The basic steps to send a wire transfer

To send a wire transfer, you need to gather your recipient's banking details, contact your bank or wire service, provide the amount and destination, and authorize the transaction. Most banks let you start a wire in person, by phone, or online. The process usually takes 15 minutes to an hour, though the money may not arrive until the next business day or later depending on the receiving bank's location and time zone.

Wire transfers are one-way transactions — once you authorize the payment, you cannot cancel it if the recipient's bank has already received it. This is why banks ask you to confirm all details before you submit. If you make a mistake with the account number or routing number, the money may go to the wrong person or be rejected and returned to you.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need the recipient's full name, bank name, account number, routing number (for US transfers), and SWIFT code (for international transfers).
  • Wire transfers sent before your bank's cutoff time (usually 2 to 5 p.m.) may arrive the same business day; transfers sent after the cutoff arrive the next day.
  • Fees range from $15 to $50 depending on whether the transfer is domestic or international and which bank you use.
  • Once a wire transfer leaves your bank, you cannot stop it if the receiving bank has already processed it, so verify all details before you authorize.
  • If money goes to the wrong account, contact your bank immediately — recovery is possible but not may provide and depends on the receiving bank's cooperation.

Information you need before you start

Collect the recipient's banking information before you contact your bank. You will need their full legal name (as it appears on their account), the name of their bank, their account number, and their bank's routing number. For transfers within the United States, the routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the bank. For international transfers, you will need the SWIFT code (also called BIC code) instead of or in addition to the routing number.

Ask the recipient to confirm this information in writing or by phone — do not rely on email alone, since email addresses can be spoofed. If the recipient is a business, confirm the exact legal name of the company and the account holder's name. Mismatched names are one of the most common reasons transfers are delayed or rejected.

You will also need to know the amount you are sending and whether you want the recipient to receive the exact amount (in which case you pay the fees) or whether you want to split the fees with them. This matters for international transfers, where fees can be substantial.

How to send a wire through your bank

Contact your bank by phone, in person, or through their online banking portal. Most banks offer all three options, though some charge different fees depending on which method you use (online is often cheaper). Tell the bank representative you want to send a domestic or international wire transfer and provide the recipient's information you gathered.

The bank will confirm the amount, the recipient's details, and the fee. Read back the account number and routing number digit by digit to make sure the bank entered them correctly. Ask the bank representative to repeat the information back to you. Once you authorize the transfer, the bank will give you a confirmation number — write this down and keep it.

The bank will tell you when the money should arrive. Domestic transfers usually arrive within one business day. International transfers can take three to five business days depending on the receiving country and whether the receiving bank is in a different time zone. The receiving bank may hold the money for an additional day or two while they verify the account.

Sending a wire transfer online

If your bank offers online wire transfers, log into your account and look for a "Send Money" or "Wire Transfer" option. You will enter the recipient's name, account number, routing number, and the amount. Some banks let you save recipient information for future transfers; others require you to enter it each time.

Before you submit, the bank will show you a summary of the transaction. Check every detail — the recipient's name, account number, routing number, and amount. Do not submit if anything looks wrong. Once you click "Confirm" or "Send," the transaction is usually final.

Online transfers may take slightly longer to process than in-person transfers because the bank may require additional verification, such as a code sent to your phone. Keep your confirmation number and the date and time of the transfer.

Wire transfer fees and costs

Domestic wire transfer fees typically range from $15 to $30 per transfer, depending on your bank and whether you send the wire online, by phone, or in person. Some banks charge less for online transfers and more for phone or in-person transfers. A few banks offer free wire transfers to customers who meet certain conditions, such as maintaining a minimum balance or having a premium account.

International wire transfer fees are higher — usually $35 to $50 or more — because the money passes through one or more correspondent banks before reaching the recipient. Some banks charge a flat fee; others charge a percentage of the amount being sent. Ask your bank for the exact fee before you authorize the transfer.

The recipient may also be charged a fee by their bank for receiving the wire. This fee is usually smaller than the sending fee and is deducted from the amount they receive. If you want the recipient to receive a specific amount, you will need to send extra money to cover their receiving fee.

What to do if the wire transfer goes wrong

If the money does not arrive within the timeframe your bank gave you, contact your bank immediately with your confirmation number. The bank can check the status of the transfer and tell you whether it has been delivered to the receiving bank. If it has been delivered, the receiving bank may be holding it for verification — ask your bank to contact the receiving bank on your behalf.

If you sent the money to the wrong account number or routing number, contact your bank right away. If the receiving bank has not yet processed the transfer, your bank may be able to recall it. If the receiving bank has already processed it, your bank can ask them to return the money, but the receiving bank is not required to do so. Recovery depends on the receiving bank's policies and whether the account holder cooperates.

If the receiving bank refuses to return the money, you may be able to file a dispute with your bank or report the issue to your state's banking regulator. Keep all documentation — your confirmation number, the date and time of the transfer, the amount, and all correspondence with your bank.

International wire transfers and additional requirements

International wire transfers require more information than domestic transfers. In addition to the recipient's account number and bank name, you will need their SWIFT code (an eight or eleven-character code that identifies banks worldwide). Some countries also require an IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which is a longer code that includes the country, bank, and account information.

International transfers take longer — usually three to five business days — because the money passes through one or more correspondent banks. Each bank in the chain may add a small fee. The total cost can be $50 or more depending on the destination country and the banks involved.

Some countries have restrictions on wire transfers or require additional documentation, such as proof of the purpose of the transfer or proof of your identity. Ask your bank whether any special requirements apply to your destination country before you send the transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?

If you contact your bank immediately after sending the transfer and before the receiving bank processes it, your bank may be able to cancel it. Once the receiving bank has processed the transfer, cancellation is not possible. This is why it is critical to verify all details before you authorize the transfer.

How long does a wire transfer take?

Domestic wire transfers usually arrive within one business day if sent before your bank's cutoff time (typically 2 to 5 p.m.). Transfers sent after the cutoff arrive the next business day. International transfers take three to five business days or longer depending on the receiving country and whether the receiving bank holds the transfer for verification.

What happens if I enter the wrong account number?

The money may go to a different account at the same bank, or the transfer may be rejected if the account number does not match the routing number. Contact your bank immediately with your confirmation number. If the receiving bank has processed the transfer, your bank can request that they return the money, but they are not required to do so.

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

Yes. Tell the recipient the amount, the date you are sending it, and when they should expect to see it in their account. This way, if there is a delay or problem, they can check with their bank. Also confirm their banking details with them before you send the transfer to avoid sending money to the wrong account.

Are wire transfers safe?

Wire transfers are safe if you send money to the correct account. The main risk is sending money to the wrong person by mistake. Verify all details with the recipient before you send, and do not send wire transfers to people you do not know or trust. If you are concerned about fraud, ask the recipient to confirm their banking details by phone rather than email.