The basic steps to send a wire transfer
To wire money from your bank, you need your bank's routing number, the recipient's full name and account number, and their bank's routing number. Call your bank's wire transfer line or log into online banking, provide those details, confirm the amount and delivery date, and authorize the transfer. Most banks charge a fee—typically $15 to $30 for domestic wires—and the money usually arrives the same business day or next business day.
The fastest way is often to call your bank directly rather than use the website, because a representative can catch errors before they're sent. Wires cannot be reversed once they leave your bank, so accuracy matters more than speed.
If you don't have the recipient's routing number, ask them directly or use the ABA routing number lookup tool on the American Bankers Association website. Never guess or use a number you find online without confirming it with the recipient's bank first.
Key Takeaways
- You need the recipient's full name, account number, and their bank's routing number before you initiate a wire.
- Domestic wires typically arrive the same business day if sent before your bank's cutoff time, usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m.
- Wire transfers cannot be stopped or reversed after they leave your bank, so verify all details before authorizing.
- Most banks charge $15 to $30 per domestic wire transfer, though some accounts waive the fee.
- Calling your bank to send a wire is usually safer than online banking because a representative can confirm details in real time.
Information you must have before you start
Gather these details before you contact your bank. The recipient needs to give you their full legal name exactly as it appears on their account—middle initials and spelling matter. Ask for their account number and confirm it by having them read it back to you. Then ask which bank they use and request their bank's routing number.
Your bank will also ask why you're sending the money. Be honest: "paying rent," "loan repayment," "family support," or "business payment" are all normal answers. Banks report large wires to the IRS, but that's routine and not a problem if the money is legitimate.
If the recipient's bank is outside the United States, you'll need additional information: their SWIFT code (an international bank identifier) and possibly an IBAN (International Bank Account Number). International wires take longer—usually 3 to 5 business days—and cost more, often $35 to $50.
Timing: when the money actually arrives
Domestic wires sent before your bank's cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Eastern time on a business day) arrive the same day. Wires sent after the cutoff or on weekends and holidays are processed the next business day. The receiving bank typically posts the money within hours of receiving it, though some banks hold it for a day.
If you're wiring money to pay a bill or meet a deadline, send it at least one business day early. Don't assume it will arrive instantly just because wire transfers are fast. If the recipient says they haven't received it by the next business day, contact your bank with your confirmation number and ask them to trace it.
Fees and what different banks charge
Most banks charge $15 to $30 for a domestic wire transfer. Some charge less for online wires than phone wires. A few banks—usually those with premium checking accounts or high balances—waive wire fees entirely. Call your bank and ask what they charge before you send, especially if you're sending multiple wires.
International wires cost significantly more: $35 to $50 is typical, though some banks charge $75 or higher. The receiving bank may also deduct a fee from the amount that arrives, so tell the recipient to expect slightly less than you sent. If you need the recipient to receive an exact amount, ask your bank to add the fee to the total you're sending.
How to send a wire through online banking
Log into your bank's website or app and look for "Wire Transfer" or "Send Money" in the menu. Enter the recipient's name, account number, and routing number. Double-check every digit—a single error sends the money to the wrong account. Enter the amount and select the delivery date (usually today or tomorrow). Review the summary, confirm the fee, and authorize the transfer.
Your bank will give you a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot. If something goes wrong, you'll need this number to trace the wire. Most banks also send a confirmation email, but don't rely on email alone—save the confirmation number separately.
If your bank's website doesn't let you send wires online, or if you're uncomfortable entering the details yourself, call the wire transfer department instead. There's no penalty for using the phone.
Calling your bank to send a wire
Call the wire transfer line on the back of your debit card or the number on your bank statement. Have your account number, the recipient's information, and the amount ready before you call. A representative will ask you to verify your identity, then walk you through the details step by step.
Read back the recipient's name and account number exactly as the representative says it. Ask them to repeat the routing number. Confirm the amount and the delivery date. This takes a few extra minutes, but it catches errors before the wire is sent. At the end, the representative will give you a confirmation number—write it down immediately.
If you're nervous about the call, write down what you want to say first. "I want to send $500 to John Smith at First National Bank. His account number is 123456789 and the routing number is 987654321." Reading from a script keeps you focused and reduces mistakes.
What to do if something goes wrong
If the recipient says they didn't receive the money by the next business day, contact your bank with your confirmation number. Ask them to trace the wire. They will contact the receiving bank and find out whether the money arrived, where it went, or whether it was rejected.
If the money went to the wrong account because you provided incorrect details, your bank cannot reverse it. You'll have to contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the funds, which they may or may not do. This is why verifying every detail before sending is critical.
If your bank made an error—for example, they sent the money to the wrong routing number—they are responsible for recovering it. Report the error immediately and ask your bank to file a claim with the receiving bank. Keep your confirmation number and all documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?
Not reliably. Once a wire leaves your bank, it's gone. Some banks can stop a wire within minutes of sending if you call immediately, but most cannot. If the wire has already been received by the other bank, it cannot be reversed. Always verify all details before authorizing the transfer.
What's the difference between a wire transfer and an ACH transfer?
Wire transfers are fast (same day) and irreversible, but cost $15 to $30. ACH transfers are slower (3 to 5 business days) but usually free or cost $1. Use a wire when you need money to arrive urgently or when the recipient requires it. Use ACH for routine bills and transfers where timing is flexible.
Do I need to tell my bank I'm sending a large wire?
You don't have to, but it's a good idea. Banks monitor large wires for fraud, and if your wire looks unusual, they may block it. A quick call beforehand prevents delays. There's no legal threshold you have to report to your bank, but wires over $10,000 are reported to the IRS as a matter of routine.
What if the recipient's bank rejects the wire?
The receiving bank may reject a wire if the account number doesn't match the name, if the account is closed, or if there's a fraud hold. When this happens, the money returns to your bank within 3 to 5 business days. Your bank will notify you and credit your account. Contact the recipient to verify their account details and try again.
Can I wire money from a savings account?
Yes. Most banks allow wires from both checking and savings accounts. The process is the same, and the fee is usually the same. Some banks limit the number of wires you can send from a savings account per month—check your account terms or ask your bank.