How Chase handles wire transfers

Chase lets you send domestic and international wire transfers through online banking, mobile app, phone, or in person at a branch. Domestic wires (within the US) typically arrive the same business day if sent before the cutoff time, usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. depending on your branch. International wires take longer — usually three to five business days — because they move through correspondent banks in other countries.

You'll need the recipient's name, account number, and routing number for domestic transfers. International transfers require additional information: the recipient's bank name, address, and SWIFT code (a code that identifies banks worldwide). Chase charges fees for wire transfers, which vary by transfer type and account holder status. Domestic outgoing wires typically cost $15 to $20; international wires cost $40 to $50 or more.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase processes domestic wires same-day if sent before the cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m.), and international wires take three to five business days.
  • You need the recipient's routing number and account number for domestic transfers, plus SWIFT code and bank address for international ones.
  • Chase charges $15 to $20 for domestic outgoing wires and $40 to $50 or more for international wires, depending on your account type.
  • Once a wire leaves your account, you cannot cancel it, so verify all recipient details before confirming the transfer.
  • Wire fraud is common; never wire money to someone you haven't verified through an independent phone number or in-person contact.

Sending a domestic wire through Chase online or mobile app

Log into Chase online banking or the mobile app and select "Send Money" or "Wire Transfer." Enter the recipient's full name, routing number, and account number. Double-check these details — a single digit wrong sends money to the wrong account. Add a reference or memo if you want (for example, "rent payment" or "invoice 12345"), though the recipient may not see it.

Review the amount, fee, and total debit from your account. Chase will show you the expected delivery date. Confirm the transfer, and Chase will send it immediately if you're before the cutoff time. You'll receive a confirmation number — save this for your records. If you send after cutoff, the wire processes the next business day.

Sending an international wire through Chase

International wires require more information and take longer to set up. In Chase online banking, select "Send Money Internationally" or "International Wire Transfer." You'll enter the recipient's name, address, and account number, plus their bank's name, address, and SWIFT code. Some transfers also require an IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which is common in Europe and other regions.

Chase will ask whether you want to pay the fee or have the recipient pay it (called OUR or THEIR in banking terms). If you choose OUR, the full amount you enter is what the recipient gets; if you choose THEIR, the recipient's bank deducts the fee. International wires are slower because they pass through multiple banks, so expect three to five business days. Chase provides a reference number, but tracking is limited once the wire leaves the US banking system.

Sending a wire by phone or at a Chase branch

Call Chase customer service or visit a branch to send a wire if you prefer not to use online banking. By phone, you'll provide the same information (recipient name, account number, routing number for domestic; plus SWIFT code and bank details for international). A representative will confirm all details with you before processing.

At a branch, bring a photo ID and have the recipient's information ready. A banker will walk you through the form, verify details, and process the wire. Branch staff can also help if you're unsure about routing numbers or SWIFT codes. Phone and branch wires carry the same fees as online transfers and process on the same timeline.

Fees and account type differences

Chase's standard wire transfer fees are $15 for domestic outgoing wires and $40 for international outgoing wires. However, some Chase account types waive or reduce these fees. Chase Premier Plus and Chase Private Client accounts may have lower fees or fee waivers depending on your balance and account tier. Business accounts sometimes have different fee structures than personal accounts.

Incoming wires to your Chase account are usually free, though some business accounts charge a small fee. If you receive a wire and it's incorrect or fraudulent, contact Chase immediately — reversing an incoming wire is difficult and not always possible. Check your account regularly for unexpected deposits.

What happens after you send a wire

Once Chase processes your wire, the money leaves your account and you cannot cancel it. If you realize you made a mistake — wrong account number, wrong amount, wrong recipient — contact Chase immediately. They may be able to stop the wire if it hasn't left their system yet, but this is rare and not may provide. If the wire has already been sent, recovery depends on the recipient's bank and whether the recipient cooperates.

For domestic wires, the money typically arrives the same day or next business day. For international wires, the recipient's bank may hold the funds for additional verification, especially for large amounts. The recipient should see the money in their account within the timeframe Chase provided, but delays happen. If a wire doesn't arrive as expected, contact Chase with your confirmation number and ask them to trace it.

Protecting yourself from wire fraud

Wire fraud is common because wires are fast and irreversible. Never wire money based on an email, text, or phone call alone — even if it appears to come from someone you know. Scammers impersonate business owners, landlords, and family members. Always verify the request by calling the person directly using a phone number you know is correct, not one provided in the message.

Be especially cautious with urgent requests, unusual payment methods, or requests to wire to a new or unfamiliar account. If a landlord, employer, or business contact suddenly asks you to wire money to a different account than usual, call them back to confirm. Chase and other banks cannot recover wired funds if you sent them to a fraudster, so verification before sending is your only real protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?

Not reliably. Once Chase processes and sends a wire, it's out of your control. Contact Chase immediately if you need to cancel, but they can only stop it if it hasn't left their system yet — usually within minutes. If the wire has been sent, recovery is difficult and depends on the recipient's bank and cooperation.

Why is my wire taking longer than expected?

Domestic wires usually arrive same-day or next business day, but delays happen if you sent after cutoff, on a weekend, or if the recipient's bank is slow to process. International wires routinely take three to five business days because they move through multiple banks. Large amounts may trigger additional verification, adding time. Contact Chase with your confirmation number if a wire is significantly delayed.

What's the difference between a wire transfer and an ACH transfer?

Wire transfers are faster (same-day domestic) but cost more ($15 to $20) and are irreversible. ACH transfers are slower (three to five business days) but cheaper or free and can be reversed within a window. Use wires for urgent or large payments; use ACH for routine bills and transfers where speed isn't critical.

Do I need to tell Chase I'm sending a large wire?

You don't have to, but it's a good idea. Large wires (amounts vary by bank, but often $10,000 or more) may trigger fraud checks or delays. Calling Chase ahead of time to let them know you're sending a large wire can prevent unexpected holds or blocks. Chase is also required to report large transactions to the government, but this doesn't affect your ability to send.

What if the wire goes to the wrong account?

Contact Chase immediately with your confirmation number. They can attempt to recover the funds, but success depends on whether the recipient's bank will cooperate and whether the money has already been withdrawn. If the recipient is cooperative, they may return the funds voluntarily. If not, recovery is unlikely. This is why verifying the account number before sending is critical.