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 electronically to the recipient's bank, and the recipient's bank deposits it into their account. The whole process usually takes one to two business days, though some banks offer same-day wiring for an additional fee.
The recipient does not need to do anything. Once the money arrives at their bank, it is in their account. They will see it as a deposit, often with a reference number or your name attached so they know where it came from.
Key Takeaways
- You need the recipient's full name, account number, routing number, and their bank's name and address before you start a wire transfer.
- Wire transfers typically cost between $15 and $50 depending on whether the transfer is domestic or international, and whether you use your bank or a money transfer service.
- Domestic wire transfers usually arrive within one to two business days; international wires can take three to five business days or longer.
- Once a wire transfer is sent, you cannot cancel it if the recipient's bank has already received it, so verify all details before you authorize the transfer.
- If you send money to the wrong account, you will need to contact your bank and the recipient bank to attempt recovery, which is not may provide.
Where to get the information you need
The recipient can give you most of what you need. Ask them for their account number and routing number—they can find both on the bottom left of a check, or they can log into their online banking and look under account details. If they do not have a check or online access, they can call their bank's customer service line and ask for their routing number and account number.
You can also look up a routing number yourself if you know the bank's name. The American Bankers Association maintains a routing number database at routingnumber.aba.org, or you can search "[bank name] routing number" online. Make sure you have the routing number for the specific branch or region where the recipient banks, because some large banks have different routing numbers for different locations.
Confirm the recipient's full name exactly as it appears on their account. A wire sent to "John Smith" will not go through if the account is registered as "John Michael Smith" or "J. Smith." Ask the recipient to spell their name and confirm the spelling matches their bank account.
Sending a wire through your bank
Most banks let you initiate 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 will be asked to enter the recipient's name, account number, routing number, bank name, and the amount. Some banks also ask for the recipient's address. Double-check every detail before you submit.
If you prefer to wire in person or by phone, call your bank's wire transfer department or visit a branch. A representative will walk you through the information they need and may ask you to verify your identity. Over the phone, expect the bank to read back the details to you before processing—listen carefully and correct any errors on the spot.
Your bank will charge a fee, typically $15 to $30 for a domestic wire and $35 to $50 for an international wire. Some banks waive the fee if you maintain a certain account balance or have a premium account. Ask about the fee before you authorize the transfer.
Using a money transfer service instead of your bank
If you do not want to use your bank, you can send a wire through a money transfer service like Western Union, MoneyGram, or OFX. These services work differently from bank wires—you give them the money (in cash, by debit card, or by bank transfer), they send it to the recipient's bank, and the recipient picks it up or has it deposited into their account.
Money transfer services are useful if you need to send money quickly, do not have a bank account yourself, or want to avoid your bank's wire fee. However, their fees are often higher than bank fees—$10 to $40 depending on the amount and destination—and the exchange rate for international transfers is usually worse than what your bank offers.
To use a money transfer service, you can visit a physical location (Western Union and MoneyGram have thousands of agents at grocery stores, pharmacies, and check-cashing shops), or you can send money online through their website or app. Online transfers are faster and usually cheaper than in-person transfers.
What happens after you send the wire
Once you authorize the wire, your bank sends it to the Federal Reserve or to the recipient's bank directly. Your account is debited immediately—the money is gone from your balance right away, even if the recipient has not received it yet. You will receive a confirmation number. Save this number; you will need it if you have to follow up on the transfer.
For a domestic wire, the recipient's bank usually receives the money within one to two business days. For an international wire, add two to three more days, depending on the destination country and whether the recipient's bank is in a time zone far from yours. Some banks offer expedited wiring for a higher fee if you need the money to arrive the same day.
The recipient will see the deposit in their account as a credit from your bank or as a wire transfer. The deposit will usually include your name or a reference number so they know where the money came from.
If you need to cancel or recover a wire
If you realize you made a mistake immediately after sending the wire, call your bank right away. If the recipient's bank has not yet received the transfer, your bank may be able to stop it. However, if the money has already arrived at the recipient's bank, your bank cannot recall it. Once it is in the recipient's account, only the recipient can send it back to you.
If you sent money to the wrong account by mistake, contact your bank and provide the confirmation number. Your bank can contact the recipient bank and ask them to reverse the transfer, but the recipient bank is not required to do so. If the recipient refuses to return the money, you may have to pursue the matter through small claims court or a civil lawsuit, which is expensive and time-consuming.
If the wire was sent to the correct account but the recipient claims they never received it, ask the recipient to check their bank account carefully—sometimes deposits appear under a different name or reference number than expected. If the money is truly missing, contact your bank with the confirmation number. Your bank can trace the wire and confirm whether it arrived at the recipient's bank. If it arrived but the recipient's bank lost it, the recipient's bank is responsible for investigating and recovering the funds.
Wire transfer fees and timing comparison
| Method | Typical Fee | Domestic Timing | International Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank wire transfer | $15–$30 domestic; $35–$50 international | 1–2 business days | 3–5 business days |
| Expedited bank wire | $25–$50 | Same day (if sent before cutoff) | 1–2 business days |
| Money transfer service (online) | $10–$40 | 1–2 business days | 2–4 business days |
| Money transfer service (in-person) | $15–$50 | Minutes to hours | 1–3 business days |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wire money on a weekend or holiday?
You can initiate a wire transfer online any time, but your bank will not process it until the next business day. If you send a wire on Friday evening, it will not leave your bank until Monday morning, and the recipient will not receive it until Tuesday or Wednesday. Some banks offer expedited weekend wiring, but it costs extra and is not available everywhere.
What if I do not know the recipient's routing number?
Ask the recipient for it, or look it up online using the bank's name. You can also call the recipient's bank directly and ask for the routing number—they will give it to you over the phone. Do not guess or use a routing number you find online without confirming it with the bank or the recipient.
Is a wire transfer safer than sending a check?
A wire transfer is faster and harder to intercept than a check, but it is not reversible once sent. A check can be stopped if you catch the mistake in time. If you wire money to the wrong person, recovery is difficult. With a check, the recipient has to deposit it, which gives you time to cancel if needed.
Do I need the recipient's address to send a wire?
Most banks do not require the recipient's address for a domestic wire, only their name, account number, and routing number. Some banks ask for it anyway. International wires often require an address. Check with your bank about what they need before you start the transfer.
What does it mean if my wire transfer is pending?
Pending means your bank has sent the wire but the recipient's bank has not yet confirmed receipt. For a domestic wire, this usually resolves within one to two business days. If a wire stays pending longer than that, contact your bank with the confirmation number and ask them to trace it.