The basic steps to send a wire transfer
To wire money to a bank account, you need four pieces of information: the recipient's full name, their bank account number, their bank's routing number, and the amount you want to send. You then contact your own bank—by phone, in person, or through their website or app—and provide those details plus authorization to debit your account. Your bank sends the 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 early enough.
The recipient does not need to do anything. The money arrives in their account automatically once their bank receives and processes the wire. You will receive a confirmation number from your bank; keep this in case you need to track the transfer or dispute it later.
Key Takeaways
- You need the recipient's full name, account number, routing number, and the amount—missing or incorrect details will delay or reject the transfer.
- Wire transfers are nearly irreversible once sent, so verify all information before you authorize the payment.
- Most banks charge a fee for outgoing domestic wires, typically between $15 and $30, though some waive the fee for certain account types.
- International wires take longer (three to five business days) and cost more, and you may need additional information like the recipient's SWIFT code or IBAN.
Where to get the routing and account numbers you need
The recipient's routing number appears on their bank's website, usually in a section labeled "routing numbers" or "bank details." You can also call their bank directly and ask for the routing number—they will give it to you without needing the account holder's permission. The account number is printed on the bottom left of their checks, or they can tell you directly. If they do not have checks, they can log into their online banking and find the account number in their account settings.
Ask the recipient to confirm both numbers back to you before you initiate the wire. A single digit wrong in either number can send your money to the wrong account or cause the transfer to fail. If the transfer fails, your bank will return the money to your account, but this can take several business days.
How to initiate a wire through your bank
Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for "Send Money," "Wire Transfer," or "Payments." Most banks have a dedicated section for this. Enter the recipient's name, account number, and routing number exactly as you received them. Enter the amount and select the date you want the transfer to go out—most banks allow you to schedule it for today or a future date. Review all the details on the confirmation screen before you submit.
If your bank does not offer online wires or you prefer to speak to someone, call the wire transfer department or visit a branch in person. Bring a photo ID. The bank will ask you to confirm the recipient's information verbally and may ask why you are sending the money. Answer honestly; banks are required to ask this for fraud prevention. You will sign a wire authorization form (or confirm electronically) and receive a confirmation number immediately.
Wire transfer fees and what they cover
Domestic wire transfers typically cost $15 to $30 per outgoing wire. Some banks charge less for customers with premium accounts or those who maintain a high balance. A few banks waive wire fees entirely for certain account types, so check your account terms or call and ask. The fee is usually deducted from your account on the same day you send the wire.
International wires cost more—often $35 to $50—because they pass through multiple banks and currency conversion systems. The recipient's bank may also charge a fee to receive the wire, which they deduct from the amount that arrives. If you are sending money internationally, ask your bank whether the amount you specify is what the recipient will receive or whether fees will be subtracted from it.
What happens if you send money to the wrong account
Wire transfers are nearly impossible to reverse once the recipient's bank accepts them. If you realize you made a mistake immediately after sending, call your bank right away and ask them to attempt a recall. Some banks can stop a wire before it settles, but this window is usually only a few hours. If the money has already been deposited into the wrong account, your bank can contact that bank and ask them to return it, but the receiving bank is not legally required to comply.
If the money does not come back, your only recourse is to contact the recipient directly and ask them to return it, or to pursue a civil claim. This is why verifying the account number and routing number with the recipient before you send is critical. If you are sending a large amount or to someone you have never wired to before, consider sending a small test amount first to confirm the account is correct.
International wire transfers and additional requirements
Sending money to a bank account outside the United States requires additional information. You will need the recipient's SWIFT code (a code that identifies their bank internationally) or their IBAN (International Bank Account Number), depending on the country. Ask the recipient which one their bank uses. You may also need their bank's name and address.
International wires take three to five business days instead of one, because the money passes through multiple intermediary banks. The exchange rate is set by your bank on the day the wire is sent, not the day it arrives. Some banks charge an additional fee if the wire passes through intermediary banks, so ask your bank upfront what the total cost will be. The recipient's bank may also deduct a fee from the amount received.
When a wire transfer fails or gets stuck
A wire can fail if the routing number or account number is incorrect, if the account has been closed, or if the recipient's bank rejects it for fraud prevention reasons. Your bank will notify you of the failure, usually within one to two business days. The money will be returned to your account within three to five business days after that.
If a wire appears to be stuck—you sent it days ago but the recipient has not received it—contact your bank with your confirmation number. Ask them to trace the wire and find out where it is in the system. Provide the recipient's bank name and account number so they can follow the path. Most banks can locate a wire within 24 hours if it has been sent but not yet delivered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?
Only if you act immediately—within minutes of sending. Call your bank and ask them to attempt a recall. If the money has already been deposited into the recipient's account, cancellation is not possible. You would have to contact the recipient and ask them to return the money voluntarily.
Do I need the recipient's permission to wire money to their account?
No. If you have their account number and routing number, you can send money to their account without asking them first. However, it is good practice to tell them the wire is coming so they know to expect it and can confirm it arrived.
What is the maximum amount I can wire?
Most banks do not have a hard limit on wire amounts, but they may flag unusually large wires for fraud review, which can delay the transfer by a day or two. If you are sending a very large amount, call your bank in advance and let them know so they can process it smoothly.
How long does a wire transfer take if I send it on a weekend?
Wire transfers only process on business days. If you send a wire on Saturday or Sunday, it will not leave your bank until Monday morning and will not arrive at the recipient's bank until Tuesday at the earliest. Some banks allow you to schedule wires in advance, so you can set one up on Friday to go out Monday morning.
Will the recipient see my name when the wire arrives?
Yes. Your name appears in the wire transfer details so the recipient knows who sent the money. This is part of the wire instruction and cannot be hidden.