The basic steps to send a wire transfer

To wire money from your bank to another bank, you log into your online banking portal or call your bank, provide the recipient's full name and account number, their bank's routing number, and the amount you want to send. Your bank then sends an electronic instruction to the recipient's bank, which deposits the money into their account. The whole process usually takes one business day, though some banks complete it the same day if you initiate the transfer before their cutoff time—typically 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Eastern time.

You will need the recipient's information to be exact. A single digit wrong in the account number or routing number can send your money to the wrong account, and recovering it is difficult and slow. Before you hit send, read back every number out loud to yourself or ask the recipient to confirm their details over the phone.

Wire transfers are not reversible once they leave your bank. Unlike a check or a credit card payment, you cannot stop a wire after it has been initiated. This is why banks ask you to verify the recipient's information and why you should never wire money to someone you do not know or trust.

Key Takeaways

  • You need the recipient's full name, account number, routing number, and the amount—any error in these details can send money to the wrong account.
  • Wire transfers typically complete within one business day, and same-day transfers are possible if you initiate before your bank's cutoff time.
  • Once a wire leaves your bank, you cannot cancel it, so verify all recipient information before confirming the transfer.
  • Your bank will charge a fee for outgoing domestic wires, usually between $15 and $30, and international wires cost more.
  • If money goes to the wrong account, contact your bank immediately—they can file a trace, but recovery is not may provide.

Where to initiate a wire transfer

Most banks let you start a wire transfer through their online banking website or mobile app. Log in, look for a "Send Money" or "Wire Transfer" option, and follow the prompts to enter the recipient's information and the amount. If you do not use online banking or prefer to speak to someone, call your bank's customer service line and ask to initiate a wire. Some banks also let you walk into a branch and request a wire in person, though this is slower and may require an appointment.

Credit unions typically offer wire transfers to members, and the process is the same: online, by phone, or in person. If your bank or credit union does not offer wire transfers, you can use a money transfer service like Western Union or MoneyGram, though these charge higher fees and are slower than bank wires.

Information you need before you start

Gather the recipient's details before you log into your bank. You will need their full legal name (as it appears on their bank account), their account number, and their bank's routing number. 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.

If the recipient's bank is outside the United States, you will also need the bank's SWIFT code (an international identifier) or IBAN (International Bank Account Number), depending on the country. Ask the recipient which one their bank uses. International wires take longer—usually three to five business days—and cost significantly more than domestic wires.

Do not rely on the recipient to spell out their information verbally. Ask them to send it to you in writing, or verify it directly with their bank. A mistyped name or account number is the most common reason a wire goes to the wrong place.

Fees and timing

Domestic wire transfers sent from your bank to another U.S. bank typically cost between $15 and $30 per transfer. Some banks charge less if you are a premium customer or if you maintain a high balance. International wires cost more—often $35 to $50 or higher—because they pass through multiple banks and currency exchanges.

Timing depends on when you initiate the transfer. If you send a wire before your bank's cutoff time on a business day, the money usually arrives the same day or by the next business day. If you send it after the cutoff or on a weekend or holiday, it will not process until the next business day. Some banks offer expedited wires that may provide same-day delivery, but these cost extra.

The receiving bank may take an additional day to make the money available in the recipient's account, even after the wire arrives. Most banks credit wire transfers immediately, but some hold them for a day or require the recipient to confirm the deposit.

What happens if the wire goes to the wrong account

If you realize you made a mistake—wrong account number, wrong routing number, or wrong recipient name—contact your bank immediately. Do not wait. Your bank can file a "wire trace" to try to locate and recover the money, but success is not may provide. The receiving bank is not required to return the money if the account number was correct, even if the name does not match.

If the money went to the wrong bank entirely, your bank will work with the other bank to retrieve it. This process can take weeks, and there is no may provide the money will come back. In the meantime, you may need to send the correct amount to the intended recipient and absorb the loss yourself.

To avoid this, call the recipient and have them read their account number and routing number to you directly. Ask them to spell out their name as it appears on their account. If anything sounds off or different from what you expected, ask them to confirm it with their bank before you send the wire.

Wire transfers versus other payment methods

Wire transfers are fast and final, which makes them useful for time-sensitive payments like down payments on a house or urgent bills. They are also safer than sending cash or a check through the mail. However, they are not reversible, so they carry more risk if you send money to someone you do not know.

ACH transfers (Automated Clearing House) are slower but cheaper. They take three to five business days and usually cost nothing or a small fee. Use ACH for routine bills and payments where speed does not matter. Credit card payments are also reversible if there is a dispute, whereas wire transfers are not.

For large amounts or international payments, a wire is often the only option. For small, routine payments, ACH or a credit card is usually better. For payments to someone you do not know or trust, avoid wires altogether—use a credit card or a service like PayPal that offers buyer protection.

Security and fraud prevention

Wire fraud is common because wires are irreversible. Scammers pose as landlords, contractors, or business partners and ask you to wire money for a deposit, invoice, or urgent payment. Once the money leaves your bank, it is gone. Never wire money based on an email or text message alone, even if it appears to come from someone you know. Call the person directly using a phone number you know is correct.

Your bank will ask you to confirm the recipient's information before processing the wire. Take this seriously. If the bank asks "Are you sure?" or "Do you know this person?", pause and verify. Banks have caught many fraud attempts at this step.

If you suspect you have been the victim of wire fraud, contact your bank and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov. Report the fraud to your bank within 24 hours if possible. The sooner you report it, the better the chance your bank can intercept the wire before it is withdrawn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?

Not reliably. Once a wire leaves your bank, it is in the banking system and cannot be stopped. Some banks may be able to recall a wire if it has not been delivered yet, but this is rare and not may provide. Contact your bank immediately if you need to cancel, but assume the money is gone.

How long does a wire transfer actually take?

Domestic wires usually arrive within one business day, often the same day if sent before your bank's cutoff. International wires take three to five business days. The receiving bank may take an additional day to credit the account, even after the wire arrives.

What if I wire money to someone and they say they never received it?

Ask them to check their bank account—the money may be there but not yet visible. If it is truly missing, contact your bank and file a wire trace. Provide your bank with the recipient's account number and routing number so they can search the receiving bank's records. This process takes time and is not always successful.

Do I need a special account to send a wire transfer?

No. Any checking or savings account at a bank or credit union can send a wire transfer. You do not need a business account or a premium account, though some banks charge lower fees for premium customers.

Is there a limit to how much I can wire?

Limits vary by bank. Some banks cap daily wire transfers at $10,000 or $25,000 for security reasons. If you need to send more, contact your bank to request a higher limit or split the transfer across multiple days. Large wires may trigger additional verification or reporting requirements.