the information into their system, and confirm the fee and delivery date with you before processing the transfer.
Some banks require you to register a recipient before you can wire money to them — this is a security step that takes a few minutes the first time, then speeds up future transfers to that person. Ask your bank whether this applies to you.
What happens after you send the wire
Once you confirm the transfer, the money leaves your account when ready and the fee is charged. You will receive a confirmation number — save this. The recipient's bank receives the money the same day if you send it before their cut-off time (usually 2 or 3 p.m.), or the next business day if you send it after that time or on a weekend.
The recipient does not have to do anything. The money appears in their account automatically. They will see it as a deposit from your name or your bank's name, depending on how their bank displays wire transfers. If they do not see it within one business day, they should contact their bank to confirm it arrived.
Why you cannot cancel a wire transfer
Wire transfers are permanent once you send them. Unlike a check, which can be stopped, or an ACH transfer, which can sometimes be reversed, a wire transfer cannot be undone. The money is in the recipient's bank account, and only that person can send it back to you.
This is why it is critical to check the account number and routing number twice before you confirm. If you send money to the wrong account by mistake, contact your bank when ready — they may be able to contact the other bank and ask them to reverse it, but this only works if the money has not been withdrawn yet. Do not assume the bank can fix it. Assume the money is gone, and only be relieved if it comes back.
Domestic versus international wire transfers
A domestic wire transfer stays within the United States and uses the routing number system. An international wire transfer goes to a bank in another country and requires different information: usually the recipient's IBAN (International Bank Account Number) or SWIFT code instead of a routing number. International transfers also take longer — usually two to five business days — and cost more, often $25 to $50 or higher.
If you are sending money internationally, ask the recipient which information their bank needs: IBAN, SWIFT code, or both. Different countries use different systems, and your bank needs the right one to send the money to the correct place. International transfers are also more likely to be delayed or rejected if the information is incomplete, so confirm everything with the recipient before you start.
Fees and timing by bank type
Large national banks typically charge $15 to $30 for a domestic wire transfer and process it the same day. Credit unions often charge less — sometimes $10 to $15 — but may take longer to process. Online banks sometimes charge nothing for wire transfers, or charge a flat $5 to $10, but may require you to have had an account for a certain amount of time before you can use the service.
The timing also depends on when you send the transfer. If you send it on a Friday after 2 p.m., it will not arrive until Monday. If you send it on a holiday, it will not arrive until the next business day. Ask your bank what their cut-off time is and whether they process transfers on weekends or holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wire money to a savings account or does it have to be checking?
Wire transfers can go to either a savings account or a checking account. You need the account number and routing number for whichever account the recipient wants the money in. Ask them which account to use before you start the transfer.
What if I do not have online banking set up yet?
Call your bank or visit a branch in person. A bank representative can process the wire transfer for you over the phone or at the counter. You will still pay the same fee, and the transfer will still arrive the same day or next business day.
How do I know if the wire transfer actually went through?
Your bank will give you a confirmation number when you send it. Save this number. You can also check your account balance to confirm the money and the fee were deducted. Ask the recipient to confirm they received it in their account — this is the final proof that the transfer worked.
What if the recipient's bank rejects the wire transfer?
This is rare but can happen if the account number or routing number is wrong, or if the recipient's bank flags the transfer as suspicious. If this happens, the money returns to your account within a few business days, and your bank will contact you to explain why. You can then correct the information and try again.
Is it safe to wire money to someone I have never met?
Wire transfers are safe in the sense that the bank will send the money where you tell it to. However, if the person you are sending money to is dishonest, they can take the money and disappear. Never wire money to someone you do not know or trust, especially if they are asking you to wire money first before they send you something in return.