Chase's international wire transfer service and what it costs

Chase offers international wire transfers through its standard wire transfer system, available to most checking and savings account holders. You can initiate a wire to nearly any country, but Chase charges an outgoing international wire fee — typically $15 to $45 depending on your account type and whether the receiving bank is in a country Chase has a direct relationship with. The actual exchange rate applied to your transfer is set by Chase and includes a markup over the mid-market rate, which means you pay more than the real currency conversion cost.

The time it takes varies. A wire to a major bank in a developed country usually arrives within one to two business days. Wires to smaller banks or countries with less developed banking infrastructure can take three to five business days or longer. Chase does not may provide delivery time for international wires, and delays can happen at the receiving bank's end, not Chase's.

You need specific information about the recipient to send the wire: their full name, bank account number, the bank's name and address, and the bank's SWIFT code (an eight or eleven-character code that identifies banks internationally). If any detail is wrong, the wire may be rejected or sent to the wrong account, and retrieving it becomes difficult and time-consuming.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase charges $15 to $45 per outgoing international wire, depending on your account type and the destination country.
  • You must provide the recipient's bank details including their SWIFT code, or the wire may be sent to the wrong account or rejected.
  • International wires through Chase typically arrive in one to two business days for major banks, but can take longer for smaller institutions.
  • Chase's exchange rate includes a markup over the real market rate, so you pay more for currency conversion than you would through some other providers.
  • Once a wire is sent, Chase cannot stop it, so verify all recipient details before confirming the transfer.

How to send an international wire through Chase online or in person

If you bank with Chase online, you can initiate an international wire through your account dashboard. Log in, select "Send Money," then choose "Wire Funds." Select "International Wire" and enter the recipient's information: their name, account number, bank name, bank address, and SWIFT code. Chase will show you the fee and the exchange rate before you confirm. Once you submit, the wire is sent and cannot be stopped.

If you prefer to send the wire in person, visit a Chase branch with your account information and the recipient's banking details. A teller can process the wire on the spot, though some branches may ask you to complete the wire online instead. Bring a government-issued ID and be prepared to wait 10 to 20 minutes for processing.

You can also call Chase's wire transfer line, though phone-initiated wires may have higher fees or additional verification steps. Check your account documents or the back of your debit card for the wire transfer phone number specific to your region.

What information you need before sending

Gather the recipient's details before you start. You need their full legal name (exactly as it appears on their bank account), their account number, the name and full address of their bank, and the bank's SWIFT code. If the bank is in a country that uses IBAN (International Bank Account Number) instead of or in addition to account numbers — common in Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia — you may need the IBAN as well.

If you do not have the SWIFT code, ask the recipient to provide it or look it up on their bank's website. Many banks list it under "international payments" or "wire transfer information." Using an incorrect SWIFT code is one of the most common reasons wires are delayed or misdirected.

Some countries require additional information, such as a reference number, purpose of transfer, or the recipient's address. Chase will tell you if this is needed for your specific destination. Providing incomplete information can cause the wire to be rejected or held by the receiving bank.

Exchange rates and hidden costs in international wires

Chase does not use the mid-market exchange rate — the real rate at which banks trade currencies. Instead, it applies its own rate, which is typically 1 to 3 percent higher than the mid-market rate. On a $5,000 wire, this markup can cost you $50 to $150 in lost value, depending on the currency pair.

The fee you see upfront ($15 to $45) is separate from the exchange rate markup. So your total cost includes both the stated wire fee and the hidden cost of the less favorable exchange rate. Some account types, such as Chase Premier Plus or Sapphire accounts, may have lower wire fees, but the exchange rate markup remains similar.

If you are sending a large amount or sending money regularly, comparing Chase's rates to other providers — such as dedicated international money transfer services — can save you hundreds of dollars per year. Those services often offer better exchange rates, though they may have longer processing times.

What happens if something goes wrong

If the wire is rejected because of incorrect recipient information, the money returns to your Chase account, usually within five to ten business days. You will not lose the wire fee, but you will have to send the wire again and pay another fee.

If the wire is sent to the wrong account because of an error in the recipient's details, recovery is difficult. Chase can file a trace request with the receiving bank, but there is no may provide the money will be returned. This process can take weeks or months. Always double-check the recipient's account number and SWIFT code before confirming.

If you notice an error immediately after sending — within minutes — call Chase's wire department right away. In rare cases, they may be able to intercept the wire before it leaves the system, but this is not may provide. Once the wire reaches the receiving bank, Chase has limited ability to recover it.

Alternatives to Chase for international transfers

If you are sending money regularly or in large amounts, other options may be cheaper. Dedicated international money transfer services like Wise (formerly TransferWise), OFX, or Remitly often offer better exchange rates and lower fees than Chase, though they may take one to three business days longer. These services are designed specifically for international transfers and compete on price.

If the recipient is also a Chase customer, you may be able to use Chase QuickPay or a similar peer-to-peer service for smaller amounts, though this is typically limited to domestic transfers. For very large transfers, some banks offer better rates if you call and negotiate, though Chase does not typically do this for retail customers.

If you are sending money to a family member in another country regularly, opening an account with a service that specializes in that corridor (for example, a service focused on transfers to Mexico or the Philippines) can save you money over time compared to using Chase for each transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Chase international wire take?

Most wires to major banks in developed countries arrive within one to two business days. Wires to smaller banks or less developed banking systems can take three to five business days. Chase does not may provide delivery time, and delays can occur at the receiving bank's end.

Can I cancel a wire after I send it?

Once a wire is sent, Chase cannot stop it. If you realize you made an error immediately after sending, call Chase's wire department right away, but there is no may provide they can intercept it. If the wire is rejected by the receiving bank, it will return to your account in five to ten business days.

What is a SWIFT code and why do I need it?

A SWIFT code is an eight or eleven-character identifier that tells the banking system which bank to send your money to. Without it or with an incorrect code, your wire may be delayed or sent to the wrong bank. Ask your recipient for their bank's SWIFT code or look it up on the bank's website.

Does Chase charge a fee on the receiving end?

Chase charges you an outgoing fee ($15 to $45), but the receiving bank may also charge a fee to the recipient. This is separate and depends on that bank's policies. Ask your recipient whether their bank charges incoming wire fees so they know what to expect.

Why is Chase's exchange rate worse than other services?

Chase applies a markup to the mid-market exchange rate to make money on currency conversion. Dedicated international transfer services often have lower markups because they specialize in these transfers and compete on price. For large transfers, the difference can be significant.