Ally Bank's wire transfer service and what it costs
Ally Bank does not charge a fee to send or receive domestic wire transfers. You can initiate a wire through your online banking account, mobile app, or by calling their customer service line at 1-877-925-9788. The bank processes outgoing wires on business days; if you send before 5 p.m. Eastern Time, the transfer typically leaves the same day.
For incoming wires, Ally receives them during standard banking hours and deposits them to your account the same business day. You will need to provide your wire routing number (012000013 for Ally Bank) and your account number to anyone sending you money. Ally does not charge for receiving wires, though the sending bank may charge on their end.
International wire transfers work differently. Ally Bank does not send or receive international wires directly. If you need to move money across borders, you will have to transfer funds to another bank that offers this service, then initiate the international wire from there.
Key Takeaways
- Ally charges no fee for domestic wire transfers sent or received, making it cheaper than many traditional banks.
- Outgoing wires sent before 5 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day leave the same day; incoming wires deposit the same business day.
- You need your Ally routing number (012000013) and account number to receive a wire, and you must provide the recipient's bank details to send one.
- Ally does not handle international wires, so you will need to move money to another bank first if you are sending money abroad.
How to send a wire through Ally's online banking
Log into your Ally Bank account on the website or app and look for the "Transfer Money" or "Wire Transfer" option in the main menu. Select "Send a Wire" and enter the recipient's full name, bank name, routing number, and account number. Double-check all details before submitting, because wires cannot be reversed once they leave Ally's system.
Ally will ask you to confirm the amount and may require you to answer a security question before processing. The transfer will show as pending in your account immediately, and the funds will leave on the same business day if you send before the 5 p.m. cutoff. After that time, your wire will be queued for the next business day.
If you are unsure about any detail — the recipient's routing number, for example — call Ally customer service before sending. A few minutes on the phone is worth avoiding a wire sent to the wrong account, which can be difficult and expensive to recover.
Sending a wire by phone
Call Ally Bank at 1-877-925-9788 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time). Have your account number, the recipient's full name, their bank name, their routing number, and their account number ready before you call.
A customer service representative will walk you through the wire details, confirm the amount, and process the transfer. This method is slower than online banking but useful if you have questions about the recipient's information or if you are not comfortable using the website or app. The same 5 p.m. Eastern Time cutoff applies: wires sent before that time on a business day leave the same day.
What information you need to receive a wire
Anyone sending you money via wire needs three pieces of information: your name as it appears on your Ally account, Ally Bank's routing number (012000013), and your account number. You can find your account number by logging into online banking or checking a recent statement.
Provide this information only to people you trust. Someone with your routing number and account number cannot withdraw money without additional authorization, but they can send you a wire, which is usually what you want. If you are receiving a wire from a business or employer, they may ask for a voided check or a form confirming your banking details — you can provide this safely.
Wire transfer timing and when money arrives
Domestic wires sent before 5 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day (Monday through Friday) leave Ally's system the same day and typically arrive at the recipient's bank within one to two business days. Wires sent after 5 p.m. or on weekends are queued for the next business day and may take slightly longer to arrive.
Incoming wires to your Ally account deposit the same business day they are received. If a wire arrives on a weekend or holiday, it will post to your account on the next business day. You will receive a notification when the wire arrives, either through email or in your online banking account, depending on your notification settings.
The receiving bank's processing time can add a day or two, especially if the wire crosses multiple banking networks. If you are expecting a wire and it has not arrived within three business days, contact Ally customer service to investigate.
Mistakes and what to do if a wire goes wrong
Once a wire leaves Ally Bank, you cannot cancel or reverse it. If you realize you made an error in the recipient's account number or routing number, call Ally immediately — before 5 p.m. Eastern Time if possible. Ally may be able to stop the wire if it has not yet been processed by the receiving bank, but this is not may provide.
If a wire was sent to the wrong account, contact Ally and provide all details of the transfer. The bank can file a trace request with the receiving bank to attempt recovery, but this process is slow and success is not certain. The receiving bank is not required to return funds sent to an account number that was provided by the sender, even if the account belongs to someone else.
To avoid errors, verify the recipient's information with them directly before sending. Ask them to confirm their routing number and account number, and consider sending a small test amount first if you are wiring to a new account for the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a wire after I send it?
Not reliably. Once Ally processes your wire, it is out of their control. Call immediately if you realize a mistake, and Ally may be able to stop it before the receiving bank processes it, but there is no may provide. This is why verifying the recipient's details before sending is critical.
What is Ally's routing number for receiving wires?
Ally Bank's routing number is 012000013. You will also need to provide your account number and the name on your account. Do not share this information with anyone you do not trust to send you money.
How long does a wire take to arrive?
Domestic wires typically arrive within one to two business days after leaving Ally. Wires sent before 5 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day leave the same day. Incoming wires to your Ally account deposit the same business day they are received.
Does Ally charge for wire transfers?
Ally charges no fee for sending or receiving domestic wires. The sending bank may charge a fee on their end, but Ally's side is free. International wires are not available through Ally.
Can I send a wire to another country?
Ally Bank does not send international wires. You would need to transfer your money to a bank that offers international wire service, then send the wire from there. Some online banks and credit unions offer this service; check with your other financial institutions.