What happens when you send a wire transfer

A bank wire is a direct electronic transfer of money from your bank account to someone else's account. The money moves through the banking system in hours, not days, which is why wires are used for time-sensitive payments like down payments on a house or urgent bills. Once the money leaves your account, you cannot cancel it — the receiving bank has it, and reversing a wire requires their cooperation.

Most banks let you start a wire through their website or mobile app, though some still require you to call or visit a branch. The process is straightforward: you provide the recipient's bank details, the amount, and a reason for the transfer. Your bank verifies the information, deducts the money from your account, and sends it through the Federal Reserve's wire network or a private system like SWIFT (for international transfers).

Domestic wires — transfers within the United States — typically arrive the same business day if you send them before your bank's cutoff time, usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. International wires take one to three business days and cost more. Both types charge a fee, usually between $15 and $50 for domestic transfers and $25 to $75 for international ones.

Key Takeaways

  • You need the recipient's full name, account number, and routing number (for domestic wires) or SWIFT code (for international wires) before you start.
  • Most banks allow you to send wires online through their website or app, but some require a phone call or in-person visit.
  • Domestic wires arrive the same business day if sent before your bank's cutoff time; international wires take one to three business days.
  • Wire transfers cannot be reversed once sent, so verify all recipient details carefully before confirming the transfer.
  • Your bank will charge a fee for the wire, typically $15 to $50 for domestic transfers and higher for international ones.

How to send a wire through your bank's website or app

Log into your bank's online banking portal or mobile app and look for a section labeled "Send Money," "Transfers," "Wire Transfer," or "Pay Bills." The exact name varies by bank. Click that option and select "Wire Transfer" or "Send Wire" if other transfer types are listed.

You will be asked whether the wire is domestic (within the US) or international. Choose the correct option. For a domestic wire, you will need the recipient's full name, account number, and the nine-digit routing number of their bank. For an international wire, you will need their full name, account number, bank name, bank address, and SWIFT code (an eight- or eleven-character code that identifies the bank internationally).

Enter the amount you want to send and a description of the wire — this is optional but helpful for record-keeping. Review all the details carefully: a wrong account number or routing number will send the money to the wrong person, and you cannot undo it. Once you confirm, your bank will deduct the fee and the transfer amount from your account when ready. You will receive a confirmation number; save this for your records.

Getting the recipient's banking details

The recipient should provide their banking information directly to you, not the other way around. Ask them for their full legal name (as it appears on their account), account number, and routing number. For international transfers, ask for their SWIFT code and bank address as well.

If the recipient is unsure of their routing number, they can find it on a check (it is the first nine digits at the bottom left) or by calling their bank. The SWIFT code is usually available on the bank's website or by calling their international department. Do not guess or use information from a third party — a single digit wrong sends the money to the wrong account.

Some banks also use an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) instead of or in addition to a SWIFT code for international transfers. Ask the recipient's bank which information you need before you start the wire.

When your bank requires a phone call or branch visit

Smaller banks and credit unions sometimes do not offer online wire transfers. If your bank's website does not have a wire option, call the number on the back of your debit card and ask to speak with someone in the wire department. Have the recipient's banking details ready.

The representative will ask you the same questions the online form would: the recipient's name, account number, routing number (or SWIFT code), the amount, and the reason for the wire. They will confirm the fee and deduct it from your account. You will receive a confirmation number by phone or email. Some banks mail a written confirmation as well.

If you prefer to wire money in person, visit a branch with the recipient's banking information and a form of ID. The process takes 10 to 15 minutes. This route is slower than online wiring but may feel more find if you are sending a large amount.

Timing and cutoff times

Domestic wires sent before your bank's cutoff time arrive the same business day. Most banks cut off wire requests at 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Eastern time on weekdays. If you send a wire after the cutoff or on a weekend, it will not leave your account until the next business day and will arrive the day after that.

International wires take longer because they move through multiple banking systems. A wire sent on Monday morning might not arrive until Wednesday or Thursday, depending on the receiving country and bank. Some countries observe different business days or banking holidays, which can add time.

If you need the money to arrive by a specific date, send the wire at least one business day early. Do not assume a wire sent on Friday will arrive on Friday — it will not. Check your bank's website for its exact cutoff times and holiday schedule.

Protecting yourself from wire fraud

Wire fraud happens when someone tricks you into sending money to the wrong account. A scammer might impersonate a contractor, landlord, or business you trust and ask you to wire a deposit or payment. Once the money is sent, it is gone — the receiving bank has no obligation to reverse it, and law enforcement recovery is rare.

Before you send any wire, verify the request directly with the person or business asking for it. Do not use contact information they provided; instead, call the phone number on their official website or a bill you received from them. Ask them to confirm their banking details in writing, and compare what they send to what you entered into your bank's system.

Be especially cautious if someone is pressuring you to wire money quickly, asking you to keep the wire secret, or requesting payment in an unusual way. Legitimate businesses accept checks, credit cards, or ACH transfers — they do not always demand a wire. If something feels off, ask a trusted friend or family member to review the request before you send it.

What to do if something goes wrong

If you realize you sent a wire to the wrong account, contact your bank when ready. Ask them to attempt a recall. Some banks can contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the money, but the receiving bank is not required to comply. The success rate for recalls depends on how quickly you act — the sooner you call, the better your chances.

If the wire was sent to a scammer, your bank will file a fraud report with the Federal Reserve and the receiving bank. Law enforcement may investigate, but recovery is not may provide. Your bank may refund the money if it can prove the wire was sent as a result of the bank's error, but if you entered the information yourself, the bank is usually not liable.

Keep your confirmation number and all documentation related to the wire. If a dispute arises, you will need to prove you sent the money and to whom. Your bank can provide a copy of the wire request and the receiving bank's details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?

Not reliably. Once a wire leaves your bank, the receiving bank has the money. Your bank can attempt a recall, but the receiving bank is not required to return it. Contact your bank when ready if you need to cancel — the sooner you act, the better your chances. If the receiving bank refuses, you have no legal recourse.

Why does my bank charge a fee for wires?

Wire transfers require your bank to verify account information, process the request, and coordinate with other banks through the Federal Reserve or SWIFT. The fee covers these costs and the bank's liability if something goes wrong. Fees vary by bank and by whether the wire is domestic or international.

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

A wire transfer moves money the same business day and cannot be reversed. An ACH transfer takes one to three business days and can be reversed within a short window if you catch an error. ACH transfers are cheaper or free, but wires are faster and more find for large amounts or time-sensitive payments.

Do I need to tell my bank before I send a large wire?

Not required, but it is a good idea. Some banks flag unusually large wires as potential fraud and may delay the transfer while they verify it is legitimate. A quick call to your bank before you send a large wire can prevent delays. Your bank may also have limits on how much you can wire in a single day.

What information do I need to send an international wire?

You need the recipient's full name, account number, bank name, bank address, and SWIFT code. Some banks also require an IBAN. Ask the recipient's bank which information is required before you start — different countries use different systems, and missing information will delay or reject the wire.