The basic process: what you need before you start
To send a wire transfer, you need the recipient's full name, their bank account number, and their bank's routing number (for domestic wires) or SWIFT code (for international wires). You also need to know how much you're sending and have that amount available in your account. Most banks let you initiate a wire through online banking, by phone, or in person at a branch.
The speed and cost depend on which bank you use and which type of wire you choose. Domestic wires typically arrive the same business day; international wires take one to five business days. Fees range from $15 to $50 per wire, though some banks waive fees for certain account types.
Before you start, verify the recipient's information with them directly—misspelled names or wrong account numbers can delay or misdirect the transfer. Once a wire leaves your bank, it is difficult to stop or reverse, so accuracy matters more than speed.
Key Takeaways
- You need the recipient's full name, account number, and routing number (domestic) or SWIFT code (international) before you can send a wire.
- Domestic wires usually arrive the same business day; international wires take one to five business days depending on the receiving bank.
- Wire fees typically range from $15 to $50, and some banks charge extra for rush or international transfers.
- Once sent, a wire is nearly impossible to recall, so confirm all recipient details by phone or email before you submit.
- You can send a wire online, by phone, or in person, but online is usually fastest and some banks charge less for it.
Step 1: Gather the recipient's banking details
Ask the recipient for their full legal name (exactly as it appears on their account), their account number, and their bank's routing number. For domestic U.S. wires, the routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the bank. You can find it on a check, on the bank's website, or by calling the bank directly.
For international wires, you need the SWIFT code instead of a routing number. The SWIFT code is usually eight or eleven characters and identifies the bank and country. Ask the recipient which one their bank uses, or search the SWIFT directory online using the bank's name and country.
Do not rely on information from an email or text message alone. Call the recipient or use a phone number you already have to confirm these details. Scammers sometimes intercept payment instructions and change the account number to redirect the money.
Step 2: Log into your bank's wire transfer system
Most banks offer wire transfers through their online banking portal. Log in with your username and password, then look for a link labeled "Send Money," "Wire Transfer," or "Payments." Some banks put this under a "Transfers" or "Move Money" section.
If you do not use online banking or prefer not to, you can call your bank's wire transfer line or visit a branch in person. Phone and in-person wires sometimes cost more and may take longer to process, but they work if you do not have online access.
Have your account number and the recipient's information ready before you start. Most banks will ask you to confirm these details multiple times during the process.
Step 3: Enter the recipient's information
Type the recipient's full name exactly as it appears on their bank account. Banks match names to accounts, and a misspelled name can cause the wire to be rejected or held for review. If the name has special characters or accents, type them as they appear on official documents.
Enter the account number and routing number (or SWIFT code for international wires). Double-check each digit—a single wrong number will send the money to the wrong account. Some banks let you paste the information; others require you to type it in.
If you are sending money to someone at a different branch of the same bank, you may only need the account number, not the routing number. Your bank's system will tell you what is required.
Step 4: Specify the amount and wire type
Enter the dollar amount you want to send. Make sure you have that amount available in your account—banks will not process a wire if your balance is too low. Some banks place a hold on the money immediately; others deduct it only after the wire is sent.
Choose whether you want a standard wire or a rush wire. A standard domestic wire arrives the same business day if you send it before your bank's cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Eastern). A rush wire costs more but may arrive within hours. International wires take longer regardless of which option you choose.
For international wires, you may also need to specify the currency and whether the recipient pays the receiving bank's fees or you do. Ask your bank which option is available and what the total cost will be.
Step 5: Review and confirm all details
Before you submit, read through every field: recipient name, account number, routing number, amount, and wire type. Look for typos or transposed digits. If anything looks wrong, go back and correct it.
Some banks show you a summary screen and ask you to confirm that the information is correct. This is your last chance to catch a mistake. If you see an error, do not proceed—cancel and start over.
If you are sending a large amount or an international wire, your bank may require additional verification, such as a phone call or a security code sent to your phone. This is normal and protects your account from fraud.
Step 6: Submit the wire and get a confirmation number
Click "Send" or "Submit" to complete the wire transfer. Your bank will process it and assign a confirmation number. Write down this number or take a screenshot—you will need it if you have questions about the wire later or if something goes wrong.
The confirmation number is not the same as a tracking number. It proves that your bank received and processed your request, but it does not tell you whether the money has arrived at the recipient's bank yet.
Your bank will send you a receipt by email or make it available in your online banking portal. Keep this receipt for your records.
Step 7: Notify the recipient and wait for arrival
Tell the recipient that you have sent the wire and provide them with the amount and the date you sent it. They should check their account to see when the money arrives. For domestic wires, this is usually the same business day; for international wires, it can take several days.
If the wire does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact your bank with your confirmation number. Your bank can check the status and contact the receiving bank if needed. Do not assume the wire was lost—delays happen, especially with international transfers.
If the recipient says they did not receive the money and several business days have passed, your bank can file a trace to locate the wire. This process can take one to two weeks.
What to do if a wire goes to the wrong account
If you discover that you sent the wire to the wrong account number or the wrong bank, contact your bank immediately. The sooner you report the error, the better your chances of stopping or reversing the wire. If the wire has already been delivered to the receiving bank, your bank can ask that bank to return the funds, but the receiving bank is not required to comply.
If the receiving bank refuses to return the money, you may need to contact the recipient directly and ask them to send it back. If that does not work, you can file a complaint with your bank's customer service department or with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Recovery is not may provide, which is why verifying the account number before you send is so important.
Some banks offer wire transfer insurance or fraud protection that may cover losses from sending money to the wrong account. Check your account agreement or ask your bank whether this coverage applies to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?
It depends on how quickly you act. If you contact your bank within minutes of sending the wire and before it has been delivered to the receiving bank, your bank may be able to stop it. Once the receiving bank has accepted the wire, cancellation is nearly impossible. Call your bank's wire transfer line immediately if you need to cancel.
Why does my bank charge a fee for wire transfers?
Wire transfers require manual processing and verification by bank staff, and banks must maintain systems to prevent fraud and comply with regulations. These costs are passed to customers as fees. Some banks waive fees for certain account types or if you maintain a minimum balance.
What is the difference between a domestic and international wire?
A domestic wire stays within the United States and uses routing numbers. An international wire crosses borders and uses SWIFT codes. International wires take longer (one to five business days), cost more, and may involve currency conversion. The receiving bank may also deduct fees from the amount that arrives.
Do I need to report a wire transfer to the IRS?
Wire transfers themselves are not reported to the IRS, but large transfers may trigger reporting by your bank. Banks report domestic wire transfers over $10,000 to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). This is routine and does not mean you have done anything wrong. International wires have different reporting rules depending on the amount and the country.
What happens if the recipient's bank rejects the wire?
If the receiving bank rejects the wire because of incorrect information or account issues, the money returns to your account within one to five business days. Your bank will notify you of the rejection. You can then correct the information and send the wire again.