The basic steps to send money by wire

To wire money from one bank to another, you need your recipient's bank account number, routing number, and the bank's name and address. You then contact your sending bank—by phone, online, or in person—give them those details plus the amount, and authorize the transfer. Your bank deducts the money immediately and sends it to the receiving bank, which deposits it into the recipient's account within one business day, often the same day if both banks process it before their cutoff times.

The speed and cost depend on which banks you use and whether you're sending domestically or internationally. Domestic wires between U.S. banks typically arrive within hours to one business day and cost $15 to $30. International wires take longer—usually two to five business days—and cost $35 to $50 or more, because they route through intermediary banks.

Wire transfers are one-way and nearly impossible to reverse once sent, so verify the recipient's details before you authorize anything. If you send money to the wrong account, you cannot simply cancel it like you can with a check or ACH transfer. The receiving bank has no obligation to return it unless the account holder agrees.

Key Takeaways

  • You need the recipient's account number, routing number, bank name, and address before you initiate a wire transfer.
  • Domestic wires arrive within one business day and cost $15 to $30; international wires take two to five days and cost $35 to $50 or more.
  • Wire transfers deduct money from your account immediately and cannot be reversed, so confirm all details before authorizing.
  • You can send a wire by phone, online banking, or in person at your bank's branch, depending on what your bank offers.
  • The receiving bank may hold the funds for one to three business days before making them available to the recipient, even after the wire arrives.

Where to get the information you need from the recipient

Ask the recipient for their account number and routing number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies their bank; they can find it on the bottom left of their checks, or by calling their bank or checking their online banking portal. The account number is on their checks as well, or in their online banking account.

You also need the name of the bank and its mailing address. If you are sending to a large national bank like Chase or Bank of America, your bank's system will likely have the address on file. If the recipient banks at a smaller or regional bank, ask them to provide the full address or confirm it with their bank directly.

For international wires, you will also need the recipient's SWIFT code (an eight- or eleven-character code that identifies the bank internationally) and sometimes an IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which varies by country. Ask the recipient to provide both, or have them contact their bank to confirm what information is required.

Sending a wire through your bank's online portal

Most banks allow you to send a wire through their website or mobile app. Log in, navigate to the "Send Money" or "Wire Transfer" section, and select "New Recipient" or "Add Payee." Enter the recipient's name, account number, routing number, and bank name. Your bank will verify the routing number; if it does not match the bank name you entered, the system will alert you.

After you confirm the recipient's details, enter the amount you want to send and review the fee your bank will charge. The fee appears on the same screen before you authorize the transfer. Then select the date you want the wire to send—most banks let you send immediately or schedule it for a future date—and authorize it with your password or biometric login.

Once you authorize the wire, your bank deducts the money from your account right away. You will receive a confirmation number; save this for your records. The wire then travels to the receiving bank, which typically deposits it within one business day for domestic transfers.

Sending a wire by phone or in person

If you prefer not to use online banking, call your bank's wire transfer line or visit a branch in person. Have the recipient's information ready: their name, account number, routing number, bank name, and address. A bank representative will enter this information into their system and read it back to you to confirm.

You will be asked to authorize the wire and confirm the amount one more time before it is sent. The bank will give you a confirmation number and may mail or email you a receipt. Wires sent by phone or in person follow the same timeline as online wires—they deduct immediately and arrive within one business day domestically.

Some banks charge a higher fee for phone or in-person wires than for online wires, so ask about the cost before you authorize. A few banks still require you to visit a branch in person to send a wire, particularly if you are sending a large amount or an international wire.

What happens after you send the wire

Once your bank sends the wire, the money leaves your account immediately. The receiving bank receives the wire within hours to one business day, depending on when your bank sent it and when the receiving bank processes incoming wires. Most banks process wires during business hours, so a wire sent after 5 p.m. on a Friday may not arrive until Monday.

After the receiving bank receives the wire, it deposits the funds into the recipient's account. However, the receiving bank may place a hold on the funds for one to three business days before the recipient can withdraw or transfer the money, even though the wire has arrived. This is less common than it used to be, but it still happens, particularly for large amounts or if the recipient's account is new.

You can track the status of your wire through your bank's online portal or by calling your bank. Your confirmation number will help the bank locate the transfer. If the wire does not arrive within one business day, contact your bank immediately; they can check with the receiving bank to see if there was a delay or error.

Fees and limits on wire transfers

Domestic wire transfer fees range from $15 to $30 per transfer, depending on your bank and whether you send the wire online or by phone. Some banks charge less for online wires and more for phone or in-person wires. A few banks offer one free wire per month or waive fees for customers with certain account types, so check your bank's fee schedule or ask a representative.

International wire fees are higher, typically $35 to $50 or more, and some banks charge an additional fee if the receiving bank is in a country that requires extra compliance steps. Currency conversion fees may also apply if you are sending money in a foreign currency.

Most banks do not limit how much you can wire in a single transfer, but some set daily or monthly limits for security reasons. If you want to send a very large amount, contact your bank ahead of time to confirm there are no limits and to discuss any additional verification steps they may require.

What to do if the wire goes to the wrong account

If you realize you sent the wire to the wrong account number or bank, contact your bank immediately. Explain the error and ask if the wire has been sent yet. If it has not left your bank, they may be able to cancel it. If it has already been sent, your bank can contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the funds, but the receiving bank is not required to do so.

The receiving bank will contact the account holder and ask them to return the money. If the account holder refuses or does not respond, your bank can file a claim, but recovery is not may provide. This is why verifying the recipient's details before you authorize the transfer is critical—once the wire is sent, you have limited options.

If the receiving bank returns the funds, they will be deposited back into your account within one to three business days. You may be charged a fee by either bank for the reversal, depending on their policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a wire transfer take?

Domestic wires typically arrive within one business day, often the same day if both banks process the transfer before their cutoff times (usually 2 to 5 p.m.). International wires take two to five business days because they route through intermediary banks and may require additional compliance checks.

Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?

If you cancel before your bank sends the wire, you can stop it. Once it is sent, cancellation is very difficult. Contact your bank immediately with your confirmation number and explain the error. They can ask the receiving bank to return the funds, but the receiving bank is not required to comply.

What is the difference between a wire transfer and an ACH transfer?

A wire transfer is faster (one business day or less) and more expensive ($15 to $30), and it cannot be reversed. An ACH transfer is slower (three to five business days) and cheaper (often free), and you can dispute or reverse it within a limited time. Use a wire when speed matters; use ACH for routine payments.

Do I need to tell the recipient I am sending a wire?

It is a good idea to notify the recipient that a wire is coming, so they know to expect it and can watch for it in their account. This also gives you a chance to confirm their account details one more time before you authorize the transfer.

Will the recipient see my name when the wire arrives?

Yes, your name appears in the wire transfer details, so the recipient will know who sent the money. If you want to include a note or reference number, ask your bank if they allow a memo field in the wire transfer; not all banks do.