The basic steps to wire money from your bank

To wire money, you log into your bank's website or app, select "send money" or "wire transfer," enter the recipient's name and bank account details, confirm the amount and fee, and authorize the transfer. The money leaves your account immediately, though it may take one to three business days to reach the other bank. Most banks let you wire money online without visiting a branch, though some still require you to go in person or call.

The recipient needs to give you their full legal name, bank account number, routing number (for domestic transfers), and the name of their bank. For international wires, you'll also need the bank's SWIFT code or IBAN. Ask the recipient to double-check these details before you send anything — a wrong account number means the money goes to someone else's account, and recovering it is difficult and slow.

Wire transfers are nearly irreversible once sent. Unlike a check or credit card payment, you cannot dispute a wire transfer if you change your mind or realize you made a mistake. This is why scammers often ask victims to wire money — once it's gone, it's gone. Only wire money to people and organizations you know and trust.

Key Takeaways

  • Wire transfers move money the same day or next business day, making them faster than checks or ACH transfers, but they cost a fee (usually $15 to $30 per transfer).
  • You need the recipient's full name, account number, routing number, and bank name; for international transfers, you also need the SWIFT code or IBAN.
  • Wire transfers cannot be reversed or disputed after they are sent, so verify all details with the recipient before authorizing the transfer.
  • Scammers frequently request wire transfers because the money is nearly impossible to recover, so never wire money to someone you haven't verified through an independent channel.
  • Your bank may limit how much you can wire per day or per transaction, and some banks require you to visit a branch or call to wire large amounts.

What information you need to collect from the recipient

Before you start the wire, ask the recipient for their banking details in writing — email, text, or a document they send you. Do not rely on verbal information or details from a previous conversation. Write down the recipient's full legal name exactly as it appears on their bank account, their account number, and their bank's routing number.

For domestic U.S. transfers, the routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the bank. You can find it on a check, on the bank's website, or by calling the bank directly. If the recipient gives you a routing number, verify it independently by calling their bank or looking it up on the Federal Reserve's routing number database — do not assume it is correct just because they provided it.

For international wires, you need the recipient's SWIFT code (an eight or eleven-character code that identifies their bank worldwide) or their IBAN (International Bank Account Number, which varies in length by country). Ask the recipient which one their bank uses, or ask them to provide both. Many international banks require the IBAN, not the SWIFT code, so getting this wrong can delay or fail the transfer.

How to initiate a wire through your bank

Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for a link labeled "Send Money," "Wire Transfer," "Payments," or "Transfers." Click it and select "Wire Transfer" or "Send Money to Another Bank." Some banks separate domestic and international wires into different options — choose the correct one.

Enter the recipient's name and bank details into the form. Most banks ask you to enter the information twice to catch typos. After you enter the details, the system usually shows you a preview of the transfer — review it carefully before you confirm. Check the recipient's name, account number, amount, and fee. If anything looks wrong, go back and correct it.

Your bank will ask you to authorize the transfer, usually by entering a one-time code sent to your phone or email, or by using your login password. After you authorize it, the transfer is submitted and cannot be stopped. Your bank will show you a confirmation number — save this for your records.

Wire transfer fees and timing

Most banks charge between $15 and $30 per domestic wire transfer. International wires usually cost more — often $30 to $50 — because they pass through multiple banks and currency exchanges. Some banks charge different fees for incoming and outgoing wires, and some waive fees for customers who maintain a certain account balance or have a premium account.

Domestic wire transfers typically arrive the same business day if you send them before your bank's cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. on weekdays). If you send a wire after the cutoff or on a weekend, it goes out the next business day. International wires take longer — usually one to three business days — because they move through correspondent banks in other countries.

The receiving bank may hold the money for a day or two before crediting it to the recipient's account, especially if the recipient is a new account holder or if the transfer is unusually large. This is not a delay in the wire itself — the money has arrived at the bank, but the bank is verifying the account before releasing it.

When to use a wire transfer instead of other payment methods

Wire transfers are fastest when you need money to move the same day or next business day. A check takes five to seven business days to clear, and an ACH transfer (a standard electronic transfer between banks) takes two to three business days. If you are paying a real estate closing, a contractor who is starting work tomorrow, or a vendor who needs payment urgently, a wire transfer is the right choice.

Wire transfers are also useful when the recipient does not accept credit cards or checks, or when they need a large amount of money and you want to avoid carrying cash. However, because wire transfers are irreversible and carry a fee, they are not the best choice for small, routine payments. For those, an ACH transfer or a check is usually cheaper and safer.

Never wire money to someone you have not verified through an independent channel. If someone emails you asking for a wire transfer, call them back using a phone number you know is correct — do not use a number they provided in the email. Scammers often impersonate businesses, landlords, or government agencies and request wire transfers. Verify the request before you send anything.

What to do if something goes wrong

If you realize you made a mistake immediately after sending a wire — such as entering the wrong account number — call your bank right away. Some banks can stop a wire if it has not yet been processed, but this is rare and only possible within minutes of sending. Once the wire has been processed and sent to the receiving bank, it cannot be stopped.

If the money went to the wrong account, contact your bank and provide them with the confirmation number, the recipient's details, and the amount. Your bank can contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the funds, but the receiving bank is not required to do so. If the account holder refuses to return the money, you may need to pursue a civil claim or report the matter to law enforcement.

If the wire was sent to the correct account but the recipient says they never received it, ask them to check with their bank. The money may be held pending verification, or it may have been deposited to a different account than expected. Provide the recipient with your confirmation number so they can trace the wire with their bank.

Wire transfer limits and restrictions

Most banks set daily and per-transaction limits on wire transfers. A typical limit might be $10,000 per transaction and $25,000 per day, but this varies widely by bank and account type. Some banks allow you to increase your limit by calling customer service or visiting a branch. Other banks have hard limits that cannot be raised.

If you need to wire more than your limit, you can split the transfer into multiple transactions on different days, or you can visit a branch and ask a teller to process a larger wire. Some banks require you to visit in person or call to wire amounts above a certain threshold — usually $50,000 or more — as a fraud prevention measure.

Banks are required to report wire transfers of $10,000 or more to the federal government as part of anti-money-laundering regulations. This is routine and does not mean you have done anything wrong. The report is filed automatically by the bank and does not affect your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?

Once a wire transfer has been processed and sent to the receiving bank, it cannot be canceled. If you catch the error within minutes of sending, call your bank immediately — some banks can stop a wire before it leaves their system, but this is uncommon. After that, your only option is to ask the receiving bank to return the funds, which they are not required to do.

How long does a wire transfer take?

Domestic wire transfers usually arrive the same business day if sent before your bank's cutoff time (typically 2 p.m. or 3 p.m.). International wires take one to three business days because they pass through multiple banks. The receiving bank may hold the funds for an additional day before crediting the account.

What if I wire money to the wrong account?

Contact your bank immediately with your confirmation number. Your bank can ask the receiving bank to return the funds, but the receiving bank is not required to comply. If the account holder refuses to return the money, you may need to pursue legal action or file a police report.

Is it safe to wire money to someone I just met online?

No. Wire transfers are irreversible and scammers know this. Never wire money to someone you have not verified through an independent channel. If someone asks you to wire money, call them back using a phone number you know is correct — not one they provided. Scammers often impersonate businesses, landlords, and government agencies.

Can I wire money internationally from my personal bank account?

Yes, most banks offer international wire transfers from personal accounts. You will need the recipient's SWIFT code or IBAN, and the fee is usually higher than a domestic wire (typically $30 to $50). The transfer takes one to three business days and may involve currency conversion, which your bank will charge a fee for.