The basic steps to wire money from one bank to another
To wire money between banks, you need your receiving bank's routing number, your account number at that bank, and your own name as it appears on the account. You then contact your sending bank—by phone, online portal, or in person—give them those details, specify the amount, and authorize the transfer. Your sending bank deducts the money immediately; the receiving bank posts it within one business day, often the same day if both banks are in the same region.
The speed depends on whether you use the Federal Reserve's wire system (FedWire) or the Clearing House's network (CHIPS). Most consumer wires go through FedWire and settle by end of business the same day. Some banks also offer their own same-day or next-day options, though these may have lower limits or higher fees.
Wire transfers are nearly irreversible once sent. The receiving bank has no obligation to return the money if you change your mind, and fraud recovery is difficult. This makes verification critical: confirm the routing number and account number twice before authorizing, and never wire to an account you have not verified directly with the recipient.
Key Takeaways
- You need the receiving bank's routing number, the account number, and the account holder's name to send a wire.
- Most wires settle the same business day through FedWire, though some banks offer faster or slower options depending on the time you send.
- Wire transfers cannot be recalled once the receiving bank accepts them, so verify all details twice before authorizing.
- Fees typically range from $15 to $30 per outgoing wire, though some banks waive fees for certain account types.
- If you suspect fraud or error, contact your bank immediately; recovery is possible only if the receiving bank has not yet released the funds.
Where to find your bank's routing number and account number
Your bank's routing number appears on the bottom left of any check you write, printed as a nine-digit code. You can also find it on your bank's website, usually in the customer service or account information section, or by calling your bank's customer service line. Do not rely on a number someone else gives you; always verify it directly with your bank or the official website.
Your account number is the second set of digits on the bottom of a check, after the routing number. It also appears in your online banking portal under account details. When wiring to another person's account, you will need their account number at their bank, not your own account number at that bank.
Some banks also require a SWIFT code if you are wiring internationally, though domestic wires between U.S. banks use only the routing number and account number. If you are unsure whether a wire is domestic or international, ask your bank; sending to the wrong country code can delay the transfer by days.
How to initiate a wire through your bank's online portal
Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for a section labeled "Send Money," "Wire Funds," or "Transfers." Click that option and select "Wire Transfer" or "Domestic Wire" (not ACH or bill pay, which are slower). Enter the receiving bank's routing number, the account number, and the account holder's name exactly as it appears on their account.
Specify the amount and add a reference note if your bank allows it—this helps the recipient know who sent the money. Review all details on the confirmation screen before submitting. Most banks require you to confirm the wire a second time, either by clicking a link in a confirmation email or by answering a security question. Do not skip this step; it is your last chance to catch an error.
After you submit, your bank will show you a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot. The money leaves your account immediately, but it may take a few hours to a full business day to appear in the receiving account, depending on the time of day you sent it and whether both banks process wires in real time.
Wiring money by phone or in person
If you do not use online banking or prefer to speak with someone, call your bank's wire transfer line or visit a branch in person. Have the receiving bank's routing number, account number, and account holder's name ready. The bank representative will ask you to verify your identity, confirm the amount, and authorize the wire verbally or in writing.
In-person wires at a branch may take longer to process because the bank has to enter the information into their system and route it to the wire department. Phone wires are often faster, especially if you call during business hours. Ask your bank how long the wire will take and whether there are any fees for using the phone or branch method; some banks charge more for non-online wires.
When you wire in person, ask for a receipt with the confirmation number and the details of the wire. If you wire by phone, write down the confirmation number the representative gives you and ask them to email or mail you a written confirmation.
Timing: when the money actually arrives
A domestic wire sent before 2 p.m. on a business day usually arrives at the receiving bank by end of business that same day. Wires sent after 2 p.m. or on weekends or holidays typically process the next business day. Some banks have earlier cutoff times, so check with your bank if you need the money to arrive urgently.
The receiving bank then has to post the funds to the recipient's account. Most banks do this immediately upon receipt, but some may hold the funds for a few hours or until the next business day, especially if the account is new or if the amount is unusually large. The recipient should check their account balance or transaction history to confirm the money arrived.
If a wire does not arrive within two business days, contact your sending bank immediately. They can trace the wire using the confirmation number and determine whether it is still in transit, stuck in a processing queue, or sent to the wrong account. Do not wait; the sooner you report it, the faster the bank can investigate.
Wire transfer fees and what affects the cost
Most banks charge between $15 and $30 for an outgoing domestic wire. Some banks waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance, have a premium account type, or meet other conditions. A few banks charge less for online wires than for phone or in-person wires. International wires cost more—typically $35 to $50—because they involve additional processing and currency conversion.
The receiving bank may also charge a fee to receive a wire, though this is less common. The fee is usually deducted from the amount received, so if you wire $1,000 and the receiving bank charges $10, the recipient gets $990. Ask both banks about their fees before you send, so you know the exact amount the recipient will receive.
Some online banks and credit unions have lower wire fees or no fees at all. If you wire money frequently, compare fees across banks before choosing where to keep your account. Over time, lower fees add up.
What to do if a wire goes to the wrong account
If you realize you sent a wire to the wrong account before the receiving bank processes it, contact your sending bank immediately and ask them to recall the wire. This works only if the receiving bank has not yet released the funds, which is rare. Most wires are processed and released within hours, making recall impossible.
If the wire has already been released, your only option is to contact the receiving bank directly and ask them to return the funds. Provide them with the wire confirmation number, the amount, and the date sent. The receiving bank is not required to return the money, but many will if you can prove the transfer was sent in error. This process can take weeks.
If you suspect fraud—someone else sent a wire from your account without permission—contact your bank immediately and file a dispute. Banks have a limited time to investigate fraud claims, so do not delay. Provide the confirmation number and explain that you did not authorize the wire. Your bank may be able to recover the funds if the receiving bank has not yet released them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a wire after I send it?
Only if you contact your bank before the receiving bank processes it, which usually happens within hours. Once the receiving bank accepts the wire, it cannot be canceled. If you need to cancel, call your bank immediately with the confirmation number and explain the situation. Success is rare, but the sooner you act, the better your chances.
What is the difference between a wire and an ACH transfer?
A wire is fast (same day) and nearly irreversible; an ACH transfer is slower (three to five business days) but can be stopped if you catch it in time. Wires cost $15 to $30; ACH transfers are often free. Use a wire when speed matters and you trust the recipient; use ACH for routine payments like bills or payroll.
Do I need to tell the receiving bank I am sending a wire?
No, but it is a good idea. Let them know the amount and the date so they can watch for it and confirm it arrived. This also gives you a chance to verify their account number and routing number directly with them before you send, reducing the risk of sending to the wrong account.
What happens if I send a wire to a closed account?
The receiving bank will reject the wire and return it to your sending bank. The money will reappear in your account within one to three business days. Your bank may charge a return fee. To avoid this, confirm that the account is active before you send.
Can I wire money internationally using the same process?
No. International wires require the receiving bank's SWIFT code, the recipient's full name and address, and sometimes an intermediary bank. The process takes longer (three to five business days), costs more, and involves currency conversion. Contact your bank for their international wire procedures and fees.