The basic steps to wire money from your bank account
To send a wire transfer, you log into your bank's online platform or call the wire department, provide the recipient's banking details, enter the amount, and authorize the transfer. Your bank then sends the money directly to the recipient's bank account, usually within one business day for domestic transfers and two to five business days for international ones. The money leaves your account immediately, but the recipient may not see it until their bank processes it on the receiving end.
You need the recipient's full name, account number, and routing number (for domestic US transfers) or SWIFT code and IBAN (for international transfers). Some banks also ask for the recipient's address. Have this information ready before you start—wire transfers cannot be reversed once sent, so accuracy matters.
Key Takeaways
- Wire transfers move money directly from your bank account to another bank account and cannot be canceled once sent, so verify all recipient details before authorizing.
- Domestic wires typically arrive within one business day; international wires take two to five business days depending on the receiving country's banking system.
- You will need the recipient's routing number and account number for domestic transfers, or their SWIFT code and IBAN for international transfers.
- Most banks charge a fee for outgoing wires, ranging from $15 to $50 depending on whether the transfer is domestic or international.
- If you suspect fraud or the wire was sent to the wrong account, contact your bank immediately—the sooner you report it, the better the chance of recovery.
How to initiate a wire through online banking
Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for a "Send Money," "Wire Transfer," or "Pay" section. Most banks place this in the main menu or under a "Transfers" tab. Click the option to send a wire and select whether it is domestic or international.
Enter the recipient's name exactly as it appears on their bank account—middle initials and spelling must match. Then enter their account number and routing number (for US domestic wires). Double-check both numbers before moving forward. Some banks ask you to name the recipient (for example, "Mom's Savings Account") so you can recognize the wire if you send to the same person again.
Enter the amount you want to send and review the fee your bank will charge—this is usually shown before you confirm. Then authorize the transfer using your password, PIN, or biometric authentication. You will receive a confirmation number immediately. Save this number in case you need to contact your bank about the wire later.
Sending a wire by phone or in person
If you do not use online banking or prefer to speak with someone, call your bank's wire transfer department or visit a branch in person. Have the recipient's information ready: their full name, account number, routing number, and the amount you want to send.
A bank representative will walk you through the process and may ask security questions to verify your identity. They will read back the recipient's details to confirm accuracy before processing the wire. In-person wires at a branch may take longer than online wires because the bank has to enter the information into their system, but the transfer itself moves at the same speed once submitted.
International wire transfers and what you need
International wires require different information than domestic ones. Instead of a routing number, you need the recipient's bank's SWIFT code (a unique identifier for banks worldwide) and the recipient's IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which replaces the account number format used in the US. Some countries use different account numbering systems, so ask the recipient for their IBAN specifically.
International wires take longer because they pass through multiple banks and currency conversion systems. A wire sent on a Monday morning might not arrive until Wednesday or Thursday, depending on the receiving country's banking hours and whether weekends or holidays fall in between. Some banks also charge higher fees for international wires—often $30 to $50 or more—and may deduct a currency conversion fee from the amount the recipient receives.
Before sending an international wire, confirm with the recipient that they have provided the correct IBAN and SWIFT code. A single digit wrong in an IBAN can send the money to the wrong account or cause the transfer to be rejected and returned to you, which takes additional time.
Fees and what to expect
Most banks charge a fee for sending a wire transfer. Domestic outgoing wires typically cost $15 to $30, while international wires cost $30 to $50 or more. Some banks charge different amounts depending on whether you send the wire online or by phone. A few banks waive wire fees for customers who maintain a minimum balance or have a premium account, so check your account terms.
The fee is deducted from your account when the wire is sent. The recipient does not pay a fee to receive a domestic wire, though some banks charge a small fee ($5 to $15) for incoming international wires. If you are sending money internationally, ask the recipient whether their bank charges an incoming wire fee so you can send enough to cover both the wire and any fees they might owe.
Tracking your wire and confirming delivery
After you send a wire, your bank provides a confirmation number. Use this number to track the wire's status. Log back into your online banking or call your bank's wire department and reference the confirmation number to ask whether the wire has been sent and, if it is international, whether it has been received by the recipient's bank.
For domestic wires, the money usually arrives within one business day. For international wires, allow two to five business days. If the wire does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact your bank with the confirmation number. They can check the status with the receiving bank and determine whether the wire is delayed or stuck in the system.
Ask the recipient to confirm when they receive the money. If they do not see it after the expected timeframe, contact your bank immediately. The sooner you report a missing wire, the better the chance your bank can trace it and recover the funds.
What to do if a wire goes to the wrong account
Wire transfers cannot be canceled once sent, but if you realize you sent money to the wrong account, contact your bank immediately—do not wait. Provide your confirmation number and explain the error. Your bank can attempt to contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the funds, but success depends on whether the receiving bank cooperates and whether the money has already been withdrawn.
If the receiving bank refuses to return the money or cannot locate it, your options are limited. You may be able to file a dispute with your bank, though wire transfers have less fraud protection than credit card or ACH transfers. Some banks will pursue a civil claim on your behalf, but this is expensive and time-consuming. The best protection is to verify all recipient details before authorizing the wire.
If you suspect the wire was sent as a result of fraud or a scam—for example, someone impersonated a business or person you trust—report it to your bank and to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov. Provide your confirmation number and all details about how the fraud occurred.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a wire transfer actually take?
Domestic US wires typically arrive within one business day, often the same day if sent before your bank's cutoff time (usually 2 or 3 p.m.). International wires take two to five business days because they pass through multiple banks and currency systems. Weekends and holidays add extra time.
Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?
No. Once a wire is sent and confirmed, it cannot be canceled. If you realize you made an error, contact your bank immediately with your confirmation number so they can attempt to recover the funds from the receiving bank, but there is no may provide they will succeed.
What happens if I enter the wrong account number?
The wire will be sent to the account number you provided, which may belong to someone else. Contact your bank right away with your confirmation number. Your bank can ask the receiving bank to return the funds, but they are not required to do so. The sooner you report the error, the better your chances of recovery.
Do I need to tell the recipient I am sending a wire?
It is a good idea to notify the recipient before sending a wire so they know to expect it and can confirm when it arrives. This also gives you a chance to verify their account number and routing number (or IBAN and SWIFT code) before you send the money.
Is a wire transfer safer than other payment methods?
Wire transfers are fast and direct, but they offer less fraud protection than credit cards or ACH transfers. Once sent, a wire cannot be reversed. If you are sending money to someone you do not know or trust, consider using a different payment method that offers buyer protection or the ability to dispute the transaction.