What you need to send a wire through Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo accepts wire transfer requests through online banking, mobile app, phone, or in person at a branch. The bank charges a domestic wire fee (currently $15 for most customers, though this varies by account type) and an international wire fee (currently $45, also variable). You will need the recipient's full name, bank account number, and routing number for domestic wires, or the SWIFT code and IBAN for international transfers.
Wells Fargo processes domestic wires the same business day if you submit before the cutoff time, usually 2 p.m. Pacific time on weekdays. International wires typically take one to three business days. The bank will not process wires on weekends or federal holidays.
You must have sufficient funds in your account to cover both the wire amount and the fee. If you do not, the wire will be rejected and you may incur a returned-item fee.
Key Takeaways
- Domestic wires sent before 2 p.m. Pacific time on a business day usually arrive the same day; international wires take one to three business days.
- You need the recipient's name, account number, and routing number for domestic wires, or SWIFT code and IBAN for international transfers.
- Wells Fargo charges $15 for domestic wires and $45 for international wires on most accounts, though fees vary by account type.
- You can initiate a wire online, through the mobile app, by phone, or in person, but you must have enough money in your account to cover the wire plus the fee.
Sending a domestic wire online or through the mobile app
Log into your Wells Fargo online account or open the mobile app and navigate to the Transfers section. Select "Send Money" or "Wire Transfer" (the exact label depends on which platform you are using). Enter the recipient's full name, account number, and routing number. Double-check these details — a mistake in the account number or routing number will send the money to the wrong place, and Wells Fargo cannot always recover it.
Enter the amount you want to send and review the fee that will be deducted from your account. Confirm the wire and wait for a confirmation number. Save or screenshot this number — you will need it if you need to track the wire or contact Wells Fargo about it later.
Some Wells Fargo accounts require you to verify the wire through a second method, such as a code sent to your phone or email. Complete this step before the wire is final.
Sending a wire by phone or in person
Call Wells Fargo's wire transfer line at 1-800-869-3557 to initiate a wire by phone. Have the recipient's name, account number, and routing number ready. The representative will confirm the amount, fee, and recipient details before processing the wire. You will receive a confirmation number at the end of the call.
To send a wire in person, visit a Wells Fargo branch with your account information and the recipient's banking details. Bring a photo ID. The branch representative will complete the wire form, confirm the details with you, and process the transfer. You will receive a receipt with a confirmation number.
Wires sent by phone or in person are subject to the same cutoff times and processing timelines as online wires. If you call or visit after the cutoff time, the wire will be processed the next business day.
International wire requirements and SWIFT codes
International wires require additional information beyond what a domestic wire needs. You must provide the recipient's SWIFT code (an eight- or eleven-character code that identifies the recipient's bank) and IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which replaces the account number and routing number used in the United States. Some countries use different formats; ask the recipient for their bank's exact requirements.
You may also need to provide the recipient's address and the purpose of the transfer. Wells Fargo requires this information for compliance with international banking regulations. The bank will ask you to confirm these details before processing.
International wires are more expensive and slower than domestic wires. In addition to the $45 wire fee, your bank may charge an intermediary bank fee if the money passes through another bank before reaching the recipient. The recipient's bank may also charge a receiving fee. Ask Wells Fargo for an estimate of all fees before you send the wire.
Tracking your wire and what to do if it does not arrive
Use your confirmation number to track a domestic wire through your Wells Fargo account or by calling 1-800-869-3557. Most domestic wires arrive within hours of being sent. If a wire does not arrive within one business day, contact Wells Fargo immediately with your confirmation number.
International wires are harder to track because they pass through multiple banks. Wells Fargo can tell you whether the wire left their system, but they cannot always see where it is after that. If an international wire does not arrive within three business days, contact Wells Fargo with your confirmation number and ask them to trace it. This process can take several weeks.
If Wells Fargo made an error — such as sending the wire to the wrong account number — contact the bank as soon as you discover it. The bank may be able to recover the money, but this is not always possible, especially if the recipient's bank has already released the funds. Wells Fargo's liability for wire errors is limited by federal banking law.
Cancelling or stopping a wire
You can cancel a domestic wire only if you contact Wells Fargo before the wire is sent. Once the wire leaves Wells Fargo's system, it cannot be stopped. For wires sent online or through the app, you may be able to cancel within a few minutes of sending. Call 1-800-869-3557 immediately if you need to cancel.
International wires cannot be cancelled once they are sent. The money is out of your account and on its way to the recipient's bank. If you sent an international wire by mistake, you will need to contact the recipient and ask them to return the money — Wells Fargo cannot retrieve it.
If you cancel a wire before it is sent, Wells Fargo will not charge you the wire fee. If the wire has already been sent, the fee is not refunded.
Wire transfer limits and restrictions
Wells Fargo does not publish a single wire transfer limit that applies to all customers. Limits depend on your account type, account history, and the bank's fraud detection systems. New accounts typically have lower limits than established accounts. Business accounts may have different limits than personal accounts.
If you try to send a wire larger than your limit, Wells Fargo will reject it. You can contact the bank to request a higher limit, but approval is not may provide. The bank may ask you to provide documentation of the purpose of the wire, especially for large amounts.
Wells Fargo may also block wires to certain countries or for certain purposes as part of compliance with U.S. sanctions and anti-money-laundering laws. If your wire is blocked, the bank will notify you and explain why.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Wells Fargo wire take to arrive?
Domestic wires usually arrive the same business day if sent before 2 p.m. Pacific time. International wires typically take one to three business days, depending on the recipient's bank and country. Wires sent after the cutoff time or on weekends are processed the next business day.
What is the difference between a wire transfer and an ACH transfer?
A wire transfer moves money directly from one bank to another and usually arrives the same day, but costs $15 to $45. An ACH transfer is slower (typically three to five business days) but is free or costs just a few dollars. Use a wire when you need money to arrive quickly; use ACH for routine payments where speed does not matter.
Can I send a wire to a prepaid card or savings account?
Yes, if the prepaid card or savings account has a routing number and account number. Not all prepaid cards accept incoming wires. Contact the card issuer to confirm they accept wire transfers and to get the correct routing number and account number before you send the wire.
What happens if I send a wire to the wrong account number?
The money will go to whatever account the routing number and account number point to. Wells Fargo cannot retrieve it after the wire is sent. You will need to contact the recipient's bank and ask them to help you recover the money, which is not always possible. Always double-check the account number and routing number before you send.
Does Wells Fargo charge a fee to receive a wire?
No. Wells Fargo does not charge customers a fee to receive incoming wires. However, the sender's bank may charge a fee, and if the wire passes through intermediary banks, those banks may deduct fees from the amount that arrives. The recipient receives whatever is left after all fees are deducted.