The basic steps to wire money from one bank to another
To wire money between banks, you contact your bank, give them the receiving bank's details and the recipient's account information, and authorize the transfer. Your bank then sends the money electronically to the other bank, which 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 transfer online, by phone, or through their mobile app. The key is having the right information before you begin, because once the money leaves your bank, it is difficult to stop or reverse.
Key Takeaways
- You will need the recipient's full name, account number, and routing number, plus the name and address of their bank.
- Wire transfers cost money — typically between $15 and $30 per transfer, depending on your bank and whether the receiving bank is domestic or international.
- Domestic wire transfers usually arrive within one business day; international transfers take longer and cost more.
- Once your bank sends the money, you cannot cancel the transfer, so double-check all details before confirming.
- You can start most wire transfers online or by phone without visiting a branch.
What information you need before you start
Gather these details before you contact your bank. You will need the recipient's full legal name exactly as it appears on their account — if you use a nickname or shortened version, the receiving bank may reject the transfer. You also need their account number and the routing number of their bank.
The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the specific bank branch. You can find it on a check from that account (it is the first set of numbers on the bottom left), or you can ask the recipient directly, or you can search the bank's website or call their customer service line.
For domestic transfers within the United States, that is usually all you need. For international wires, you will also need the bank's SWIFT code (a code that identifies banks internationally) and sometimes an IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which varies by country. Ask the recipient or their bank what information is required.
How to send the wire through your bank
Log into your bank's online banking portal or mobile app and look for "send money," "wire transfer," or "transfer funds." Some banks group this under "payments" or "transfers." If you cannot find it online, call your bank's customer service number — it is on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement.
Enter the recipient's information exactly as you gathered it. Most banks will ask you to confirm the details twice before you authorize the transfer. Read everything carefully — misspelled names or wrong account numbers are the most common reason transfers fail or go to the wrong person.
Your bank will show you the fee (usually $15 to $30 for a domestic transfer) and ask you to authorize the charge. Once you confirm, the transfer is sent and cannot be stopped. Some banks offer a brief window (a few minutes to a few hours) to cancel before the money actually leaves, so ask about this when you start the transfer.
How long the money takes to arrive
Domestic wire transfers — money moving between U.S. banks — usually arrive the same business day or the next business day. If you send a wire on a Friday afternoon, it may not arrive until Monday, because banks do not process wires on weekends or federal holidays.
International wire transfers take longer, usually three to five business days, because the money has to move through multiple banks in different countries. Some banks offer expedited international wiring for a higher fee, but even that takes at least one to two days.
Once the receiving bank gets the money, they deposit it into the recipient's account. The recipient should see it in their account within a few hours of arrival, though some banks take until the next business day to make it available for withdrawal.
Wire transfer fees and what affects the cost
Most banks charge between $15 and $30 to send a domestic wire transfer. Some banks charge less if you are a premium customer or if you maintain a high balance. A few banks offer one free wire transfer per month or per year, so check your account benefits.
International wire transfers cost more — often $35 to $50 or higher — because the money moves through multiple banks and currency exchanges. Some banks also charge a fee to receive a wire transfer, though this is less common. Ask the recipient whether their bank charges an incoming wire fee, because that amount will be deducted from what they receive.
Compare fees across banks if you send wires regularly. Some online banks and credit unions charge less than traditional banks, and some offer better rates for international transfers.
What to do if the wire transfer fails or goes wrong
If the recipient says they did not receive the money after the expected time has passed, contact your bank when ready. Ask them to trace the wire transfer using the confirmation number your bank gave you when you sent it. Your bank can check whether the money left your account and where it went.
If the money went to the wrong account because of an error in the account number or routing number, your bank can attempt to recover it, but this is not may provide. The receiving bank may refuse to return the money if the account holder has already spent it. This is why checking all details before you confirm is so important.
If your bank made the error, they may refund the wire fee. If you provided the wrong information, you will likely have to pay the fee again to send a corrected wire.
Alternatives to wire transfers
Wire transfers are fast but expensive and irreversible. If you are not in a hurry, an ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House transfer) is usually free and takes two to three business days. Most banks let you set up ACH transfers online to any account at any U.S. bank.
If you are sending money to someone you know, peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App are often faster and cheaper, though they usually have daily limits on how much you can send. These work best for smaller amounts between individuals.
For very large amounts or international transfers, some banks offer international money transfer services that may have better rates than a standard wire. Ask your bank what options they offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?
Once your bank sends the wire, you cannot cancel it. Some banks offer a brief window (minutes to a few hours) before the money actually leaves your account, so contact your bank when ready if you need to stop it. After that, the money is gone, and recovery depends on whether the receiving bank will cooperate.
What happens if I give the wrong account number?
The money may go to a different account at the same bank, or the receiving bank may reject it and send it back to your bank. If someone else receives the money, your bank can ask them to return it, but they are not required to. Always double-check the account number before confirming the transfer.
Do I need to tell the recipient I am sending a wire?
It is a good idea to let them know the wire is coming so they expect it and can confirm when it arrives. Give them your name and the amount so they can match it to the incoming deposit. This also gives them a chance to confirm their account details are correct before you send the money.
Is a wire transfer safer than other ways to send money?
Wire transfers are fast and direct, but they are not reversible, which makes them risky if you send money to the wrong person or account. For sending money to someone you do not know well, peer-to-peer apps or ACH transfers offer more protection because you can dispute the transaction if something goes wrong.
Can I wire money internationally from my bank account?
Yes, most banks offer international wire transfers, but they cost more and take longer than domestic wires. You will need the recipient's SWIFT code and sometimes their IBAN. Ask your bank what information you need and what the fee will be before you send the money.