Chase's foreign wire transfer process and costs

Chase lets you send money outside the United States through its wire transfer system, but the process differs from domestic wires and costs more. You can initiate a foreign wire through Chase's website, mobile app, or by visiting a branch in person. Chase charges a flat fee for outgoing international wires — the amount depends on whether you're sending to a Chase account or a non-Chase account, and which country you're sending to. You'll also pay for currency conversion if you're sending from a US dollar account to a foreign currency account.

The wire typically takes three to five business days to arrive, though some countries and banks process faster. Chase requires specific information about the recipient's bank before you can send the wire, including the bank's SWIFT code (an eight or eleven-character identifier) and the recipient's International Bank Account Number (IBAN) or account number. If you provide incorrect details, the money may be delayed or returned to your account, which can take another week or more.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase charges a flat outgoing wire fee that varies by destination country and whether the recipient uses Chase or another bank.
  • You need the recipient's bank SWIFT code and their IBAN or account number before you can send the wire.
  • Currency conversion happens at Chase's exchange rate, which includes a markup over the mid-market rate.
  • Foreign wires typically arrive in three to five business days, but delays happen if bank details are incomplete or incorrect.
  • You can send a wire online, through the mobile app, or at a branch, but branch visits may take longer during busy hours.

What information you need to provide

Before Chase will process your foreign wire, you must gather details about the recipient and their bank. Ask the recipient for their bank's SWIFT code — this is the most critical piece. If they don't know it, they can ask their bank directly or look it up on their bank's website. You'll also need the recipient's full name exactly as it appears on their account, their account number or IBAN, and the name and address of their bank.

Some countries require additional information. For example, wires to certain banks may need a reference number or routing code specific to that country's banking system. If you're unsure whether you have everything, call Chase at the number on the back of your debit card or credit card before you initiate the wire. A representative can tell you what's required for the specific country and bank you're sending to. Providing incomplete information is the most common reason wires are delayed or rejected.

How to send a foreign wire online or through the mobile app

Log into your Chase account on the website or open the Chase mobile app. Navigate to the "Send Money" or "Wire Funds" section — the exact label depends on your account type and which version of the app you're using. Select "International Wire" or "Foreign Wire" from the options. Chase will ask you to enter the recipient's name, bank details, and the amount you want to send.

Review the fee and exchange rate before you confirm. Chase displays both on the confirmation screen. The fee is non-refundable even if the wire is delayed or rejected due to incorrect recipient information. Once you confirm, Chase generates a confirmation number — save this. The wire enters Chase's processing queue, and you'll receive an email confirmation. You can check the status of your wire by logging back into your account and looking for the transaction history, though Chase's online tracking for international wires is often limited until the money leaves the US banking system.

Sending a foreign wire at a Chase branch

Visit any Chase branch with your ID and the recipient's banking information. Tell the teller you want to send an international wire. They will fill out a wire transfer form with you, verify the recipient's details, and confirm the fee and exchange rate. This method takes longer than online — expect 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the branch is — but some people prefer it because they can ask questions in real time and have a paper receipt.

The teller will give you a confirmation number and a receipt showing the amount sent, the fee, and the exchange rate. Keep this receipt. If the wire is delayed or rejected, you'll need it to track the transaction with Chase. Branch wires are processed the same way as online wires once they're submitted, so there's no speed advantage to going in person.

Understanding fees and exchange rates

Chase's outgoing wire fee for international transfers is typically between $15 and $50, depending on the destination country and the recipient's bank. Wires to major banks in developed countries usually cost less than wires to smaller banks or less common destinations. Some Chase accounts, like certain premium checking or investment accounts, may have reduced or waived wire fees — check your account terms or call Chase to confirm what you pay.

In addition to the wire fee, Chase converts your US dollars to the recipient's currency at an exchange rate that includes a markup. This markup is how Chase makes money on the currency conversion. The rate you see is not the mid-market rate (the real-time rate between banks) — it's typically 1 to 3 percent higher, meaning you receive fewer foreign currency units for your dollars than you would at the mid-market rate. If you're sending a large amount, this markup can add up. Some people use specialized money transfer services for large international payments because those services offer better exchange rates, though they may charge higher fees.

What happens if the wire is delayed or rejected

A foreign wire can be delayed for several reasons: incorrect SWIFT code, mismatched recipient name, incomplete IBAN, or the recipient's bank being temporarily offline. If the recipient's bank rejects the wire, Chase will attempt to return the money to your account. This return process can take one to two weeks. You'll see the refund as a credit to your account, and Chase will send you a notification explaining why the wire was rejected.

If you suspect a wire is delayed, log into your Chase account and check the transaction status. If it shows as "pending" after five business days, contact Chase. Have your confirmation number ready. Chase can contact the recipient's bank to ask about the status, but this process is slow — expect another week for a response. To avoid delays, double-check the SWIFT code and IBAN before you send, and confirm with the recipient that the information you have is correct.

Limits on foreign wire amounts

Chase sets daily and monthly limits on how much you can wire internationally. These limits vary by account type and your account history with Chase. A new account typically has lower limits than an established account. You can check your limit by logging into your account or calling Chase. If you need to send more than your limit allows, you can request a temporary increase, though Chase may require additional verification or documentation.

Some countries also have their own limits on incoming wire transfers, set by their central banks or financial regulators. If you're sending a very large amount, research whether the destination country has restrictions. Chase can tell you if a particular country has limits that might affect your wire.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a foreign wire from Chase actually take?

Most wires arrive in three to five business days. Weekends and holidays don't count as business days. Some countries and banks process faster — wires to Canada or Western Europe sometimes arrive in one to two days. Delays happen when bank details are incomplete, the recipient's bank is slow to process, or there's a holiday in the destination country.

Can I cancel a foreign wire after I've sent it?

If the wire hasn't left Chase's system yet, you may be able to cancel it by calling Chase immediately. Once the wire has been sent to the recipient's bank, Chase cannot cancel it. You would have to ask the recipient's bank to return the money, which is difficult and slow. Act fast if you need to cancel — call the number on the back of your card right away.

What's the difference between SWIFT and IBAN?

A SWIFT code identifies the bank itself — it's the same for all customers of that bank. An IBAN is the recipient's individual account number in a format that includes the country code and bank routing information. You need both to send a wire. The SWIFT code tells Chase which bank to send the money to; the IBAN tells that bank which account to deposit it into.

Will Chase's exchange rate be better if I wait?

Exchange rates change constantly throughout the day, but Chase's markup over the mid-market rate stays the same. Waiting won't improve the rate you get from Chase — it will only change the underlying mid-market rate, which could go up or down. If you're concerned about exchange rates, send the wire when you're ready; timing the market is difficult and usually not worth the delay.

What if the recipient's bank won't accept the wire?

Some banks reject wires for reasons like mismatched account holder names, account numbers that don't match the IBAN format, or the bank's own restrictions on incoming transfers. If this happens, the wire is returned to your Chase account, usually within one to two weeks. Contact the recipient and ask their bank what information is required. Then you can send a new wire with the correct details.