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, online, or by phone), give them these details, pay a fee, and the money moves to the other account within one to two business days.
The process is straightforward because banks have been doing this for decades. You are not filling out forms or waiting for approval — you are paying your bank to move your money to someone else's bank. Your bank takes the fee when ready and sends the funds on a set schedule.
The main thing to understand upfront: once you send a wire, you cannot cancel it the way you can cancel a check. The money is gone. So you need to be certain about the recipient's account details before you start.
Key Takeaways
- You need the recipient's full name, account number, routing number, and the amount — get these details directly from them, not from an email or text.
- Wire transfers cost money (usually $15 to $30 per transfer) and take one to two business days, not minutes.
- Once sent, a wire cannot be reversed, so double-check the account number and routing number before you confirm the transfer.
- You can wire money through your bank's website, mobile app, in person, or by phone — the method does not change how long it takes or what it costs.
What information you need to collect
Before you contact your bank, you need to gather the details from the person receiving the money. Ask them directly — do not rely on an email or text message, because scammers often intercept these and give you a fake account number.
The four pieces of information are: the recipient's full legal name (exactly as it appears on their bank account), their account number, their routing number, and the amount you are sending. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies their specific bank branch. If they do not know their routing number, they can find it on a check, call their bank, or look it up on their bank's website.
Some banks also ask for the recipient's address or phone number, but the four items above are the minimum. Write everything down or take a screenshot so you have it in front of you when you contact your bank.
How to send the wire through your bank
You have four ways to send a wire: online through your bank's website, through your bank's mobile app, in person at a branch, or by phone. All four methods cost the same and take the same amount of time — the method is just about what is convenient for you.
Online or mobile app: Log into your account, look for "Send Money," "Wire Transfer," or "Payments," and follow the prompts. You will enter the recipient's name, account number, routing number, and amount. The bank will show you the fee and ask you to confirm before the wire is sent. This usually takes a few minutes.
In person at a branch: Bring your ID and the recipient's information. A teller will fill out a wire transfer form with you, show you the fee, and process it on the spot. This is a good option if you are not comfortable doing it online or if you want to ask questions.
By phone: Call your bank's customer service number (on the back of your debit card or on your statement). A representative will ask for the recipient's details, confirm the amount and fee, and process the wire. You may need to verify your identity with a security question or code.
Fees and timing you should expect
Wire transfer fees vary by bank. Most banks charge between $15 and $30 per domestic wire (a wire to another account in the United States). Some banks charge less if you are a premium customer or if you wire money regularly. A few banks offer one free wire per month or per year — check your account terms or ask your bank.
The fee is deducted from your account when you send the wire. You pay it whether the wire goes through successfully or not, so make sure you have enough money in your account to cover both the amount you are sending and the fee.
Timing depends on when you send the wire. If you send it during business hours on a weekday, the money usually arrives the next business day. If you send it after hours or on a weekend, it may not process until the next business day, which could mean a two-day wait. Some banks process wires on weekends, but most do not — ask your bank if you need to know for certain.
Why you cannot reverse a wire and what to do if you make a mistake
A wire transfer is final. Once your bank sends it, the money is in the recipient's bank account and you cannot get it back through your bank. This is different from a debit card charge or a check, which can be disputed or cancelled.
If you realize you made a mistake — you sent the money to the wrong account number, or you sent it to the right person but the wrong amount — contact your bank when ready. The sooner you call, the better your chances. Your bank can sometimes recall the wire if it has not been picked up yet, but this is not may provide. If the money has already been deposited into the other account, your bank will have to contact that bank and ask them to return it, which requires the cooperation of the other bank and the account holder.
This is why it is critical to double-check the account number and routing number before you confirm the transfer. Read them out loud, compare them to what the recipient gave you, and make sure they match exactly.
When to use a wire transfer instead of other payment methods
A wire transfer is useful when you need to send money to someone you do not know well or when the other person specifically asks for a wire. It is also the standard way to send large amounts of money or to pay for something like a down payment on a house or a car.
Wire transfers are slower and more expensive than some other methods. If you are sending money to a friend or family member and they do not need it urgently, a bank transfer (also called an ACH transfer) is often free and takes one to three business days. If you need the money to arrive the same day, some banks offer same-day wire transfers for an extra fee, but this is not standard.
For very small amounts or casual payments between friends, a payment app like Venmo or Cash App is usually faster and free. But if the recipient does not use those apps, or if you need a formal record of the transaction, a wire transfer is the right choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the recipient's bank is outside the United States?
International wire transfers work the same way, but they take longer (usually three to five business days) and cost more (often $30 to $50 or higher). You may also need the recipient's SWIFT code or IBAN number instead of a routing number. Ask your bank what information you need for the specific country.
Can I wire money from a savings account or only from checking?
Most banks let you wire from either a checking or savings account. Some banks limit the number of wires you can send from a savings account per month (often six), so check your account terms. Wires from checking accounts usually have no limit.
What happens if I enter the wrong routing number?
If the routing number is wrong, the wire may go to a different bank or be rejected. Contact your bank as soon as you realize the mistake. If the wire was rejected, the money will return to your account in a few business days. If it went to the wrong bank, your bank will have to work with that bank to recover it.
Do I need to tell the recipient I am sending a wire?
It is a good idea to let them know before you send it, especially if they are not expecting money from you. This way they know to watch for the deposit and can confirm they received the correct amount. It also gives them a chance to double-check that they gave you the right account number.
Is a wire transfer safe?
A wire transfer is safe if you send it to the correct account. The risk is sending it to the wrong person or to a scammer who gave you a fake account number. Always get the account details directly from the person you trust, never from an email or text message, and double-check before you confirm.