Wire transfer fees vary by bank and the type of transfer, but most domestic wires cost between $15 and $30

The amount you pay depends on whether you're sending money within the United States or internationally, which bank you use, and whether you're a regular customer or new to the bank. Domestic wires — money sent to another U.S. bank account — typically cost less than international wires. Some banks charge nothing if you maintain a certain account balance or use their online platform instead of visiting a branch.

International wire transfers usually run $35 to $50, though some banks charge more. The receiving bank may also deduct a fee from the amount that arrives, so the person on the other end gets less than you sent. Currency conversion fees can add another 1 to 3 percent on top of the wire fee itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Domestic wire transfers typically cost $15 to $30, while international wires range from $35 to $50 or more depending on your bank.
  • The receiving bank may charge its own fee, which is deducted from the money that arrives, so confirm the total cost before you send.
  • Online wires are often cheaper than wires sent through a branch, and some banks waive fees for customers who meet balance requirements.
  • You'll need the recipient's full name, account number, and routing number for a domestic wire, plus additional information for international transfers.

Domestic wire fees at major banks

Most large banks charge $15 to $25 for a domestic wire sent online, and $20 to $30 if you go to a branch in person. Bank of America charges $15 for online domestic wires and $30 for branch wires. Chase charges $15 online and $30 at a branch. Wells Fargo charges $15 online and $25 at a branch. These prices can change, so confirm the current fee with your bank before you send.

Smaller banks and credit unions sometimes charge less — some as low as $10 for a domestic wire — but others charge the same as the major banks. If you wire money regularly, ask your bank whether they offer a lower rate for frequent transfers or whether you can waive the fee by keeping a minimum balance.

International wire fees and hidden costs

International wires cost more because they pass through multiple banks and currency conversion systems. Most banks charge $35 to $50 for the outgoing wire, but the receiving bank may charge an additional $10 to $25 to process the incoming transfer. That fee comes out of the money the recipient receives, so if you send $1,000, the person on the other end might get $950 or less.

Currency conversion adds another layer of cost. Banks typically charge 1 to 3 percent above the real exchange rate — the difference between what they pay for the foreign currency and what they charge you. A bank might quote you an exchange rate that's 2 percent worse than the actual market rate, meaning you lose money on the conversion itself before the wire fee is even applied.

Before you send an international wire, ask your bank for the total cost in writing: the wire fee, the receiving bank's fee (if known), and the exchange rate they'll use. Some banks publish this information online; others require you to call or visit a branch.

When banks waive or reduce wire fees

Many banks waive the domestic wire fee if you maintain a high account balance — often $25,000 or more — or if you have a premium checking account. Some banks waive the fee for the first wire you send each month, or for wires under a certain amount. A few online banks charge no wire fees at all, though they may have other limitations like fewer branch locations or slower processing times.

Ask your bank directly about fee waivers before you send. The savings can be significant if you wire money more than once or twice a year. If you're considering switching banks partly to save on wire fees, factor in whether you'd actually meet the balance requirement or account type needed to may have access to for the waiver.

Wire fees compared to other ways to send money

A wire transfer is fast — usually same-day or next-day — but it's not always the cheapest way to move money. An ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House) typically costs nothing and takes 3 to 5 business days. A check costs only the price of postage and takes 5 to 10 business days. Money transfer services like Western Union or MoneyGram charge fees that vary by location and amount, often ranging from $5 to $50 for domestic transfers and more for international ones.

If you're not in a hurry, an ACH transfer saves you the wire fee entirely. If you need the money to arrive the same day and the recipient is at another U.S. bank, a wire is usually your only option. For international transfers, compare your bank's wire fee against services like Wise (formerly TransferWise), which often charge less for currency conversion, though they may have their own transfer fees.

What information you need to send a wire

For a domestic wire, you'll need the recipient's full name, account number, and the routing number of their bank. For an international wire, you'll also need the recipient's address, the name and address of the receiving bank, and usually a SWIFT code (an international bank identifier). Some countries require additional information like an IBAN (International Bank Account Number).

Double-check all this information before you send. A wire is difficult to reverse if you send it to the wrong account, and you may not recover the money. Most banks ask you to confirm the details in writing or on their website before processing the transfer.

How long a wire takes and when fees are charged

Domestic wires typically arrive the same business day if you send them before your bank's cutoff time — usually 2 or 3 p.m. — or the next business day if you send them after. International wires usually take 1 to 5 business days depending on the receiving country and bank.

Your bank deducts the wire fee from your account when you send the transfer, not when it arrives. If you're sending money from a checking account with a low balance, make sure you have enough to cover both the wire amount and the fee, or the transfer may be rejected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my wire fee back if I change my mind?

No. Once a wire is sent, the fee is charged to your account. If you cancel the wire before it's processed — usually within a few minutes of sending it — some banks may refund the fee, but this depends on your bank's policy. Call immediately if you need to cancel.

Why does the person receiving my wire get less money than I sent?

The receiving bank charges its own fee, which is deducted from the amount that arrives. International wires also lose money to currency conversion. Ask your bank whether the fee will be taken from the recipient's end or split between you, so you know how much to send.

Is there a limit to how much I can wire?

Most banks allow domestic wires up to $100,000 or more per day, though the limit varies by bank and account type. International wires may have lower limits. Contact your bank to confirm the limit on your account before you send a large wire.

Do I pay a fee if someone sends me a wire?

You may. The receiving bank can charge a fee to process an incoming wire, though many banks waive this fee for customers. The fee is usually deducted from the money you receive. Check with your bank about their incoming wire fees.

What's the difference between a wire fee and an exchange rate fee?

The wire fee is what your bank charges to send the transfer. The exchange rate fee is the markup your bank adds to the real currency conversion rate when sending money internationally. Both are separate costs that add up to the total you pay.