The basic steps to send a wire transfer
To wire money from your bank, you need your bank's routing number, the recipient's full name and account number, their bank's routing number, and the amount you want to send. Call your bank's wire transfer line or log into online banking, provide these details, confirm the amount and recipient information, and authorize the transfer. Most banks charge a fee between $15 and $30 per outgoing wire. The money typically leaves your account the same business day and arrives at the recipient's bank within one to two business days, though international wires take longer.
You do not need to visit a branch in person, though some banks still require it for first-time wires or large amounts. Many banks now let you initiate a wire entirely through their website or mobile app, then confirm it by phone or email. The key is having all the recipient's information correct before you start—banks will not reverse a wire sent to the wrong account number, even if you catch the mistake immediately.
Key Takeaways
- You need the recipient's full name, account number, and their bank's routing number before you can send a wire.
- Most wires leave your account the same business day and arrive at the recipient's bank within one to two business days.
- Wire transfer fees typically range from $15 to $30, and your bank will deduct this from your account along with the amount you are sending.
- Banks cannot reverse a wire once it has been sent, so verify the recipient's account number and routing number twice before authorizing the transfer.
- Some banks require you to call a dedicated wire line or visit a branch for your first wire or for amounts over a certain threshold.
Where to find your bank's routing number and the recipient's details
Your bank's routing number appears on the bottom left of your checks, or you can find it by logging into online banking, calling customer service, or visiting your bank's website. The routing number is a nine-digit code specific to your bank and the branch where your account is held. For the recipient, you need their account number (usually 8 to 17 digits) and their bank's routing number. Ask the recipient directly for both pieces of information rather than guessing—a wrong routing number sends the money to the wrong bank, and a wrong account number sends it to the wrong person at the right bank.
If the recipient's bank is outside the United States, you will need their IBAN (International Bank Account Number) or SWIFT code instead of a routing number. SWIFT codes are eight or eleven characters and identify the specific bank and branch internationally. The recipient should provide this information, or you can search for it on their bank's website. International wires take three to five business days and cost more than domestic wires—typically $25 to $50 depending on the amount and your bank's fees.
How to initiate a wire through online banking or by phone
Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for "Send Money," "Wire Transfer," or "Payments." Enter the recipient's name, account number, and routing number, then the amount and a reference note (optional but helpful for the recipient to know what the money is for). Review all details carefully—especially the account number and routing number—before clicking confirm. Your bank will show you the fee and the total amount that will leave your account. Some banks require you to verify the wire by clicking a link in an email or entering a code sent to your phone.
If your bank does not offer online wires or you prefer to speak with someone, call the wire transfer line on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Have all the recipient's information ready before you call. The representative will ask you to confirm the details out loud and may ask security questions to verify your identity. Once you authorize the wire verbally, it cannot be stopped or reversed. Ask the representative for a confirmation number and the expected delivery date before you hang up.
What happens after you send the wire
Your bank deducts the wire amount plus the fee from your account immediately, usually within minutes. The money then moves through the banking system—your bank sends it to a Federal Reserve processing center or a private clearing house, which routes it to the recipient's bank. The recipient's bank credits their account once the funds arrive. For domestic wires, this typically takes one to two business days. Weekends and bank holidays add time, so a wire sent on Friday afternoon may not arrive until Tuesday.
You will receive a confirmation number from your bank. Keep this number in case you need to track the wire or dispute it later. The recipient should see the money in their account within the timeframe your bank quoted. If the money does not arrive after two business days, contact your bank with the confirmation number and ask them to trace the wire. Your bank can contact the recipient's bank to confirm whether the funds arrived and where they went.
Wire transfer fees and limits
Domestic wire transfer fees range from $15 to $30 per outgoing wire, depending on your bank and account type. Some banks charge less if you have a premium account or maintain a high balance. International wires cost more—typically $25 to $50 or higher—because they pass through multiple banks and currency exchanges. Your bank will show you the exact fee before you authorize the wire. The fee is deducted from your account along with the amount you are sending, so if you want to send $500 and the fee is $25, your account will be charged $525 total.
Most banks do not have a maximum wire amount, but they may limit how much you can send in a single day or require you to call for very large transfers. Some banks also set a daily limit on how many wires you can send. Check your bank's terms or call customer service to learn your specific limits. If you are sending a large amount and your bank requires approval, start the process early—approval can take a few hours or a full business day.
How to stop or reverse a wire transfer
Once a wire has been sent and processed by the banking system, it cannot be reversed or recalled. If you realize you made a mistake—wrong account number, wrong amount, or wrong recipient—contact your bank immediately with your confirmation number. If the wire has not yet left your bank's system (usually within the first hour), your bank may be able to cancel it. After that, the money is in the recipient's bank's hands, and your bank cannot retrieve it.
If the money went to the wrong account at the right bank, your bank can contact the recipient's bank and ask them to return the funds, but the recipient's bank is not required to comply. If the money went to the wrong bank entirely, your bank will trace it and work with the other bank to recover it, but this process can take weeks. To avoid this situation, always verify the account number and routing number twice, and consider sending a small test amount first if you are wiring to a new recipient for the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?
Only if you contact your bank within the first hour, before the wire leaves their system. After that, the money is in the banking system and cannot be stopped. If it went to the wrong account, your bank can ask the other bank to return it, but they are not required to do so. Always verify the account number and routing number before you authorize the wire.
How long does a wire transfer take?
Domestic wires typically arrive within one to two business days. International wires take three to five business days. Wires sent on weekends or bank holidays may take longer because the banking system does not process them until the next business day. Ask your bank for the expected delivery date when you send the wire.
What if the wire goes to the wrong account?
Contact your bank immediately with your confirmation number. Your bank will trace the wire and contact the recipient's bank to ask them to return the funds. The recipient's bank can refuse to return the money, and recovery can take weeks or longer. This is why verifying the account number and routing number twice before sending is critical.
Do I need to go to the bank in person to send a wire?
Most banks now let you send a wire online or through their mobile app without visiting a branch. Some banks require you to call a dedicated wire line or visit in person for your first wire or for very large amounts. Check your bank's website or call customer service to learn their requirements.
What is the difference between a wire transfer and an ACH transfer?
A wire transfer is faster and more expensive—it typically arrives within one to two business days and costs $15 to $30. An ACH transfer is slower and cheaper—it typically takes three to five business days and costs nothing or a few dollars. Wire transfers are better for urgent or large payments; ACH transfers work for routine bills and smaller amounts.