The basic steps to wire money from your bank account

To send a bank wire, you need your bank's wire transfer form (or online portal), the recipient's full name and bank account number, their bank's routing number, and the amount you want to send. You'll fill in these details, authorize the transfer, and your bank will send the money directly to the other account — usually within one business day, though it can take longer if the receiving bank is outside the U.S.

The process differs slightly depending on whether you're wiring money domestically (within the U.S.) or internationally, and whether you're doing it in person, by phone, or online. The core information your bank needs stays the same.

Key Takeaways

  • Domestic wires typically arrive within one business day; international wires take three to five business days and cost more.
  • You'll need the recipient's full legal name, account number, and their bank's routing number (for domestic wires) or SWIFT code (for international wires).
  • Most banks charge a fee for outgoing wires, ranging from $15 to $50 depending on whether the wire is domestic or international.
  • Once a wire is sent, it cannot be stopped or reversed, so verify all recipient information before you authorize the transfer.
  • You can initiate a wire online, by phone, or in person at a branch, depending on your bank's options and your comfort level.

Gather the recipient's banking information

Before you contact your bank, collect the exact details of who is receiving the money. Ask the recipient for their full legal name (the name on their bank account), their account number, and their bank's routing number. For domestic U.S. wires, the routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the receiving bank. If you're wiring internationally, you'll need the recipient's bank's SWIFT code instead, which is usually four to eleven characters.

Write down this information exactly as the recipient provides it. A single digit wrong in the account number or routing number will send the money to the wrong place. If the recipient is unsure of their routing number, they can find it on a check, call their bank, or look it up on their bank's website.

Contact your bank and request a wire transfer form

Call your bank's customer service line, visit a branch in person, or log into your online banking portal. Most banks now offer wire transfers through their website or mobile app, which is the fastest route. If your bank doesn't have an online option, you can request a wire transfer form by phone or in person.

Tell the bank representative whether you're sending a domestic or international wire. They'll either direct you to the online system or mail you a form to complete. If you're doing this in person or by phone, the representative may ask you to provide the recipient's information verbally, which they'll enter into the system for you.

Fill in the wire transfer form or online portal

Whether you're using a paper form or an online system, you'll enter the same information: the amount of money you're sending, the recipient's full name, their account number, their bank's routing number (or SWIFT code for international transfers), and the name of their bank. Some forms also ask for a reference or memo line — this is optional and typically used for invoices, loan numbers, or other details the recipient might need to identify the payment.

Double-check every number and name before you submit. Wires cannot be reversed once they're sent, so a mistake here means the money goes to the wrong account and recovering it is difficult and time-consuming. Read the form or screen one more time, paying special attention to the account number and routing number.

Authorize the transfer and pay any fees

Your bank will ask you to authorize the wire by signing the form (if it's paper) or entering your PIN or password (if it's online). At this point, your bank will also tell you the fee for the wire. Domestic wires typically cost $15 to $30; international wires cost $30 to $50 or more, depending on your bank. Some banks charge the same fee regardless of the amount; others charge a percentage of the transfer.

The fee is usually deducted from your account at the time the wire is sent. Confirm that you have enough money in your account to cover both the transfer amount and the fee. Once you authorize the wire, it's final — you cannot cancel it or get the money back.

Confirm the wire was sent and get a confirmation number

Your bank will provide a confirmation number or receipt showing that the wire was sent. Save this number. It's your proof that the transfer happened, and you'll need it if there's ever a dispute or if the money doesn't arrive as expected.

Ask your bank how long the wire should take to arrive. Domestic wires usually arrive within one business day, but can take up to three. International wires typically take three to five business days. Your bank can tell you whether the receiving bank is in the U.S. or abroad and give you a more specific timeline.

Follow up with the recipient if the money doesn't arrive on time

If the recipient hasn't received the money within the timeframe your bank gave you, contact your bank with your confirmation number. The bank can trace the wire and find out where it is. Sometimes wires are delayed because the receiving bank needs additional information, or because there's a mismatch between the account number and the account holder's name.

If the money was sent to the wrong account, your bank can file a claim with the receiving bank to try to recover it. This process can take weeks or months, so prevention — getting the account number right the first time — is far easier than recovery.

Domestic versus international wires: what changes

The steps are the same, but the details and costs differ. For a domestic wire, you need the recipient's routing number; for an international wire, you need their SWIFT code. International wires take longer (three to five business days instead of one), cost more, and may involve currency conversion if the receiving bank is outside the U.S.

Some banks also require additional information for international wires, such as the recipient's address or the purpose of the transfer. Ask your bank about these requirements before you start filling out the form. If you're sending money to a country with strict financial reporting rules, your bank may ask you to complete extra documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Once your bank sends a wire, it cannot be stopped or reversed. If you made a mistake with the account number or recipient information, contact your bank immediately with your confirmation number. They can try to recover the money from the receiving bank, but this is not may provide and can take weeks.

How much does a bank wire cost?

Domestic wires typically cost $15 to $30; international wires cost $30 to $50 or more. The exact fee depends on your bank and whether the wire is domestic or international. Some banks charge a flat fee; others charge a percentage of the amount transferred. Ask your bank for the fee before you authorize the wire.

What's the difference between a routing number and a SWIFT code?

A routing number is a nine-digit code used to identify U.S. banks for domestic wires. A SWIFT code is used for international wires and identifies banks outside the U.S. You need a routing number for domestic wires and a SWIFT code for international wires. The recipient can provide either one, or you can look them up online.

How long does a wire take to arrive?

Domestic wires usually arrive within one business day, though they can take up to three. International wires typically take three to five business days. The exact timeline depends on the receiving bank and whether it's a U.S. or foreign institution. Your bank can give you a more specific estimate when you send the wire.

What information do I need to send a wire?

You need the recipient's full legal name, their account number, their bank's routing number (for domestic wires) or SWIFT code (for international wires), and the amount you want to send. Some banks also ask for the recipient's address or the purpose of the transfer. Ask the recipient for this information before you contact your bank.