How to send a wire transfer from your bank

To send a wire transfer, you start at your bank — either in person, by phone, or through online banking. You will need the recipient's full name, their bank account number, their bank's routing number, and the amount you want to send. Some banks also ask for the recipient's address. You provide this information to your bank, confirm the amount and fee, and the bank sends the money electronically to the other bank, which deposits it into the recipient's account.

The whole process typically takes one business day for domestic transfers within the United States. International wire transfers take longer — usually three to five business days — because the money passes through multiple banks and currency conversion may be involved. Your bank will charge a fee for sending the wire, which ranges from $15 to $50 depending on the bank and whether the transfer is domestic or international.

Once you initiate a wire transfer, you cannot cancel it if the money has already left your bank. This is why it matters to double-check the recipient's account number and routing number before you confirm. A mistake in either one can send your money to the wrong account, and recovering it is difficult and slow.

Key Takeaways

  • You need the recipient's full name, account number, routing number, and the transfer amount before your bank will process a wire.
  • Domestic wire transfers usually arrive within one business day; international transfers take three to five business days.
  • Your bank charges a fee of $15 to $50 per wire transfer, and you cannot cancel once the money leaves your bank.
  • Double-check the account and routing numbers before confirming, because sending money to the wrong account is hard to reverse.
  • Online banking, phone, and in-person are all common ways to initiate a wire, depending on what your bank offers.

Getting the information you need from the recipient

Before you contact your bank, you need to gather the recipient's banking details. Ask them for their account number and their bank's routing number. For domestic transfers, the routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the specific bank branch. The account number is the number of the checking or savings account where the money should land.

If the recipient does not have this information handy, they can find it on a check from their account — the routing number is the first set of numbers on the bottom left, and the account number follows it. They can also log into their online banking or call their bank's customer service line. For international transfers, you will also need the recipient's bank's SWIFT code or IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which your bank will ask for.

Write down or copy this information exactly as the recipient gives it to you. A single digit wrong in the account number or routing number will send the money to a different account, and you will have to contact your bank and the receiving bank to try to recover it — a process that can take weeks.

Sending a wire through online banking

Most banks now offer wire transfers through their online banking portal. Log into your account and look for a "Send Money," "Wire Transfer," or "Payments" section. Click on the option to send a wire transfer. You will be asked to enter the recipient's name, account number, routing number, and the amount.

Some banks require you to add the recipient as a "payee" first before you can send them money. This is a one-time step that takes a few minutes. After you add them, you can send them money multiple times without re-entering their information each time. Review all the details on the confirmation screen before you submit. Once you click submit or confirm, the wire is initiated and cannot be stopped.

Your bank will show you a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot. You will need it if you ever need to contact your bank about the transfer. The money usually leaves your account immediately, even though it may take a day or more to arrive at the recipient's bank.

Sending a wire by phone or in person

If you prefer not to use online banking, you can call your bank's wire transfer line or visit a branch in person. When you call, a representative will ask you for the same information: the recipient's name, account number, routing number, and the amount. They will also verify your identity and may ask security questions. The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

If you go to a branch, bring a photo ID and be prepared to provide the recipient's banking details. Some banks require you to fill out a wire transfer form in person. The teller will review it with you, confirm the details, and process the transfer. In-person transfers can sometimes be faster than online, but it depends on how busy the branch is.

Whether you call or visit in person, ask for a confirmation number and write it down. Also ask when the money is expected to arrive at the recipient's bank. Your bank representative can usually give you a specific date or time window.

Understanding wire transfer fees and timing

Every bank charges a fee to send a wire transfer. Domestic wire fees typically range from $15 to $30, while international wires cost $30 to $50 or more. Some banks charge different amounts depending on whether you use online banking, call, or go in person. A few banks waive wire fees for customers who maintain a high account balance or have a premium account, so it is worth asking your bank if you may have access to.

The fee is deducted from your account when you initiate the wire. You will see it listed separately on your bank statement. The recipient does not pay a fee on their end — the money they receive is the full amount you sent.

Timing depends on the type of transfer. A domestic wire to another U.S. bank usually arrives the same business day or the next business day. International wires take longer because they move through a network of correspondent banks. A wire to Canada or Mexico typically takes one to two business days. Wires to Europe, Asia, or other regions can take three to five business days. Weekends and holidays add extra time because banks do not process wires on those days.

What happens if something goes wrong

If you send money to the wrong account by mistake, contact your bank immediately. Provide them with the confirmation number and explain the error. Your bank will contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the funds. The receiving bank is not required to do this, but most will cooperate if the money was sent to the wrong account due to an error.

The recovery process can take two to four weeks. During that time, the money may still be in the recipient's account, or it may have already been withdrawn. If it has been withdrawn, recovery becomes much harder and may require legal action. This is why verifying the account number and routing number before you send is so important.

If the wire does not arrive when you expected it, contact your bank with the confirmation number. They can trace the wire and tell you where it is in the system. Sometimes wires are delayed because of a holiday, a typo in the routing number, or a problem at the receiving bank. Your bank can usually resolve these issues within a few business days.

Alternatives to wire transfers

Wire transfers are fast and reliable, but they are not the only way to send money. ACH transfers (Automated Clearing House) are slower but cheaper — they usually cost $0 to $5 and take two to three business days. ACH works well if you are not in a hurry. Peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, or Square Cash are instant or nearly instant for small amounts, but they work best between individuals rather than for paying businesses or large sums.

For very large amounts or international transfers, some people use money transfer services like Western Union or MoneyGram, though these typically charge higher fees than banks. If you are sending money to someone outside the U.S., your bank's international wire is usually the cheapest and most straightforward option, though it takes several days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?

Not reliably. Once the money leaves your bank, it is out of your control. If you catch the error within a few minutes and the wire has not yet been processed, your bank may be able to stop it, but this is rare. After that, you have to ask the receiving bank to return the funds, which they are not required to do. Always verify the account number and routing number before you confirm.

How do I know if the wire arrived?

The recipient's bank will deposit the money into their account, and it will show up in their online banking or on their statement. You can ask the recipient to confirm they received it, or you can contact your bank with your confirmation number and ask them to trace the wire. Your bank can tell you whether it has been delivered to the receiving bank.

What if I do not know the recipient's routing number?

Ask the recipient to provide it. They can find it on a check, in their online banking, or by calling their bank. You can also use your bank's routing number lookup tool if you know the name of the recipient's bank, though it is safer to get the number directly from the recipient to avoid mistakes.

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

It is a good idea to let them know the wire is coming, especially if they are not expecting it. Give them the amount and the approximate date it will arrive. This way, they can watch for it and let you know if it does not show up. It also prevents confusion if they receive money from an unfamiliar sender.

Is a wire transfer safe?

Wire transfers are secure in the sense that the money is transferred electronically and tracked. However, they are not reversible if you make a mistake or if you are scammed. Never send a wire to someone you do not trust or for a reason that seems suspicious. Scammers often pressure people to send wire transfers because they cannot be undone.