Wire instructions at Fidelity depend on your account type and whether you're sending domestic or international money

Fidelity handles wire transfers through its brokerage and banking services, but the exact steps change based on whether you hold a brokerage account, a Fidelity Bank account, or both. Domestic wires (within the US) and international wires follow different paths and have different timelines. You'll need your recipient's bank details and routing information before you start, and you should know that Fidelity charges a fee for outgoing wires — typically $15 to $25 for domestic transfers, though international wires cost more.

The fastest way to find your specific instructions is to log into your Fidelity account and look for the "Transfer Funds" or "Wire Money" section, which will show you options based on what you actually own. If you don't see wire as an option, your account type may not support it, or you may need to call Fidelity directly at the number on your statement.

Key Takeaways

  • Fidelity wire transfers require you to have your recipient's full name, account number, and their bank's routing number before you begin.
  • Domestic wires typically arrive the same business day if sent before the cutoff time, usually around 2 p.m. Eastern; international wires take several business days.
  • Fidelity charges an outgoing wire fee that varies by transfer type, and some accounts may have limits on how much you can wire at once.
  • You can initiate wires online through your account dashboard, by phone, or in person at a Fidelity branch, depending on your account type and the wire amount.

Sending a domestic wire through Fidelity online

Log into your Fidelity account and navigate to the "Transfer Funds" or "Transfers" section. Look for an option labeled "Wire Money" or "Send Money." Fidelity will ask you to choose whether this is a new recipient or someone you've wired to before. If it's a new recipient, you'll enter their full name, bank name, account number, and the bank's routing number — all nine digits.

Enter the amount you want to send and review the fee Fidelity will charge. Confirm the details carefully, especially the account number and routing number, because wires cannot be reversed once they leave Fidelity's system. After you submit, Fidelity will send you a confirmation number. Save this number — you'll need it if you have to track the wire or contact Fidelity about it later.

Domestic wires sent before the cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. Eastern on a business day) arrive the same day. Wires sent after the cutoff or on weekends and holidays process the next business day. The receiving bank may take an additional day to post the money to the recipient's account, depending on their own processing schedule.

Sending an international wire from Fidelity

International wires require more information and cost significantly more than domestic transfers. You'll need the recipient's bank's SWIFT code (an eight or eleven-character code that identifies banks worldwide) in addition to the account number and routing information. Some countries also require an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) instead of or in addition to a routing number.

The process is similar to domestic wires — log in, select "Wire Money," and choose "International." Fidelity will walk you through entering the recipient's details and the SWIFT code. International wires typically take three to five business days to arrive, though some corridors are faster or slower depending on the receiving country and bank. Fidelity's fee for international wires is usually $25 to $45, and the receiving bank may charge an additional fee that comes out of the amount the recipient receives.

Before you send an international wire, confirm with the recipient's bank what information they need and in what format. Some banks are particular about how the recipient's name and address appear, and mistakes can delay the transfer or send it to the wrong account.

Wiring money by phone or in person at Fidelity

If you prefer not to wire online or if your account type doesn't support online wires, you can call Fidelity's customer service line (the number is on your statement or your account confirmation) and ask to initiate a wire. Have the recipient's bank details ready, and be prepared to verify your identity. Phone wires follow the same fee structure and processing timeline as online wires.

If you have a Fidelity branch location near you, you can also visit in person to send a wire. Bring a photo ID and the recipient's complete banking information. In-person wires may process slightly faster because a representative can verify all details on the spot, but the difference is usually just a few hours.

Information you need before you wire

Gather all of this before you start the wire process. Missing or incorrect information is the most common reason wires are delayed or sent to the wrong place.

  • Recipient's full name: Exactly as it appears on their bank account. Middle initials matter.
  • Recipient's account number: The complete account number, not a shortened version.
  • Recipient's bank name: The full legal name of the bank, not a nickname.
  • Bank routing number (domestic): Nine digits for US banks. You can find this on a check or by asking the recipient's bank.
  • SWIFT code (international): Eight or eleven characters. The recipient's bank can provide this, or you can search for it on the SWIFT website.
  • IBAN (international, some countries): Required for many European and other international banks.

Fidelity wire limits and restrictions

Fidelity may place limits on how much you can wire in a single transaction or per day, depending on your account type, how long you've held the account, and your account history. New accounts often have lower limits than established ones. If you need to wire more than your limit, contact Fidelity to ask whether the limit can be raised or whether you need to split the transfer into multiple wires.

Some Fidelity accounts, particularly certain brokerage accounts, may not support wires at all. If you don't see a wire option in your account, check your account documentation or call Fidelity to confirm whether wires are available for your account type.

What to do if your wire doesn't arrive

If a domestic wire doesn't arrive within one business day, or an international wire doesn't arrive within the timeframe Fidelity quoted, contact Fidelity with your confirmation number. Fidelity can check the status of the wire on their end and may be able to contact the receiving bank to track it down. Have your confirmation number, the recipient's account number, and the wire amount ready when you call.

If the wire was sent to the wrong account, the situation is more complicated. Fidelity can attempt to recover the funds, but success depends on whether the receiving bank will cooperate and whether the money has already been moved. This is why verifying all details before you send is so important — recovery is not may provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a wire after I've sent it?

Not reliably. Once a wire leaves Fidelity's system, it's out of their control. If you catch the error within minutes of sending, call Fidelity immediately and ask them to attempt a recall, but there's no may provide they can stop it. This is why reviewing all details before you confirm is critical.

Does Fidelity wire money on weekends or holidays?

No. Wires initiated on weekends or federal holidays are queued and process the next business day. If you need money to arrive by a specific date, account for this delay when you send.

Why does my wire show a different amount than what I sent?

International wires often arrive for less than you sent because the receiving bank charged a fee that was deducted from the transfer. Confirm with the recipient's bank what fees they charge before you send, so the recipient knows to expect a smaller amount.

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

Wires are faster (same day for domestic) but cost more and cannot be reversed. ACH transfers are slower (three to five business days) but cheaper and can be stopped before they clear. Fidelity offers both; choose based on how urgently you need the money to arrive and how much you're willing to pay in fees.

Can I wire money from a Fidelity IRA or retirement account?

Generally no. Retirement accounts have restrictions on moving money out, and wires from IRAs or 401(k)s are usually not allowed. You would need to withdraw the money first (which may trigger taxes or penalties) and then wire it from a regular brokerage or bank account. Contact Fidelity to confirm the rules for your specific account type.