What you need before you start

A bank wire transfer moves money directly from your bank account to someone else's, usually within one business day. Before you contact your bank or log into online banking, you need to gather the recipient's information: their full name, bank name, account number, and routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies their bank). If the recipient's bank is outside the United States, you will also need their SWIFT code or IBAN instead of a routing number.

Have the amount you want to send ready, and know whether you are sending it domestically (within the US) or internationally. The process is slightly different for each, and international wires take longer and cost more. You should also confirm with the recipient that the account information is correct before you initiate the transfer — a wire cannot be reversed once it leaves your bank.

Key Takeaways

  • You need the recipient's full name, account number, and routing number (or SWIFT/IBAN for international transfers) before you start.
  • Domestic wires typically arrive within one business day; international wires take three to five business days.
  • You can send a wire through your bank's website, mobile app, phone, or in person at a branch — the method does not change the speed or cost.
  • Wire transfer fees range from $15 to $50 depending on your bank and whether the wire is domestic or international.
  • Once a wire leaves your bank, you cannot cancel or reverse it, so verify the recipient's information before you confirm.

Sending a wire through online banking

Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for a "Send Money," "Transfer," or "Wire Transfer" option — the exact label varies by bank. Select "wire transfer" or "send to another bank" rather than a standard transfer between your own accounts. Enter the recipient's full name exactly as it appears on their account, their account number, and their bank's routing number.

Double-check all the information, especially the account number and routing number, because errors can send your money to the wrong account. Enter the amount you want to send and review the fee your bank will charge — this appears before you confirm. Once you submit, the wire is locked in and cannot be stopped or reversed. Most banks send domestic wires the same business day if you submit before their cutoff time, usually 2 or 3 p.m.

Sending a wire by phone or in person

Call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch in person and tell them you want to send a wire transfer. Have the recipient's information ready: their full name, account number, routing number, and the amount. A bank representative will walk you through the details, confirm the fee, and process the wire. In-person wires at a branch may be faster than phone wires because the representative can verify your identity when ready.

If you are sending a large amount, your bank may require you to come in person or may place a temporary hold while they verify the transfer. Ask about your bank's limits on wire transfers — many banks cap the amount you can send in a single day, especially if you are a new customer or have not sent wires before.

International wire transfers and SWIFT codes

International wires require the recipient's SWIFT code (an eight or eleven-character code that identifies their bank worldwide) or their IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which replaces the routing number. You may also need the recipient's address and the reason for the transfer, depending on your bank and the destination country. International wires cost more than domestic wires — expect $25 to $50 or higher — and take three to five business days to arrive.

Some banks offer a service called SWIFT GPI that speeds up international wires and provides tracking, but this usually costs extra. Ask your bank whether they offer this option and whether the recipient's bank participates. If you are sending money to a country with strict currency controls or sanctions, your bank may refuse the transfer or require additional documentation.

What happens after you send the wire

Your bank will deduct the money from your account when ready and assign the wire a confirmation number. Save this number — it is your proof that you sent the wire and your only way to track it if something goes wrong. For domestic wires, the money usually arrives in the recipient's account within one business day. For international wires, allow three to five business days, and remember that weekends and holidays do not count as business days.

If the wire does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact your bank with the confirmation number and ask them to trace it. Your bank can contact the recipient's bank to find out where the money is. If the wire was sent to the wrong account by mistake, your bank can attempt to recover it, but success depends on whether the recipient's bank will cooperate — there is no may provide.

Fees and limits you should know

Domestic wire transfer fees typically range from $15 to $30, depending on your bank and whether you send the wire online, by phone, or in person. International wire fees are usually $35 to $50 or more. Some banks charge an additional fee if the wire is received by a bank outside the United States. Check your bank's fee schedule before you send, because the fee is deducted from your account at the time of transfer.

Most banks limit the amount you can wire in a single day, especially if you are a new customer. Common limits are $5,000 to $10,000 per day for new accounts, and $25,000 to $100,000 per day for established accounts. If you need to send more than your daily limit, contact your bank to ask whether they can increase it temporarily or whether you can split the transfer across multiple days.

Common mistakes that delay or block wires

The most common error is a mismatched account number or routing number. If even one digit is wrong, the wire may go to the wrong account or be rejected by the recipient's bank. Always confirm the recipient's information directly with them before you send, not through email or text. Ask them to read the numbers back to you.

Another frequent problem is sending a wire to an account that does not match the recipient's name on file. Banks flag wires where the account holder's name does not match the name you entered as the sender or recipient. For international wires, mismatched names can cause the transfer to be held or rejected entirely. If you are sending money to a business account, use the exact legal name of the business, not a nickname or shortened version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?

Not reliably. Once a wire leaves your bank, it is out of their control. You can contact your bank when ready and ask them to attempt a recall, but the recipient's bank is not required to cooperate. If the money has already been deposited, the recipient's bank will not reverse it without the recipient's permission. The only way to recover the money is to contact the recipient directly and ask them to send it back.

How long does a domestic wire transfer take?

Most domestic wires arrive within one business day if you send them before your bank's cutoff time, usually 2 or 3 p.m. If you send after the cutoff, the wire goes out the next business day. Weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days, so a wire sent on Friday afternoon may not arrive until Monday or Tuesday.

What is the difference between a wire transfer and an ACH transfer?

A wire transfer moves money directly between banks and arrives within one business day, but costs $15 to $50. An ACH transfer is slower (three to five business days) but usually free or costs just a few dollars. Use a wire when you need money to arrive quickly; use ACH when you have time and want to save on fees.

Do I need a routing number for international wires?

No. International wires use a SWIFT code or IBAN instead of a routing number. A SWIFT code identifies the recipient's bank worldwide, and an IBAN is a standardized account number format used in Europe and many other countries. Ask the recipient which one their bank uses.

What if the wire goes to the wrong account?

Contact your bank when ready with your confirmation number and explain the error. Your bank can ask the recipient's bank to reverse the transfer, but they are not required to do so. If the money has been withdrawn, recovery is unlikely. This is why confirming the account number with the recipient before you send is critical.