The basic steps to receive a wire transfer
To receive money by wire into your checking account, you need to give the sender your bank routing number, your account number, and your full name as it appears on the account. Your bank will not initiate the wire on your end — the person or business sending the money does that from their bank. Your job is to provide the correct information and then wait for the funds to arrive.
The sender goes to their bank, provides those three pieces of information plus the amount, and the money moves through the Federal Reserve's wire system (usually called Fedwire for domestic transfers). Most domestic wires arrive the same business day or the next morning. International wires take longer — typically three to five business days — because they move through correspondent banks in other countries.
You do not need to do anything at your bank to "receive" the wire. Once the sender initiates it with correct information, your bank will deposit it automatically when it arrives. If the information is wrong — a transposed digit in the account number, for example — the wire may be rejected and returned to the sender, or it may go to the wrong account.
Key Takeaways
- Provide your routing number, account number, and full name to the sender; your bank does not initiate the wire on your side.
- Domestic wires usually arrive the same day or next business day; international wires take three to five business days.
- Find your routing number on the bottom left of your checks, on your bank's website, or by calling customer service.
- Double-check all numbers with the sender before the wire is sent, because a wrong digit sends money to the wrong account or causes a rejection.
- Wire fees vary by bank — some charge nothing to receive, others charge $10 to $20 — so ask your bank before the sender initiates.
Where to find your routing and account numbers
Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank branch. Your account number is usually 10 to 12 digits and identifies your account within that bank. Both appear on the bottom of your checks: the routing number is on the far left, the account number is in the middle, and your check number is on the right.
If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details, account information, or settings. Most banks display both numbers there. You can also call your bank's customer service line — the number is on your debit card or bank statements — and ask them to read both numbers to you. Write them down carefully and read them back to confirm.
Some banks also issue a separate document called a deposit slip or bank information sheet that lists both numbers. If your bank offers this, request one and keep it handy for future wire transfers.
What information the sender needs from you
The sender needs four pieces of information to initiate the wire: your full name (exactly as it appears on your account), your routing number, your account number, and the amount. If any of these is wrong, the wire will not reach your account.
For international wires, the sender may also need your SWIFT code (a code that identifies your bank internationally) or your IBAN (International Bank Account Number, used mainly in Europe and other regions). If you are receiving a wire from outside the United States, ask the sender what information they need and contact your bank to get the correct codes. Do not guess or use a code you find online — banks have multiple codes depending on the currency and destination.
Write down exactly what you give the sender and keep a record. If the wire does not arrive within the expected timeframe, you will need to tell your bank what information was sent, and they will trace it.
Timing: when the money actually arrives
Domestic wires sent before 2 p.m. on a business day usually arrive the same day. Wires sent after 2 p.m. or on weekends and holidays arrive the next business day. Your bank's cutoff time may differ, so if timing is critical, ask the sender to confirm with their bank what time the wire will be sent.
International wires take longer because they pass through multiple banks in different countries. A wire sent on Monday may not arrive until Thursday or Friday. The exact timeline depends on the destination country, the banks involved, and whether any additional verification is needed.
Once the wire arrives at your bank, it is usually available in your account when ready, though some banks hold it for one business day if it is a large amount or if your account is new. Check your account online or call your bank if you are unsure whether the funds have posted.
Fees you may owe for receiving a wire
Many banks do not charge to receive a domestic wire, but some charge $10 to $20. A few banks charge nothing for incoming wires but charge the sender to initiate. International wires often carry a fee of $15 to $50 on the receiving end, depending on the bank and the country of origin.
Call your bank and ask what they charge to receive a wire before the sender initiates. If the fee is high and you have the option, you might ask the sender to use a different method — a bank transfer (ACH), for example, is slower but usually free or cheaper. If you must receive a wire, knowing the fee in advance means no surprises when it arrives.
What to do if the wire does not arrive
If the wire does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact your bank when ready. Have ready the sender's name, the amount, the date it was supposed to be sent, and the information you provided (routing number, account number). Your bank can search their incoming wires and trace where it went.
Common reasons a wire does not arrive: a wrong routing or account number (the wire goes to the wrong bank or account), the sender entered the wrong amount, the sender's bank rejected it for fraud reasons, or the wire is stuck in a correspondent bank if it is international. Your bank can usually find out which happened within one to two business days.
If the wire went to the wrong account, your bank will file a claim with the other bank to recover it. This process can take weeks. If the sender's bank rejected it, the sender will see that rejection and can resubmit with corrected information. If it is stuck internationally, your bank may be able to contact the correspondent bank to speed it up, but there is no may provide.
Protecting yourself from wire fraud
Wire fraud is common because once a wire is sent, it is nearly impossible to reverse. Before you give anyone your routing and account numbers, confirm they are who they say they are. If someone contacts you unexpectedly asking for these numbers, do not provide them — call the organization back using a phone number you find yourself (not one they give you) to verify the request.
Be especially cautious if someone claims to be from your bank, your employer, a government agency, or a business you owe money to. Scammers often impersonate these entities. Real banks and government agencies will not ask for your account number by email or text. If you are unsure, hang up and call the organization directly using a number from their official website or your statements.
If you accidentally give your information to someone you later realize was fraudulent, contact your bank when ready. They can monitor your account for unauthorized activity and may be able to block a wire if it has not yet been sent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive a wire if my account is brand new?
Yes, but some banks hold large incoming wires for one to three business days on new accounts as a fraud precaution. Call your bank and ask about their policy before the sender initiates. If the hold is a problem, you may be able to visit a branch in person to speed it up.
What if the sender used the wrong account number and the wire went to someone else?
Contact your bank when ready and tell them the wire was sent to the wrong account. Your bank will file a claim with the other bank to recover the funds. The process usually takes two to four weeks. The sender may also need to file a claim from their end. Do not assume the money is lost — many of these claims succeed.
Do I need to tell my bank I am expecting a wire?
No, you do not need to notify your bank in advance. The wire will arrive and post automatically once it enters the system. However, if you are receiving a large wire or a wire from outside the United States, calling ahead to ask about holds or fees is a good idea.
Can I receive a wire into a savings account instead of checking?
Yes. The process is the same — you provide your routing number and savings account number instead. Some banks charge more to receive a wire into savings, so ask before the sender initiates.
What is the difference between a wire and an ACH transfer?
A wire is fast (same day or next day) but usually costs money and cannot be reversed. An ACH transfer is slower (three to five business days) but is often free and can be reversed within a window if there is an error. If the sender has time and wants to avoid fees, ACH is cheaper; if they need the money to arrive quickly, wire is the only option.