How to send a wire transfer from your bank account

To send a wire transfer, you contact your bank (by phone, online, or in person), provide the recipient's banking details, specify the amount, and authorize the transfer. Your bank deducts the money from your account immediately and sends it electronically to the recipient's bank, usually arriving the same business day or within one to two business days. You'll need the recipient's full name, account number, routing number, and bank name — and for international transfers, additional information like the SWIFT code.

Wire transfers are one of the fastest ways to move money between accounts, but they're also irreversible once sent. That's why banks require you to provide accurate information and often ask you to confirm details before processing. The cost typically ranges from $15 to $50 per transfer, depending on whether it's domestic or international and which bank you use.

Key Takeaways

  • Gather the recipient's full name, account number, routing number, and bank name before you contact your bank.
  • Wire transfers deduct money from your account immediately and reach the recipient's bank the same day or within one to two business days.
  • Domestic wire transfers usually cost $15 to $30; international transfers typically cost $35 to $50.
  • Once a wire transfer is sent, you cannot cancel or reverse it, so verify all recipient information carefully before authorizing.
  • You can initiate a wire transfer by phone, online banking, or by visiting your bank in person.

Gather the recipient's banking information

Before you contact your bank, you need the recipient's complete banking details. Ask them for their full legal name (exactly as it appears on their account), their account number, their bank's routing number, and their bank's name and address. For domestic transfers within the United States, the routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the bank; you can find it on a check or by asking the recipient's bank directly.

For international wire transfers, you'll also need the recipient's SWIFT code (also called a BIC code), which identifies their bank internationally. Some banks also request an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) for transfers to Europe and other regions. Double-check this information with the recipient before you proceed — a single wrong digit in an account number can send money to the wrong person, and you won't be able to recover it.

Contact your bank and provide transfer details

Call your bank's wire transfer line, log into your online banking portal, or visit a branch in person. Tell them you want to send a wire transfer and provide the recipient's information, the amount you're sending, and any special instructions (such as a reference number or invoice number the recipient needs). Your bank will confirm the details with you and may ask security questions to verify your identity.

If you're using online banking, you'll typically enter the recipient's information into a form, review it, and then authorize the transfer. If you're calling or visiting in person, the bank representative will read the details back to you — listen carefully and correct any errors before you authorize. Some banks require you to sign a wire transfer authorization form, especially for large amounts or international transfers.

Understand the fees and timing

Domestic wire transfers usually cost $15 to $30 and arrive the same business day if sent before your bank's cutoff time (often 2 or 3 p.m.). If you send after the cutoff, the transfer typically processes the next business day. International wire transfers cost more — usually $35 to $50 — and take one to three business days, depending on the recipient's country and bank.

Some banks charge different fees for incoming versus outgoing transfers, and some charge extra for rush processing. Ask your bank about its specific fees before you authorize the transfer. The recipient's bank may also charge a fee to receive the wire, though this is less common for domestic transfers.

Confirm the transfer has been sent

After you authorize the wire transfer, your bank will give you a confirmation number. Write this down or save the email confirmation — you'll need it if you ever need to track the transfer or dispute it. The confirmation number is not the same as proof that the recipient received the money; it only confirms that your bank sent it.

Check your bank account to confirm the money has been deducted. For domestic transfers, contact the recipient after one business day to confirm they received it. For international transfers, wait two to three business days before following up. If the money doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe, contact your bank with the confirmation number and ask them to trace the transfer.

What to do if something goes wrong

If you realize you made a mistake after sending the wire transfer, contact your bank immediately — some banks can stop a transfer if it hasn't been processed yet, but this is rare. If the transfer has already been sent, your bank can attempt to recall it, but the recipient's bank is not required to return the money. The only reliable way to recover a misdirected wire transfer is to contact the recipient's bank directly and ask them to reverse it, which they may or may not do.

If the recipient's bank received the money but sent it to the wrong account within their system, that bank can usually correct it. If the money went to a completely different bank because of an incorrect routing number, recovery becomes much harder. This is why verifying all information before sending is critical — it's far easier to prevent a mistake than to fix one afterward.

Alternatives to wire transfers

If you need to send money but want to avoid wire transfer fees or irreversibility, consider other options. ACH transfers (Automated Clearing House) are free or low-cost and work between U.S. bank accounts, but they take three to five business days. Peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App are fast and often free for small amounts, but they have daily limits and aren't ideal for large sums. Cashier's checks are secure and can be mailed, but they take several days and require a trip to the bank.

For international transfers, international money transfer services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) or OFX often offer better exchange rates and lower fees than banks, though they may take one to two business days. Choose based on how much you're sending, how quickly it needs to arrive, and whether you need the transfer to be reversible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?

Once a wire transfer is sent and processed by your bank, you cannot cancel it. If you catch the error before your bank's cutoff time (usually 2 or 3 p.m.), call immediately and ask if they can stop it — some banks can, but it's not may provide. After that, your only option is to ask the recipient's bank to reverse it, which they are not required to do.

How long does a wire transfer take?

Domestic wire transfers typically arrive the same business day if sent before your bank's cutoff time, or the next business day if sent after. International wire transfers usually take one to three business days, depending on the recipient's country and bank. Weekends and holidays can delay transfers.

What information do I need to send a wire transfer?

For a domestic transfer, you need the recipient's full name, account number, routing number, and bank name. For an international transfer, you also need the SWIFT code and possibly the IBAN. Always verify this information with the recipient before sending.

Why is my wire transfer taking longer than expected?

Delays can happen if the recipient's bank is processing a large volume of transfers, if there's a holiday, or if the banking information was slightly incorrect. Contact your bank with your confirmation number and ask them to trace the transfer. If the money was sent to the wrong bank, recovery can take weeks or may not be possible.

Is a wire transfer safer than other payment methods?

Wire transfers are fast and direct, but they're not reversible, which makes them risky if you send money to the wrong person. They're safer than cash or checks for large amounts, but less safe than credit cards or ACH transfers if you're worried about fraud. Never send a wire transfer to someone you don't trust or haven't verified independently.