What You Need Before You Start

To send a wire transfer, you need the recipient's banking details and money in your account to cover both the amount being sent and any fees your bank charges. Wire transfers move money directly from one bank account to another, so you cannot send cash or use a credit card — the funds must come from a checking or savings account you own.

Gather these details about the person or business receiving the money: their full name, their bank account number, their bank's routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies the bank), and the bank's name and address. If the transfer is going to another country, you will also need the recipient's bank's SWIFT code or IBAN (International Bank Account Number), depending on which country they are in.

Call your own bank or log into your online banking portal to find out what wire transfer fee they charge. Fees typically range from $15 to $50 for domestic transfers and $25 to $75 for international transfers, though this varies by bank. Some banks waive fees for customers who maintain a minimum balance or have certain account types.

Key Takeaways

  • You need the recipient's bank account number, routing number, bank name, and address before you can initiate a wire transfer.
  • Wire transfers are permanent once sent — the money cannot be recalled if you make a mistake or change your mind.
  • Domestic wire transfers usually arrive within one business day; international transfers typically take three to five business days.
  • Your bank will charge a fee for sending the wire, ranging from $15 to $75 depending on whether it is domestic or international.
  • You can send a wire transfer in person at a bank branch, by phone, or through online banking, depending on what your bank offers.

Sending a Wire Transfer Through Your Bank

Visit your bank's website or mobile app and look for the wire transfer option, usually found under "Send Money" or "Payments." If your bank does not offer online wire transfers, call the wire transfer department directly or visit a branch in person. Have the recipient's information ready before you start.

Enter the recipient's full name exactly as it appears on their bank account — misspellings or middle initials in the wrong place can delay or reject the transfer. Input their bank account number and the bank's routing number. Double-check both numbers because wire transfers cannot be reversed once they leave your bank.

Enter the amount you want to send. The system will show you the fee your bank is charging, so the total deducted from your account will be the transfer amount plus the fee. Review all the information on the confirmation screen before you submit — this is your last chance to catch an error.

After you submit, your bank will give you a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot. Keep it until the recipient confirms they received the money. If something goes wrong, you will need this number to trace the transfer with your bank.

International Wire Transfers and SWIFT Codes

International wire transfers require additional information because the money must pass through multiple banks in different countries. In addition to the recipient's account number and bank name, you will need either a SWIFT code (used in most countries) or an IBAN (used primarily in Europe and some other regions).

Ask the recipient which code their bank uses, or have them provide both. The SWIFT code is an eight or eleven-character code that identifies the specific bank branch. The IBAN is a longer alphanumeric code that includes the country, bank, and account information in one string.

International wire transfers take longer than domestic ones — typically three to five business days, though some routes take longer depending on the countries and banks involved. Your bank may also require you to provide the purpose of the transfer (such as "family support" or "invoice payment") for regulatory reasons.

What Happens After You Send the Wire

Once your bank processes the wire, the money leaves your account immediately and the transfer cannot be stopped or reversed. This is different from checks or ACH transfers, which can sometimes be recalled. If you realize you made a mistake, contact your bank right away — they may be able to contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the funds, but this is not may provide and can take weeks.

For domestic transfers, the money usually arrives in the recipient's account within one business day. For international transfers, allow three to five business days. The recipient's bank may hold the money for a day or two while they verify it, especially if the amount is large or the sender is new to them.

The recipient will see the transfer in their account as a deposit from your name or your bank's name, depending on how the transfer was labeled. They should receive a notification from their bank, but you may want to let them know separately that the money is on the way so they are not surprised by the deposit.

Wire Transfer Fees and Costs

Your bank charges a fee for sending the wire, and sometimes the recipient's bank charges a fee for receiving it. The sending fee is deducted from your account when you initiate the transfer. The receiving fee may be deducted from the amount the recipient gets, or it may be charged to their account separately — this depends on their bank's policy.

Domestic wire transfer fees typically range from $15 to $30. International wire transfer fees are higher, usually $25 to $75, because the money passes through more banks. Some banks charge extra for rush processing or for wires sent after business hours, though most standard wires sent during business hours have no additional charge.

If you are sending money regularly, ask your bank whether they offer a lower rate for frequent wire transfers or whether you can negotiate a flat fee. Some banks also waive wire fees for customers with premium checking accounts or those who maintain a high balance.

When a Wire Transfer Might Fail or Be Delayed

A wire transfer can be rejected if the recipient's account number or routing number is wrong, if the account has been closed, or if the recipient's bank flags the transfer as suspicious. When this happens, your bank will typically return the money to your account within a few business days, though the return may take longer for international transfers.

International wires are more likely to be delayed because they pass through multiple banks and may be held for compliance checks. Large transfers or transfers to countries with strict financial regulations may take longer than the standard three to five days.

If your wire does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact your bank with your confirmation number. They can trace the transfer and find out where it is in the system. If the money was returned to your account, your bank will notify you and explain why the transfer failed.

Alternatives to Wire Transfers

If you need to send money but want to avoid wire transfer fees or want a transfer that can be reversed, consider other options. ACH transfers (Automated Clearing House) are slower — they take three to five business days — but they are free or very cheap and can be recalled within a day or two if you make a mistake.

Money transfer services like Western Union or MoneyGram let you send cash to a recipient who picks it up in person, which can be useful if the recipient does not have a bank account. These services charge higher fees than wire transfers but offer more flexibility on how the recipient receives the money.

For regular payments to the same person or business, set up a recurring ACH transfer or automatic bill payment through your bank. This is cheaper than repeated wire transfers and requires less work after the initial setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?

Not reliably. Once your bank sends the wire, the money is out of your control. Contact your bank immediately if you need to cancel, but they can only ask the receiving bank to return the funds — they cannot force them to do so. International wires are even harder to cancel because they pass through multiple banks.

What if I put the wrong account number in the wire?

The transfer will either be rejected and returned to your account, or it will go to the wrong account. If it goes to the wrong account, contact your bank right away with your confirmation number. They can try to contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the funds, but this process can take weeks and is not may provide to work.

Do I need to tell the recipient I am sending a wire transfer?

It is a good idea to let them know in advance, especially if the amount is large or unexpected. This way they know to expect the deposit and can confirm they received the correct amount. You should also confirm their account number and routing number with them before you send the wire to avoid sending money to the wrong account.

How much money can I wire transfer?

Most banks allow domestic wire transfers up to $100,000 or more per day, though limits vary by bank and account type. International wire transfers may have lower limits. Contact your bank to find out what your specific limit is, and ask whether you can request a higher limit if you need to send more.

Is a wire transfer safe?

Wire transfers are secure in the sense that the money moves directly from one bank account to another through a protected system. However, they are not safe from human error — if you send money to the wrong account, there is no built-in protection. Be very careful to verify the recipient's information before you send.