The basic steps to wire money from one bank to another

To wire money between banks, you need the receiving bank's routing number, the recipient's account number, and their full name exactly as it appears on the account. You then contact your sending bank—by phone, online portal, or in person—provide these details, specify the amount, and authorize the transfer. Most banks process domestic wires the same business day if you send before their cutoff time, usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Eastern time. International wires take longer and cost more.

The process is straightforward because banks have standardized it, but mistakes are expensive: a wire sent to the wrong account number is nearly impossible to recover. That's why banks ask you to double-check the details before confirming, and why you should verify the receiving account information with the recipient directly, not from an email or text.

Key Takeaways

  • You need the receiving bank's routing number and the recipient's account number, both of which you can find on a check or by calling the receiving bank directly.
  • Domestic wires typically process the same business day if sent before your bank's cutoff time, while international wires take three to five business days and cost significantly more.
  • Wire transfers are irreversible once sent, so verify the account number and recipient name with the recipient before authorizing the transfer.
  • Most banks charge a fee for outgoing wires, ranging from $15 to $50 for domestic transfers, though some accounts waive the fee.
  • You can initiate a wire through your bank's online portal, mobile app, phone line, or by visiting a branch in person.

Finding the routing number and account number you need

The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the receiving bank. You can find it on the bottom left of any check from that bank, or by calling the bank's customer service line and asking for the routing number for wire transfers (some banks have different routing numbers for different purposes). The Federal Reserve also maintains a searchable routing number database online.

The account number is unique to the recipient's account at that bank. It appears on the bottom of their checks, in their online banking portal, or by calling their bank. Always get the account number directly from the recipient or from their bank—never from an email or text message, even if it appears to come from someone you know. Scammers intercept emails and texts to redirect wires to their own accounts.

Write down the recipient's full legal name exactly as it appears on their account. Banks match the name on the sending wire to the name on the receiving account; a middle initial missing or a nickname used instead of the legal name can cause the wire to be rejected or held.

Sending a wire through your bank's online portal or app

Most banks now allow you to initiate a wire through their website or mobile app. Log in, look for "Send Money," "Wire Transfer," or "Pay Someone," and select the option for sending to another bank (not to another account you own at the same bank, which is usually faster and free). Enter the receiving bank's routing number, the recipient's account number, their name, and the amount you want to send.

Before you confirm, the bank will show you a summary of the details. Read it carefully—this is your last chance to catch a typo. Some banks ask you to confirm the recipient's name a second time or to answer a security question. Once you submit, the wire is authorized and cannot be stopped or reversed.

If your bank's online system doesn't support wire transfers, or if you're uncomfortable entering the information online, you can call the bank's wire transfer line or visit a branch. A representative will walk you through the same steps over the phone or in person.

Wire transfer fees and timing

Domestic wire transfers typically cost between $15 and $50, depending on your bank and account type. Some banks waive the fee for certain account tiers (like premium checking or wealth management accounts) or for a limited number of wires per month. International wires cost more—often $35 to $75—because they route through multiple banks and currency exchanges.

Domestic wires sent before your bank's cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Eastern) arrive the same business day. Wires sent after the cutoff or on weekends or holidays process the next business day. International wires take three to five business days because they pass through correspondent banks in other countries, each of which processes them during their own business hours.

The receiving bank may hold the funds for a day or two if the account is new or if the wire amount is unusually large. This is a fraud prevention measure. The recipient should contact their bank if the wire doesn't appear within the expected timeframe.

What to do if you make a mistake

If you realize you've sent a wire to the wrong account number before the bank processes it, call your bank immediately. If the wire hasn't left yet, the bank may be able to cancel it. Once the wire has been sent, recovery is difficult. The receiving bank can ask the recipient to return the funds, but they have no legal obligation to do so, and many will not cooperate.

If the wire was sent to the correct account number but the recipient's name was slightly wrong (a missing middle initial, for example), the wire usually still arrives. Banks prioritize the account number over the name. However, if the account number is wrong, the wire may be rejected and returned to you, or it may sit in a suspense account at the receiving bank while they try to figure out where it belongs.

Document everything: the date you sent the wire, the amount, the receiving bank, the account number, and the recipient's name. Your bank will provide a confirmation number. Keep this information in case you need to trace the wire later.

Wiring money to accounts you own at other banks

If you're transferring money between accounts in your own name at different banks, a wire transfer works but is often not the best option. Many banks offer free transfers between your own accounts using ACH (Automated Clearing House), which takes one to three business days but costs nothing. Ask your bank whether they support this before paying a wire fee.

Some banks also allow you to link external accounts and transfer money for free through their online portal. This is slower than a wire but free and convenient for regular transfers. If you need the money to arrive the same day, a wire is your only option, but if you can wait a few days, ACH or a linked account transfer will save you the fee.

International wire transfers: additional steps and costs

International wires require the same basic information—routing number (or the receiving bank's SWIFT code), account number, and recipient name—but also the recipient's country, city, and the name and address of the receiving bank. Some banks ask for an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) instead of or in addition to the account number; this is standard in Europe and many other regions.

International wires are more expensive and slower because they route through correspondent banks in the recipient's country. Each bank in the chain takes a small fee, which is deducted from the amount the recipient receives. Ask your bank upfront what the total cost will be and how much the recipient will actually get, so there are no surprises.

Currency exchange rates also apply. If you're sending U.S. dollars to a country that uses a different currency, your bank will convert the money at their exchange rate, which is usually not as favorable as the mid-market rate you see online. Some banks offer better rates than others, so it's worth asking what rate they use before sending a large amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?

If you call your bank immediately after sending the wire and before it has been processed, the bank may be able to cancel it. Once the wire has left your bank and arrived at the receiving bank, it cannot be canceled or reversed. This is why wires are used for large, time-sensitive payments—they are final.

How long does a domestic wire transfer take?

A domestic wire sent before your bank's cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Eastern) arrives the same business day. Wires sent after the cutoff or on weekends or holidays process the next business day. The receiving bank may hold the funds briefly for fraud checks, but the wire itself completes within hours.

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

A routing number is a nine-digit code used for domestic U.S. wire transfers. A SWIFT code is an eight or eleven-character code used for international wires. If you're sending money to another U.S. bank, use the routing number. If you're sending internationally, ask the receiving bank for their SWIFT code.

Do I need the recipient's permission to wire them money?

You do not need formal permission, but you should confirm with the recipient that they want to receive the wire and that the account number you have is correct. Wires are irreversible, so a wrong account number means the money goes to someone else and is very difficult to recover.

Why did my wire get rejected?

Wires are usually rejected because the account number doesn't exist at that bank, the account is closed, or the account number format is wrong for that bank. Contact your bank with your confirmation number, and they can investigate. If the receiving bank rejected it, the money will be returned to your account within a few business days.