The basic steps to send a wire

To send a wire transfer, you need your bank's wire transfer form, the recipient's full name and bank account number, their bank's routing number, and the amount you want to send. Call your bank or visit a branch to request the wire form — most banks no longer mail them automatically. Fill in the recipient information exactly as it appears on their account, then submit the form with payment. Your bank will deduct the wire amount plus any wire fee (typically $15 to $30 for domestic wires) from your account.

The wire usually leaves your bank the same business day if you submit it before the bank's cutoff time, often 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. The receiving bank typically credits the money within one to two business days, though some banks process wires faster. You will receive a confirmation number — keep this in case you need to track the wire or dispute it later.

Key Takeaways

  • You need the recipient's full name, account number, and their bank's routing number before you can send a wire.
  • Wire fees vary by bank but usually range from $15 to $30 for transfers within the United States.
  • Wires sent before your bank's cutoff time (often 2 p.m. or 3 p.m.) typically leave the same business day.
  • Once a wire leaves your bank, you cannot cancel it, so verify all recipient details before submitting.

Where to get the recipient's bank information

Ask the recipient directly for their account number and their bank's routing number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the bank; the recipient can find it on the bottom left of their checks or by calling their bank. Do not rely on information from an email or text message unless you have confirmed it through a separate conversation or by calling the recipient's bank directly.

If you are wiring money to a business, ask them for their wire instructions in writing. Many businesses provide a wire instruction sheet that includes the account number, routing number, and any special reference information you need to include. Verify the business name matches exactly — banks will reject or delay wires if the name does not match the account holder's name on file.

How to submit your wire at the bank

Visit your bank in person or call the wire transfer department. Some banks allow you to initiate a wire online through your account, but you may need to verify it by phone or in person before the bank processes it. Ask your bank which method is fastest for your situation.

When you submit the wire form, have the recipient's information ready and double-check every detail: the account number, routing number, and recipient name. Banks process wires based on the routing number and account number, so a single digit wrong will send the money to the wrong account. You will receive a confirmation number and a receipt showing the amount, fee, and expected delivery date.

Wire fees and what they cover

Domestic wire transfers (within the United States) typically cost $15 to $30, depending on your bank. International wires cost more — usually $35 to $50 — because they pass through multiple banks and currency exchanges. Some banks charge extra if you need to cancel a wire or if the wire is rejected and needs to be resent.

The fee covers the bank's processing and the use of the wire network (usually the Federal Reserve's system for domestic wires). The fee is separate from the amount you are sending, so if you want to send $1,000, you will be charged $1,000 plus the wire fee. Ask your bank about the exact fee before you submit the wire so you know the total cost.

Why wires cannot be reversed once sent

A wire transfer is final once it leaves your bank. Unlike a check or a credit card charge, you cannot stop payment or dispute it through your bank's normal process. The money goes directly from your bank to the recipient's bank, and the receiving bank credits it to the account number you provided — even if that account belongs to the wrong person.

This is why verifying the recipient's information is critical. If you send a wire to the wrong account, you will need to contact the receiving bank and ask them to reverse it, but they are not required to do so. If the money was sent to a scammer or a fraudulent account, recovery is difficult and may not be possible. Always confirm the recipient's details by phone or in person before submitting a wire.

When to use a wire instead of other payment methods

Use a wire when you need money to arrive quickly and the recipient requires it — for example, when closing on a home purchase, paying a contractor a large deposit, or sending money internationally. Wires are also useful when the recipient does not accept checks or credit cards, or when you need proof of payment with a confirmation number.

Do not use a wire if you are unsure about the recipient or if the transaction feels rushed or suspicious. Scammers often pressure people to send wire transfers because they cannot be reversed. If someone is pushing you to wire money quickly, especially to an unfamiliar account or overseas, stop and verify their identity through a separate channel before proceeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a wire after I send it?

Not reliably. Once a wire leaves your bank, it is in the receiving bank's system. You can ask your bank to attempt a recall, but the receiving bank is not required to stop it or return the money. The only way to recover a wire sent to the wrong account is to contact the receiving bank and ask them to reverse it, which they may refuse to do.

How long does a wire take?

Domestic wires usually arrive within one to two business days. If you send a wire before your bank's cutoff time (often 2 p.m. or 3 p.m.), it typically leaves the same day. International wires take longer — usually three to five business days — because they pass through multiple banks and may involve currency conversion.

What if the wire is rejected?

If the receiving bank rejects the wire because the account number or routing number is wrong, the money returns to your bank within a few business days. Your bank will credit it back to your account, though you may not see the refund immediately. You will still be charged the wire fee. Contact your bank to find out why the wire was rejected, then get the correct information from the recipient before trying again.

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

Yes. Let them know the amount, the date you are sending it, and any reference information they should watch for. This way they can confirm the wire arrived and you both have a record of the transaction. For large amounts or time-sensitive payments, confirm the wire details in writing before you send it.

Is a wire safer than sending a check?

A wire is faster and harder to forge, but it cannot be reversed. A check can be stopped if lost or sent to the wrong address, but a wire cannot. Neither is inherently safer — it depends on whether you trust the recipient and have verified their account information correctly.