Chase charges for most wire transfers, but the fee depends on whether you're sending money domestically or internationally

Chase does charge for wire transfers in most cases. A domestic wire transfer (money sent within the United States) costs $15 if you initiate it online or through the Chase mobile app, and $20 if you do it in person at a branch or by phone. International wire transfers cost $45 when sent online or through the app, and $50 if you arrange it by phone or in person. These fees are deducted from your account when you send the wire.

Some Chase accounts waive wire transfer fees entirely, and others reduce them. If you maintain a high balance or meet other account requirements, you may not pay anything to send a wire. It's worth checking your specific account terms or calling Chase at the number on the back of your debit or credit card to confirm whether your account qualifies for a waiver.

Key Takeaways

  • Domestic wire transfers through Chase cost $15 online or $20 by phone or in branch; international wires cost $45 online or $50 by other methods.
  • Premium Chase accounts and accounts with high balances may have wire transfer fees waived entirely.
  • The fee is taken from your account at the time you send the wire, so you need enough money to cover both the transfer amount and the fee.
  • Chase does not charge a fee to receive incoming wire transfers from other banks or individuals.

When Chase waives wire transfer fees

Chase Private Client accounts, which require a minimum balance of $250,000, include unlimited free domestic and international wire transfers. If you have a Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card, those cards themselves don't waive wire fees on your checking account, but some linked accounts may may have access to for other benefits.

Some business accounts and wealth management accounts also include free wires as part of their package. The easiest way to know whether your account qualifies is to log into your Chase account online, look at your account details or fee schedule, or call Chase directly. They can tell you in a few minutes whether your current account status includes wire transfer fee waivers.

Domestic versus international wire transfer costs

The difference in price reflects the extra work involved in an international wire. A domestic wire stays within the U.S. banking system and typically clears in one business day. An international wire has to move through multiple banks in different countries, often requires currency conversion, and may take several business days to arrive.

If you're sending money abroad regularly, ask Chase whether a business account or a higher-tier personal account might save you money over time. Sometimes the fee difference between accounts is smaller than the wire fee itself, so the math can work in your favor if you send wires more than a few times per year.

How to send a wire transfer through Chase

The cheapest way to send a wire through Chase is online or through the mobile app, which costs $15 for domestic and $45 for international. Log into your Chase account, select "Send Money," then "Wire Transfer." You'll need the recipient's name, bank account number, routing number (for domestic) or SWIFT code (for international), and the amount you want to send.

If you can't find the wire transfer option online or prefer to speak with someone, you can call Chase or visit a branch. Expect to pay $20 for a domestic wire or $50 for an international wire through these channels. Have the recipient's banking information ready before you call or go in, because the representative will need it to process the wire.

What happens if you don't have enough money for the fee

If your account balance is lower than the transfer amount plus the wire fee, Chase will decline the wire transfer. For example, if you want to send $500 domestically and have $510 in your account, you're $5 short because the $15 fee brings the total to $515.

Before you initiate a wire, make sure your balance covers both the amount you're sending and the fee. If you're close on funds, deposit money first or reduce the transfer amount to leave room for the fee.

Incoming wire transfers and other wire-related costs

Chase does not charge you a fee to receive a wire transfer from another bank or from another person. The money arrives in your account and stays there; there's no deduction for receiving it. However, if the wire is sent in a foreign currency, Chase may apply an exchange rate that includes a markup, though this is separate from a wire fee.

If a wire transfer fails or is rejected, Chase typically does not refund the outgoing wire fee. If you need to cancel a wire that hasn't been processed yet, contact Chase immediately—the sooner you stop it, the better your chances of avoiding the fee, though this is not may provide.

Alternatives to wire transfers at Chase

If wire transfer fees are a concern, Chase offers other ways to move money. ACH transfers (also called electronic transfers) are free and take one to three business days. You can set up an ACH transfer to another bank account you own or to pay bills through Chase's bill pay service at no cost.

For sending money to people, Chase also offers Zelle, a peer-to-peer payment service that's free and typically delivers money within minutes to hours. Zelle works best for smaller amounts and when both people have accounts at participating banks. For large amounts or international transfers, a wire is still usually the most reliable option, even with the fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I avoid the wire transfer fee by using a different Chase account?

Yes, if you may have access to for a premium account like Chase Private Client or meet the balance requirements for certain business accounts. Call Chase or check your account details online to see if your current account qualifies for fee waivers. Switching accounts may be worth it if you send wires frequently.

Does Chase charge the same fee for wires sent to other Chase customers?

Yes. The fee applies whether you're sending money to another Chase account or to a completely different bank. If both people have Chase accounts, using Zelle or a free ACH transfer is usually faster and cheaper.

What if the wire transfer fails or doesn't arrive?

Contact Chase immediately. If the wire was sent to an incorrect account number, Chase can sometimes recall it, but this is not may provide. The outgoing wire fee is typically not refunded even if the wire fails. For incoming wires that don't arrive, ask the sender to contact their bank to trace the transfer.

How long does a Chase wire transfer take?

Domestic wires usually arrive within one business day. International wires typically take three to five business days, depending on the destination country and the receiving bank's processing time. Wires sent after business hours or on weekends are processed the next business day.

Is there a limit to how much I can wire through Chase?

Chase sets daily and monthly wire transfer limits that vary by account type and your account history. Check your account online or call Chase to find out your specific limits. If you need to send more than your limit allows, you may be able to request a temporary increase.