The basic steps to transfer from Wise to your bank
To transfer money from Wise to your bank account, you log into your Wise account, select the balance you want to move, choose your bank as the destination, and confirm the transfer. Wise then sends the money to your bank using the routing and account details you provide. The transfer usually lands in your bank account within one to three business days, depending on your bank's processing speed.
You do not need to set up anything special beforehand—Wise stores your bank details once you enter them, and you can reuse them for future transfers. The process takes about five minutes from start to finish.
Key Takeaways
- Transfers from Wise to a US bank account typically take one to three business days and cost nothing if you use a standard transfer.
- You will need your bank's routing number and your account number to complete the transfer; Wise will ask for both during setup.
- Wise charges a small fee only if you choose expedited delivery (same-day or next-day), which is optional.
- Your bank may hold the incoming transfer for a day or two if it is the first time money has arrived from Wise to that account.
Where to find the transfer option in Wise
Open the Wise app or website and look for your account balance. You will see a button or menu option labeled "Send" or "Transfer Out"—the exact wording depends on whether you are using the mobile app or desktop version. Tap or click that option.
Wise will then ask you to choose which balance to transfer (if you hold multiple currencies) and how much money you want to move. Select the amount and proceed to the next screen, where you will choose your destination bank account.
Entering your bank details for the first time
When you transfer to a bank account for the first time, Wise will ask you to enter your bank's routing number and your account number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank branch; you can find it on a check, on your bank's website, or by calling your bank directly. Your account number is the unique identifier for your checking or savings account.
Double-check both numbers before you confirm, because entering them incorrectly can send the money to the wrong account. Wise will not process the transfer until both numbers are valid. Once you have entered them correctly, Wise stores them and you can reuse them without re-entering them each time.
If you are transferring to an account at a different bank than the one you normally use, make sure you have the correct routing number for that specific bank and branch.
Standard transfer versus expedited delivery
Wise offers two delivery speeds for transfers to US bank accounts. A standard transfer is free and takes one to three business days. An expedited transfer costs a small fee (usually a few dollars, depending on the amount) and arrives the same day or next business day.
For most people, standard transfer is the right choice—it costs nothing and the money arrives within a few days. Choose expedited only if you need the money urgently and the fee is worth it to you. Wise will show you the exact fee before you confirm, so you can decide whether to pay it.
What happens after you confirm the transfer
Once you confirm the transfer, Wise deducts the money from your Wise balance immediately and sends it to your bank. You will see a confirmation screen with a reference number; save this number in case you need to track the transfer later.
Wise will also send you an email confirmation. Check your email to make sure the transfer went through. If you do not receive a confirmation email within a few minutes, log back into Wise and check your transaction history to confirm the transfer was sent.
Your bank will receive the transfer within the timeframe Wise promised (one to three days for standard, same-day or next-day for expedited). Some banks hold incoming transfers for an extra day or two if it is the first time money has arrived from that sender, so do not be alarmed if the money does not show up immediately on the promised day.
Troubleshooting a transfer that has not arrived
If the money has not arrived after the promised timeframe, first check your Wise transaction history to confirm the transfer was actually sent. Look for the transaction and verify that the bank details and amount are correct. If the transfer shows as "completed" or "sent" in Wise, the delay is on your bank's end, not Wise's.
Contact your bank and give them the reference number from Wise. Your bank can trace the incoming transfer and tell you whether it has arrived in their system or is still in transit. If your bank received it but has not posted it to your account yet, they can usually release it within a business day.
If the transfer shows as failed or pending in Wise, or if you entered the wrong bank details, contact Wise support through the app or website. Wise can help you cancel the transfer or resend it to the correct account, depending on the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money from Wise to a savings account instead of checking?
Yes. Wise transfers to any type of bank account—checking, savings, money market, or other account types. You just need the routing number and account number for the specific account you want to transfer to. Make sure you enter the correct account number for the savings account, not your checking account.
What if I enter the wrong bank details?
If you catch the mistake before confirming the transfer, you can go back and correct it. If you have already confirmed and the transfer has been sent, contact Wise support immediately with your transaction reference number. Wise may be able to cancel the transfer or recall it from your bank, but this depends on how far along the transfer is in the banking system.
Does Wise charge a fee to transfer money to my bank account?
Standard transfers are free. Expedited transfers (same-day or next-day) cost a small fee that Wise shows you before you confirm. There are no hidden fees—the amount you see is what you pay.
How long does a transfer from Wise to my bank actually take?
Standard transfers take one to three business days. Expedited transfers arrive the same day or next business day. Weekends and bank holidays can add time. Your bank may also hold the transfer for an extra day if it is the first time money has arrived from Wise to that account.
Can I set up automatic transfers from Wise to my bank?
Wise does not offer automatic recurring transfers. You have to initiate each transfer manually through the app or website. However, once you have entered your bank details once, the process is quick—you just select the amount and confirm.