Chase's international wire transfer process and what it costs

Chase charges a flat fee of $15 for outgoing international wire transfers sent online, or $20 if you send it in person at a branch. The receiving bank may charge an additional fee on their end, which you won't know until the money arrives. Chase also applies an exchange rate that includes a markup over the mid-market rate — the exact markup varies by currency pair and changes daily, so you cannot lock in a rate in advance.

The transfer itself typically takes three to five business days to reach the recipient's account, though some countries are faster and others slower. Chase will give you a confirmation number immediately after you submit the request online, and you can track the status through your Chase account for several days. Once the money leaves Chase's system and enters the international banking network, visibility becomes limited.

You'll need the recipient's full name, their bank account number, and their bank's SWIFT code (an eight or eleven-character code that identifies banks internationally). For some countries, you may also need an IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which is a longer standardized format. If any detail is wrong, the money may be returned to your Chase account, which can take another week or more.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase charges $15 online or $20 in branch for outgoing international wires, plus the receiving bank may charge additional fees.
  • You need the recipient's name, account number, and their bank's SWIFT code; an IBAN is required for some countries.
  • Transfers typically take three to five business days, and Chase's exchange rate includes a markup that varies by currency and changes daily.
  • If you send money to the wrong account or provide incorrect details, the funds may be returned, adding another week to the process.

Setting up an international wire through Chase online banking

Log into Chase.com or the Chase mobile app and navigate to the "Send Money" or "Wire Funds" section under Transfers. Select "International Wire" and enter the recipient's information exactly as it appears on their bank account. Chase will ask for the recipient's bank name, SWIFT code, and account number. Double-check every character — banks do not match names loosely, and a typo in the account number will send the money to the wrong place.

You'll then enter the amount in U.S. dollars, and Chase will show you the exchange rate and the fee before you confirm. The amount the recipient receives will be in their local currency. Review the total one more time, because once you submit an international wire, you cannot cancel it through your phone or computer — you would have to call Chase immediately and ask them to attempt a recall, which is not may provide to work.

After you submit, Chase generates a confirmation number. Save this number and the date. If the recipient does not receive the money within the timeframe Chase quoted, you'll need this number to file a trace request with Chase's international department.

Sending an international wire in person at a Chase branch

Walk into any Chase branch with your ID and ask to send an international wire. The teller will give you a form to fill out with the recipient's details. This method costs $20 instead of $15, and it does not speed up the transfer — the processing time is the same whether you go online or to the branch. The only reason to use the branch is if you do not have online banking set up, or if you need help gathering the recipient's banking information.

The teller will verify your information before submitting it and will give you a receipt with a confirmation number. Keep this receipt. If you have questions about the exchange rate or the fee, the teller can explain them, but they cannot change them — those are set by Chase's systems.

What information you need from the recipient before you start

Contact the person or business receiving the money and ask for their bank's SWIFT code, their account number, and their full name as it appears on the account. Do not guess or abbreviate. If the recipient is in a country that uses IBANs (most of Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Africa and Asia), ask for the IBAN as well — it is usually printed on their bank statements or available through their online banking.

If the recipient is unsure, they can ask their own bank for this information. Many banks provide it on their website or through customer service. Some countries also require additional details like a bank branch code or a routing number specific to that country — if Chase's form asks for something you do not have, contact the recipient's bank directly rather than guessing.

Exchange rates and how Chase calculates them

Chase does not use the mid-market exchange rate (the rate you see on financial news sites). Instead, Chase applies its own rate, which includes a markup. The markup varies depending on the currency pair and the amount you are sending. Larger transfers sometimes receive a slightly better rate, but Chase does not publish the exact markup formula.

You see the rate Chase will use when you enter the amount online or when the teller shows it to you in branch — this is the rate you will actually receive, not an estimate. The rate is locked in at that moment, so if you wait an hour and come back, the rate may be different. If you are sending a large amount and the rate matters significantly to your decision, you can check the current mid-market rate on a financial website and compare it to what Chase is offering, but you cannot negotiate Chase's rate.

Tracking your transfer and what to do if it does not arrive

After you submit the wire, log back into Chase online banking and look for the transaction in your recent activity. Chase usually shows the status as "Sent" or "In Transit" for the first few days. Once the money leaves Chase's system and enters the international banking network (SWIFT), Chase's visibility ends, and the status may not update further.

If the recipient says they have not received the money after five business days, contact Chase's international wire department at the number on the back of your debit card. Have your confirmation number, the date you sent it, the recipient's name, and the amount ready. Chase can file a trace request with the receiving bank, but this process can take one to two weeks. If the money was sent to the wrong account due to incorrect information you provided, Chase may not be able to recover it.

Alternatives to Chase international wires

If you are sending money regularly or to multiple countries, other services may be cheaper. Wise (formerly TransferWise) and OFX charge lower markups on exchange rates and lower flat fees for many currency pairs, though they are slower for some countries. PayPal and Remitly focus on smaller amounts and specific countries, often with lower fees but higher exchange rate markups. For very large transfers, some banks offer better rates than Chase.

The trade-off is that these services require you to set up an account and verify your identity, which takes a day or two. Chase is faster if you need to send money today and already have online banking. If you have time to wait and are sending a significant amount, comparing fees across services can save you money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel an international wire after I send it?

Not reliably. Once an international wire leaves Chase, it enters the SWIFT banking network and is difficult to recall. Call Chase immediately if you realize a mistake, but do not expect success. If the money reaches the wrong account, you would have to contact that bank and ask them to return it, which they are not required to do.

Why does the recipient's bank charge a fee if I already paid Chase?

The receiving bank charges a fee for processing the incoming transfer on their end. This is separate from Chase's fee. The recipient's bank deducts this fee from the amount received, so the recipient gets less than you sent. You can ask the recipient's bank what their fee is before you send the money.

How long does an international wire actually take?

Chase says three to five business days, but it varies by country and receiving bank. Some countries process faster; others take longer. Weekends and holidays add time. Once the money leaves Chase, you have limited visibility, so if it takes longer than expected, contact Chase with your confirmation number to file a trace.

What if I do not know the recipient's SWIFT code?

Ask the recipient to provide it, or have them look it up on their bank's website or call their bank. You can also search for SWIFT codes online using the bank name and country, but verify it with the recipient to make sure it is correct. A wrong SWIFT code will send the money to the wrong bank.

Does Chase offer better rates for large transfers?

Chase may offer slightly better exchange rates for larger amounts, but the difference is usually small. Call Chase's international department before sending a very large transfer to ask if a better rate is available, but do not expect a significant discount. For large transfers, comparing Chase to other services like Wise may save you more money.