Chase wire instructions depend on whether you're sending money domestically or internationally, and whether you use online banking, the mobile app, or visit a branch in person
Chase offers three main ways to send a wire: through Chase.com, the Chase Mobile app, or by visiting a branch or calling their wire department. Domestic wires (within the United States) are faster and require less information than international wires. The process takes a few minutes to set up, but the actual transfer can take anywhere from same-day to a few business days depending on the receiving bank and the time you initiate the transfer.
Before you start, you'll need the recipient's banking details. For a domestic wire, that means their bank name, account number, and routing number. For an international wire, you'll also need their SWIFT code or IBAN, depending on the country. Have this information ready before you log in — copying it wrong is one of the most common reasons wires fail or go to the wrong account.
Key Takeaways
- You can initiate a Chase wire through online banking, the mobile app, or by visiting a branch, and each method takes roughly the same amount of time.
- Domestic wires require the recipient's routing number and account number; international wires require a SWIFT code or IBAN as well.
- Chase charges a fee for outgoing wires — typically $15 to $20 for domestic and $45 for international, though some account types waive these fees.
- Wires sent before 2 p.m. ET on a business day usually arrive the same day at the receiving bank, but the receiving bank may hold the funds for a day or more.
- Once a wire is sent, you cannot cancel it if the receiving bank has already accepted it, so verify all details before confirming.
Sending a domestic wire through Chase online banking
Log into Chase.com and select "Send Money" or "Wire Funds" from the main menu — the exact label varies by account type. You'll be asked whether this is a domestic or international wire. Choose domestic. Enter the recipient's full name, bank name, account number, and routing number. Chase will ask you to confirm the account type (checking or savings) and may ask for a reference or memo line, which is optional but helpful for record-keeping.
Enter the amount you want to send and review all details on the confirmation screen. This is your last chance to catch errors — check the recipient's name and account number character by character. Once you confirm, the wire is submitted. Chase will show you a confirmation number immediately. Save this number; you'll need it if you have questions about the wire later.
Domestic wires sent before 2 p.m. ET on a weekday typically arrive at the receiving bank the same business day. If you send after 2 p.m. or on a weekend, the wire will process the next business day. The receiving bank then decides whether to deposit the funds immediately or hold them for verification — this can add another business day.
Sending an international wire through Chase
International wires follow the same basic steps but require additional information. After selecting "International Wire," you'll enter the recipient's name, address, and country. Then you'll need either their SWIFT code (an 8 or 11-character code that identifies their bank) or their IBAN (International Bank Account Number), depending on the country. You'll also enter the recipient bank's name and address.
Chase will ask whether you want to cover the wire fee yourself or have the recipient's bank deduct it from the amount received — this matters because it affects how much money actually arrives. If you choose to cover the fee, the full amount you specify will be sent, but you'll pay Chase's fee on top. If you choose to have the recipient's bank deduct it, the amount you specify is what the recipient receives after all fees are removed.
International wires typically take 3 to 5 business days to arrive, though some corridors (like Canada or Mexico) can be faster. The receiving country's banking system and any intermediary banks involved can add delays. Once submitted, international wires are difficult or impossible to cancel, so verify all details, especially the SWIFT code or IBAN, before confirming.
Using the Chase Mobile app to send a wire
Open the Chase Mobile app and tap "Send Money" or "Pay & Transfer," depending on your app version. Select "Wire Funds" and choose domestic or international. The process mirrors the online banking steps: enter recipient details, amount, and confirm. The mobile app may have slightly different wording or menu placement, but the information you need to provide is identical.
One advantage of the app is that you can photograph checks or documents to capture account numbers, reducing the chance of typing errors. However, you still need to verify that the app read the numbers correctly before submitting. The confirmation number appears on your screen immediately after the wire is sent, and you can take a screenshot for your records.
Sending a wire at a Chase branch or by phone
You can also initiate a wire by visiting a Chase branch in person or by calling their wire department. For in-person wires, bring a photo ID and have the recipient's banking information ready. A Chase representative will fill out the wire form with you, verify all details, and process the transfer. This method is slower than online or app-based wires because you have to travel or wait on hold, but it can be useful if you're uncomfortable with online banking or need to send a large amount.
To send a wire by phone, call the number on the back of your Chase debit or credit card and ask for the wire department. You'll verify your identity and provide the recipient's information verbally. The representative will read back the details to confirm before processing. Phone wires are subject to the same fees and timing as online wires.
Chase wire fees and what affects them
Chase charges $15 for domestic outgoing wires and $45 for international outgoing wires. Some account types, such as certain premium checking or wealth management accounts, waive these fees. If you have a Chase Premier Plus Checking or Chase Sapphire Banking account, confirm whether your account includes wire fee waivers before paying.
International wires may also include currency conversion fees if you're sending money in a currency different from your account currency. Chase applies their exchange rate at the time of transfer, which may differ from the mid-market rate. For large international transfers, this difference can be significant, so consider asking Chase what rate they'll use before you send.
What to do if a wire fails or goes to the wrong account
If a wire doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe, log into your Chase account and look for the wire in your transaction history. The status will show whether it's pending, sent, or rejected. If it's rejected, Chase will return the funds to your account within a few business days, and you'll receive a notice explaining why (usually a mismatched account number or closed account).
If the wire was sent but the recipient says they didn't receive it, contact Chase immediately with your confirmation number. Chase can trace the wire through the banking system and confirm whether the receiving bank accepted it. If the receiving bank accepted it but the recipient's account wasn't credited, the issue is on the receiving bank's side, and you'll need to contact them or ask the recipient to contact their bank.
If you sent money to the wrong account by mistake, contact Chase right away. Once the receiving bank has accepted the wire, Chase cannot reverse it — you would have to contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the funds, which they are not obligated to do. This is why verifying all details before confirming is critical.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a wire after I send it?
If the receiving bank has not yet accepted the wire, Chase may be able to cancel it, but this is not may provide. Call Chase immediately with your confirmation number. If the receiving bank has already accepted it, the wire cannot be cancelled, and you would have to contact the receiving bank to request a return of funds. This is why verification before sending is essential.
What's the difference between a wire and an ACH transfer?
A wire is faster and more expensive; it typically arrives the same day or next business day and costs $15 to $45. An ACH transfer is slower (usually 3 to 5 business days) but is free or costs only a few dollars. Use a wire when speed matters; use ACH when cost matters more than timing.
Do I need to tell the recipient I'm sending a wire?
Yes. Give them your confirmation number and the amount you're sending so they can watch for it and confirm it arrived. If they don't know a wire is coming, they may not notice it in their account right away, and delays or errors can go undetected longer.
What happens if I enter the wrong routing number?
The wire will go to the bank identified by that routing number, but to the wrong account or no account at all. The receiving bank will likely reject it, and Chase will return the funds to you within a few business days. If the receiving bank accepts it into an account, you'll have to contact that bank to request a return, which they may refuse.
Can I send a wire on a weekend or holiday?
You can initiate a wire through online banking or the app on a weekend or holiday, but it won't process until the next business day. If you need a wire to arrive urgently, send it before 2 p.m. ET on a weekday to maximize the chance of same-day arrival at the receiving bank.