The basic steps to send a wire transfer

To wire money to a bank account, you need the recipient's full name, their bank account number, the bank's routing number, and the bank's name and address. You then contact your own bank—by phone, online, or in person—give them this information, specify the amount, and authorize the transfer. Your bank deducts the money from your account, sends it to the recipient's bank, and the recipient's account receives the funds within one to two business days for domestic transfers, or three to five business days for international ones.

The process is straightforward because banks have standardized the information they need. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the recipient's bank within the U.S. banking system. The account number identifies the specific account at that bank. Without either one, the transfer cannot go through.

Wire transfers are one-way and largely irreversible once sent. Unlike a check or credit card payment, you cannot dispute a wire transfer after it leaves your bank unless the recipient's bank never received it or received it in error. This is why verifying the recipient's information before you send is critical.

Key Takeaways

  • You need the recipient's full name, account number, routing number, and their bank's name and address before you can send a wire transfer.
  • Domestic wire transfers typically arrive within one to two business days; international transfers take three to five business days or longer.
  • Wire transfers are nearly impossible to reverse once sent, so confirm all recipient details with the person or organization receiving the money.
  • Most banks charge a wire transfer fee, usually between $15 and $50 for domestic transfers and $25 to $75 for international ones.
  • You can initiate a wire transfer online, by phone, or in person at your bank's branch, depending on what your bank offers.

Where to get the recipient's banking information

Ask the person or organization you are sending money to for their banking details directly. Do not rely on an email or text message alone, because scammers can intercept these and provide false account numbers. Call the recipient using a phone number you know is correct, or ask them in person.

If you are sending money to a business, their invoice or website may list wire instructions. Verify this information by calling the business's main phone number (not a number from the email) and confirming the account details with someone in accounting or billing.

For international transfers, you may also need the recipient's bank's SWIFT code (an eight or eleven-character code that identifies banks outside the U.S.) or IBAN (International Bank Account Number). Ask the recipient for these if they are outside the United States.

How to send a wire transfer through your bank

Most banks offer wire transfers online through their website or mobile app. Log in to your account, look for a "Send Money" or "Wire Transfer" option, and enter the recipient's information. You will be asked to confirm the amount, review the fee, and authorize the transfer. Some banks require you to set up the recipient as a "payee" first, which takes a few minutes and adds a small security step.

If you prefer not to use online banking, call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch in person. A representative will walk you through the information they need and process the transfer for you. In-person transfers at a branch are often fastest if you need the money to move quickly, because a teller can verify your identity immediately and submit the request right away.

Your bank will give you a confirmation number once the transfer is sent. Save this number—it is your proof that the transfer was initiated and the amount that was sent. If there is ever a dispute about whether the money was sent, you will need this confirmation.

Wire transfer fees and timing

Domestic wire transfers typically cost between $15 and $50, depending on your bank. Some banks charge less for online transfers and more for phone or in-person transfers. International wire transfers cost more—usually $25 to $75—because they pass through multiple banks and currency exchanges.

Domestic transfers usually arrive within one to two business days. The exact timing depends on when you send the transfer (transfers sent after business hours or on weekends are processed the next business day) and how quickly the recipient's bank processes incoming transfers. International transfers take longer, typically three to five business days, sometimes longer if the recipient's country has different banking hours or holidays.

Some banks offer expedited wire transfers for an additional fee, which can speed up domestic transfers to same-day or next-day delivery. Ask your bank whether this option is available and what it costs.

What to do if the wire transfer goes to the wrong account

If you realize you sent money to the wrong account before the transfer is processed, contact your bank immediately. If the transfer has not yet left your bank, they may be able to cancel it. Once it has been sent, cancellation is much harder and depends on whether the recipient's bank will cooperate.

If the money reaches the wrong account, you will need to contact that bank and ask them to reverse the transfer. This requires the account holder's cooperation, and they are not legally required to return the money. Your bank can also reach out to the receiving bank on your behalf, but the outcome is not may provide.

This is why double-checking the recipient's account number and routing number before you send is so important. Read the information back to the recipient over the phone to confirm it is correct, or have them send it to you in writing and verify it matches what they told you verbally.

Wire transfers versus other payment methods

Wire transfers are faster and more direct than checks or ACH transfers, but they cost more and cannot be reversed. A check takes five to ten business days to clear and can be stopped if you change your mind. An ACH transfer (also called a bank transfer or direct deposit) takes two to three business days and costs little or nothing, but is slower than a wire.

Use a wire transfer when you need money to move quickly and the amount is large enough to justify the fee. Use ACH for routine payments like bills or payroll when you have a few days to spare. Use a check or credit card payment when you want a record of the transaction that you can dispute if something goes wrong.

For very large amounts or international transfers, wire transfers are often the only option that banks will process. Some banks have daily or monthly limits on ACH transfers, but wire transfers usually have higher limits or no limit at all.

Protecting yourself from wire transfer scams

Scammers often pose as landlords, employers, or contractors and ask you to wire money for deposits, payroll, or invoices. They provide fake account numbers, and once you send the money, it is gone. To protect yourself, always verify the recipient's identity before sending any wire transfer.

If someone you do not know well asks you to wire money, call them back using a phone number you know is correct—not a number they provided. If they are your employer, call your HR department. If they are your landlord, call the property management office. If they are a contractor, look up their business phone number online and call that number to confirm.

Be especially cautious of urgent requests, requests to wire money to a different account than usual, or requests to wire money to a personal account instead of a business account. These are common signs of fraud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?

If you contact your bank immediately after sending the transfer and before it has been processed, they may be able to cancel it. Once the money has left your bank and reached the recipient's bank, cancellation is very difficult and depends on the receiving bank's willingness to reverse the transfer. This is why wire transfers are considered nearly irreversible.

How do I know if a wire transfer was received?

Your bank will give you a confirmation number when the transfer is sent. You can use this number to track the transfer with your bank. The recipient should see the money in their account within one to two business days for domestic transfers. Ask the recipient to confirm they received it rather than assuming based on timing alone.

What is the difference between a routing number and an account number?

A routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the bank itself. An account number identifies the specific account at that bank. Both are required to send a wire transfer. You can find your own routing number on a check, on your bank's website, or by calling customer service.

Can I wire money internationally from my personal bank account?

Yes, most banks offer international wire transfers, but they cost more and take longer than domestic transfers. You will need the recipient's SWIFT code or IBAN in addition to their account number. Some banks have restrictions on which countries they will send money to, so check with your bank first.

What happens if I wire money to someone and they do not send me what I paid for?

Wire transfers cannot be disputed the way credit card or ACH payments can. Once the money is sent, you have no recourse through your bank. If you believe you were defrauded, you can report it to your bank and to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, but recovery is unlikely. This is why wire transfers should only be used with people or organizations you trust.