The basic steps for sending a wire transfer

To wire money to someone's bank account, you need their name, account number, routing number, and the name of their bank. You then contact your own bank—by phone, online, or in person—and provide those details plus the amount you want to send. Your bank deducts the money from your account, sends it through the banking network (usually the Federal Reserve or SWIFT for international transfers), and the recipient's bank deposits it into their account. The whole process typically takes one to two business days for domestic transfers, though some banks offer same-day wiring for an extra fee.

Wire transfers are one of the fastest ways to move money between bank accounts, but they are also permanent once sent. Unlike a check or credit card payment, you cannot stop a wire after your bank has processed it. This makes it critical to verify the recipient's information before you initiate the transfer—a single wrong digit in the account number can send your money to a stranger's account, and recovering it is difficult and sometimes impossible.

Key Takeaways

  • You need the recipient's full name, account number, routing number, and bank name before you can send a wire transfer.
  • Domestic wire transfers usually arrive within one to two business days; international wires take three to five business days or longer depending on the destination country.
  • Wire transfers cannot be reversed once your bank processes them, so confirm all recipient details directly with the person receiving the money.
  • Most banks charge $15 to $50 per wire transfer, and some charge different fees for domestic and international wires.
  • If you suspect fraud or the recipient information is wrong, contact your bank when ready—the sooner you report it, the better the chance of recovery.

Where to get the recipient's banking information

Ask the person you are sending money to for their account number and routing number directly. Do not rely on an email or text message alone—call them to confirm the numbers match what they told you in writing. Scammers sometimes intercept emails and provide fake account numbers, so a voice conversation is your best protection.

The recipient can find their routing number on their bank's website, by calling their bank's customer service line, or by looking at the bottom left corner of a check (the first nine digits are the routing number). Their account number appears on the bottom of their checks as well, or they can log into their online banking and find it in their account details. If they are not sure, they should contact their bank directly rather than guessing.

How to send a wire through your bank

Log into your online banking portal and look for "wire transfer" or "send money" in the menu. Most banks let you set up a new recipient by entering their name, account number, routing number, and bank name. You will then enter the amount and confirm the transfer. Some banks require you to call a phone number to authorize the wire for security reasons, especially for large amounts.

If you prefer not to use online banking, you can visit a branch in person or call your bank's wire transfer line. Bring or have ready the recipient's full name, account number, routing number, bank name, and the amount you want to send. The bank representative will walk you through the process and may ask security questions to confirm your identity. In-person and phone wires sometimes take slightly longer to process than online wires, but they arrive within the same timeframe.

Domestic versus international wire transfers

A domestic wire transfer stays within the United States and uses the recipient's routing number and account number. These transfers usually arrive the next business day or within two business days. Domestic wires typically cost $15 to $30.

An international wire transfer goes to a bank account outside the United States and requires additional information: the recipient's bank's SWIFT code (an eight- or eleven-character code that identifies banks worldwide), the recipient's International Bank Account Number (IBAN) if applicable, and sometimes the name and address of the recipient's bank. International wires take three to five business days or longer depending on the destination country and whether the receiving bank is in a major financial hub. These transfers cost $30 to $50 or more, and the recipient may also pay a fee on their end.

Exchange rates matter for international transfers. Your bank will convert your dollars to the recipient's currency at the rate they set on the day the transfer is processed, not the day you initiate it. That rate may be less favorable than the mid-market rate you see online, so ask your bank what rate they will use before you send the wire.

Fees and timing you should expect

Most banks charge a flat fee per wire transfer: typically $15 to $30 for domestic wires and $30 to $50 for international wires. Some banks waive the fee if you maintain a certain account balance or have a premium account. A few banks charge based on the amount transferred rather than a flat fee, so check your bank's fee schedule before you send.

Domestic wires sent before your bank's cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. on a business day) arrive the next business day. Wires sent after the cutoff or on a weekend or holiday are processed the next business day. International wires take longer because they move through multiple banks and clearing houses; three to five business days is standard, but some routes take a week or more.

If you need the money to arrive faster, ask your bank whether they offer same-day or expedited wiring. Some do, but they charge an extra fee—sometimes $25 to $50 on top of the standard wire fee. Same-day wires are not may provide; they depend on the receiving bank's ability to process the transfer on the same day.

What to do if you sent money to the wrong account

Contact your bank when ready. The sooner you report the error, the better. Your bank can try to recall the wire, but success depends on whether the receiving bank has already released the funds to the account holder. If the money has not been withdrawn, the receiving bank may be able to reverse it. If it has been withdrawn, recovery becomes much harder and may require working with law enforcement.

Your bank will ask you to provide the wire confirmation number (which you received when you sent the transfer), the recipient's information as you entered it, and the correct information it should have been. They will then contact the receiving bank and request a recall. This process can take several days or weeks. Some banks charge a fee to attempt a recall, even if they are unsuccessful.

If the receiving bank cannot recover the funds, you may need to file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov if you believe fraud was involved. You can also contact your state's attorney general's office. These steps do not may provide recovery, but they create an official record and may help law enforcement investigate if the account is part of a larger scam.

Protecting yourself from wire transfer scams

Verify the recipient's information by calling them directly, not by replying to an email or text. Scammers often pose as someone you know—a family member, a business contact, or a service provider—and ask you to wire money urgently to a new account. If someone you know asks you to wire money, hang up and call them back at a number you know is theirs (not a number they provided in the message).

Be suspicious of requests to wire money to a different account than usual, especially if the person claims it is temporary or urgent. Legitimate businesses and individuals rarely ask for wire transfers; they usually accept checks, credit cards, or ACH transfers (which are slower but reversible). If a landlord, contractor, or vendor suddenly asks for a wire, contact them through a phone number or address you have on file before sending anything.

Never wire money to someone you have not met in person or do not have a long-standing relationship with. Online dating scams, job offer scams, and rental scams frequently use wire transfers because they are fast and irreversible. If an opportunity sounds too good to be true—a job that pays well for little work, a rental listing far below market rate, a romantic interest who quickly asks for money—it almost always is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?

Not reliably. Once your bank processes the wire, it is sent to the receiving bank and cannot be stopped. If you realize you made a mistake when ready after sending it, call your bank right away and ask them to attempt a recall. Success depends on whether the receiving bank has already released the funds. The sooner you report the error, the better your chances.

How do I know if a wire transfer went through?

Your bank will give you a confirmation number when you send the wire. You can use this number to track the transfer in your online banking or by calling your bank. The receiving person should see the money in their account within one to two business days for domestic transfers. Ask them to confirm they received it rather than assuming it arrived.

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

A wire transfer is fast (one to two days) but irreversible and costs $15 to $50. An ACH transfer is slower (three to five business days) but reversible and usually free or costs $1 to $3. ACH transfers are safer for sending money to people you trust because you can dispute them if something goes wrong. Wire transfers are better when speed matters and you are certain of the recipient's information.

Do I need to report a wire transfer to the IRS?

Wire transfers themselves are not reported to the IRS unless they are part of income or a taxable event. If you are sending money as a gift, no report is required. If you are sending money as payment for services or goods, that may be taxable income to the recipient, but the wire transfer itself does not trigger a report. Consult a tax professional if you are unsure whether your specific transfer has tax implications.

What happens if the recipient's bank rejects the wire?

If the account number or routing number is wrong, the receiving bank may reject the wire and send it back to your bank. This can take several days. Your bank will then credit the money back to your account. Once you have the correct information, you can send the wire again. Always confirm the account details before sending to avoid this delay.