The basic steps to send a wire transfer
To wire money from one bank to another, you need your recipient's bank account number, routing number, and the bank's name and address. Log into your sending bank's online banking portal or call their wire transfer department, provide those details plus the amount you want to send, and authorize the transfer. Your bank will deduct the money immediately and send it to the receiving bank, which typically deposits it within one business day—often the same day if both banks process it before their cutoff time (usually 2 or 3 p.m. Eastern).
The process is the same whether you're wiring to your own account at another bank or to someone else's account. The key difference is that you control the sending bank, so you initiate the transfer there. If someone is wiring money to you, they follow these same steps at their bank, and you just wait for the deposit to arrive in your account.
Key Takeaways
- You need the recipient's account number, routing number, bank name, and bank address before you start—get these details in writing to avoid errors.
- Wire transfers are irreversible once sent, so confirm all recipient details with the receiving bank before authorizing the transfer.
- Most banks charge $15 to $50 per outgoing wire transfer, and some charge a fee to receive one as well.
- Domestic wires (within the United States) usually arrive within one business day; international wires take three to five business days and cost more.
- If you make a mistake on the recipient details, contact your bank immediately—they may be able to recall the transfer, but only if the receiving bank has not yet processed it.
Where to find your recipient's routing and account numbers
The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the receiving bank. You can find it on the recipient's checks (it's the first set of numbers at the bottom left), on their bank's website, or by calling their bank directly. The account number is usually printed on the check as well, or the recipient can log into their online banking and find it there.
Ask the recipient to provide both numbers in writing—text, email, or a photo of a check—so you have them exactly right. A single digit wrong in either number will send the money to the wrong account or cause the transfer to fail. If you're unsure, call the receiving bank yourself and confirm the routing number and account number before you authorize the wire.
For international wires, you'll also need the recipient's bank's SWIFT code (an eight or eleven-character code that identifies banks worldwide) and sometimes an IBAN (International Bank Account Number). Ask your recipient or their bank for these codes.
How to initiate a wire through your bank
Most banks let you start a wire transfer online through their website or mobile app. Log in, look for "Send Money," "Wire Transfer," or "Payments," and select the option to send a wire. You'll enter the recipient's name, bank name, routing number, account number, and the amount. Review all the details carefully—this is your last chance to catch a mistake.
If you're not comfortable doing it online, call your bank's wire transfer department. They can walk you through the process over the phone and will ask you to confirm the recipient's details out loud. Some banks require you to authorize the wire in person at a branch, especially for large amounts or if you're a new customer.
Your bank will tell you the wire fee (usually $15 to $50 for a domestic wire) and show you the total amount that will be deducted from your account. The fee is separate from the transfer amount—if you're sending $5,000, your bank might deduct $5,025 if the fee is $25. Confirm this before you authorize.
What happens after you send the wire
Once you authorize the transfer, your bank immediately deducts the money from your account. Your bank then sends the wire instructions to the receiving bank, usually within minutes. The receiving bank processes the wire and deposits the money into the recipient's account—this typically happens the same business day if both banks process wires before their cutoff time, or the next business day if the wire arrives after hours.
You'll receive a confirmation number from your bank. Save this number; you'll need it if you ever need to track the wire or dispute it. Your bank can use the confirmation number to look up the wire in their system and tell you whether it was delivered.
The recipient will see the deposit in their account, usually with a note showing your name and the sending bank. If they don't see it within one business day, they should contact their bank to confirm the wire arrived.
Wire transfer fees and what they cover
Domestic wire transfers typically cost $15 to $50, depending on your bank. Some banks charge less if you're a premium customer or if you wire money frequently. A few banks offer one free wire transfer per month or per year, so check your account terms.
The receiving bank may also charge a fee to receive the wire—usually $10 to $15. This fee is deducted from the amount the recipient receives, so if you're sending $5,000 and the receiving bank charges $15, the recipient gets $4,985. Ask the recipient's bank about their receiving fee before you send, so the recipient knows what to expect.
International wires cost significantly more—usually $35 to $75 or higher—because they pass through multiple banks and currency conversion may be involved. The receiving bank's fee for an international wire is also typically higher. If you're sending money overseas regularly, ask your bank about lower-cost alternatives like international ACH transfers or money transfer services.
What to do if you made a mistake on the wire
If you realize you sent the wire to the wrong account number or the wrong bank, contact your bank immediately—do not wait. Your bank can attempt to recall the wire, but only if the receiving bank has not yet processed and released the funds. If the receiving bank has already deposited the money, a recall will fail, and you'll have to contact the recipient directly and ask them to send the money back.
If the wire went to the right bank but the wrong account (for example, you transposed a digit in the account number), the receiving bank may be able to identify the error and return the funds to your bank. This process can take several days or weeks. Your bank will guide you through the steps and may ask you to sign a form authorizing the recall.
If the wire went to a stranger's account and they refuse to return it, you may need to file a dispute with your bank or pursue legal action. This is rare, but it underscores why confirming the recipient's details before you send is so important.
Domestic wires versus international wires
A domestic wire stays within the United States and uses the receiving bank's routing number to identify where the money goes. Domestic wires usually arrive the same business day or the next business day and cost $15 to $50.
An international wire leaves the United States and goes to a bank in another country. It uses the receiving bank's SWIFT code and sometimes an IBAN to route the money. International wires take three to five business days because they pass through multiple intermediary banks, and they cost $35 to $75 or more. Currency conversion fees may also apply if the receiving bank is in a country that uses a different currency.
If you're sending money to someone in another country regularly, ask your bank whether they offer lower-cost options like international ACH transfers (if the country supports it) or whether they have partnerships with banks in that country that reduce fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?
You can attempt to cancel only if you contact your bank immediately—within minutes of sending. Your bank can ask the receiving bank to recall the wire, but only if the receiving bank has not yet processed it. Once the receiving bank deposits the money, a recall will fail. If the money has been delivered, you'll have to ask the recipient to send it back.
How long does a wire transfer take?
Domestic wires usually arrive the same business day if sent before the bank's cutoff time (typically 2 or 3 p.m. Eastern), or the next business day if sent after hours or on a weekend. International wires take three to five business days. The exact timing depends on when both banks process wires and whether either bank is closed for a holiday.
What if the wire transfer fails?
If the receiving bank rejects the wire because the account number or routing number is wrong, the money returns to your sending bank within one to three business days. Your bank will credit your account and notify you. You can then correct the recipient's details and send the wire again.
Do I need to tell the recipient I'm sending a wire?
It's a good idea to let them know the amount and the approximate arrival time so they're expecting the deposit. This also gives them a chance to confirm their account number and routing number with you before you send, reducing the risk of a mistake.
Can I wire money to a savings account?
Yes, you can wire money to a savings account, checking account, or money market account. You just need the account number and routing number. The type of account does not matter to the wire transfer process.