Chase wire transfer fees depend on the type of wire and whether you send it domestically or internationally

Chase charges different amounts for different kinds of wires. A domestic wire (money sent within the United States) costs less than an international wire (money sent outside the U.S.). The fee also depends on whether you initiate the wire yourself online or by phone, or whether you go into a branch in person. As of now, Chase charges $15 for a domestic wire sent online or by phone, and $25 for a domestic wire sent in person at a branch. International wires cost more: $45 online or by phone, and $50 in person.

These fees are what Chase charges you to send the money. The receiving bank may also charge a fee on the other end, which comes out of the amount the recipient gets. If you are sending money internationally, the receiving country's bank often takes a cut as well. Always ask the person receiving the money whether they know about these fees, because the total cost can be higher than Chase's fee alone.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase charges $15 for a domestic wire sent online or by phone, and $25 if you go to a branch in person.
  • International wires cost $45 online or by phone, and $50 in person at a branch.
  • The receiving bank may charge its own fee, which reduces the amount the recipient gets.
  • You can avoid wire fees by using other methods like ACH transfers, which are slower but free or low-cost.
  • Chase does not refund wire fees if the wire is sent to the wrong account, so double-check all details before confirming.

When Chase charges you versus when the receiving bank charges

Chase's fee is what you pay to Chase for sending the wire. The receiving bank's fee is separate and is charged to the person who receives the money. If you send $500 and Chase charges $15, you pay $515 total. But if the receiving bank charges $10, the recipient gets $490 instead of $500.

For international wires, there are often additional fees in the middle. Money may pass through one or more correspondent banks before it reaches the final destination, and each one can take a fee. These fees are usually deducted from the amount that arrives, so the recipient gets less than you sent. Before you send an international wire, contact the recipient's bank to ask what fees they charge and what the total cost will be.

Domestic wires versus international wires

A domestic wire stays within the U.S. banking system and reaches the recipient's account in one business day, usually within hours. Chase charges $15 online or by phone, or $25 in person. The receiving bank may charge $0 to $15 depending on their policy.

An international wire leaves the U.S. and enters a different country's banking system. It takes longer — usually 3 to 5 business days — and costs more because it may pass through multiple banks. Chase charges $45 online or by phone, or $50 in person. The receiving bank and any correspondent banks in between will also charge fees. If you are sending money to a country with a less developed banking system, the fees and delays can be higher.

How to send a wire through Chase without paying the in-person fee

If you have a Chase checking or savings account and online banking access, you can send a domestic wire through Chase's website or mobile app for $15. Log into your account, go to the wire transfer section, enter the recipient's name and bank account number, and confirm the amount. The wire will be sent the same business day if you submit it before the cutoff time, usually 2 p.m. Eastern time on weekdays.

You can also call Chase's wire transfer line and send a wire by phone for $15. The phone number is on the back of your debit card or in your online banking portal. If you go to a Chase branch in person, the fee is $25. The only reason to pay the higher fee is if you do not have online access or need help with the wire details.

What information you need to send a wire

Before you initiate a wire, gather the recipient's banking information. You will need their full name, the name of their bank, their account number, and the bank's routing number (for a domestic wire) or SWIFT code (for an international wire). If you send the wire to the wrong account by mistake, Chase will not refund the fee, and recovering the money is difficult and may be impossible.

Double-check all details with the recipient before you send. Ask them to confirm their account number and routing number in writing, or have them provide a voided check or bank statement showing the correct information. For international wires, confirm the SWIFT code and the exact spelling of the recipient's name, because international banks are strict about matching names to accounts.

Alternatives to wire transfers that may cost less

If you do not need the money to arrive the same day, an ACH transfer is free or costs $1 to $3 through Chase. ACH transfers take 1 to 3 business days and work for domestic transfers only. You can set up an ACH transfer online for free, or pay a small fee if you need it rushed.

For international transfers, services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) or OFX often charge less than a wire through a bank, especially if you are sending a large amount. These services use real exchange rates and charge a flat fee plus a small percentage, which is often lower than the combination of bank fees and poor exchange rates. However, they take 1 to 4 business days, so they are not an option if you need the money immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Chase refund a wire fee if I sent the money to the wrong account?

No. Chase charges the fee when you send the wire, and does not refund it even if the wire goes to the wrong place. If the money was sent to an incorrect account, you will need to contact that account's bank and ask them to return it, which can take weeks or may not happen at all. Always verify the recipient's account details before you confirm the wire.

Do I pay the wire fee even if the wire fails?

It depends on why it failed. If the wire fails because of incorrect information you provided, Chase may still charge the fee. If the wire fails because of a Chase error or a problem on the receiving bank's end, you may be able to dispute the fee. Contact Chase customer service with details about what went wrong.

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

Chase sets daily and monthly limits on wire transfers, which vary by account type and your banking history. New accounts typically have lower limits. Log into your online banking or call Chase to find out your current limit. You can request a higher limit, but Chase may require additional verification.

What time do I need to send a wire for it to go out the same day?

For domestic wires, the cutoff is usually 2 p.m. Eastern time on weekdays. Wires sent after that time or on weekends will be processed the next business day. International wires also have a cutoff, usually around 1 p.m. Eastern time. Check your Chase online banking portal for the exact cutoff time, as it can vary.