How to send a wire transfer at Wells Fargo

You can send a wire transfer through Wells Fargo online, by phone, or in person at a branch. Online is fastest — you log into your account, enter the recipient's bank details, and the transfer typically processes the same business day. By phone, call the Wells Fargo wire transfer line at 1-800-869-3557 and speak to a representative who will walk you through the details. In person, bring your ID and the recipient information to any Wells Fargo branch during business hours.

Wells Fargo charges a fee for outgoing domestic wire transfers (currently $15 for online, $20 by phone or in branch, though fees vary by account type and may change). International wires cost more and require additional information. The recipient's bank will also deduct their own fee, which comes out of the amount received. You need the recipient's full name, bank account number, routing number, and bank address to complete the transfer.

Key Takeaways

  • Online wire transfers through Wells Fargo typically process the same business day and cost $15, making them the fastest and cheapest option.
  • You need the recipient's full name, account number, routing number, and bank address before you start — missing any piece will delay or reject the transfer.
  • International wires require additional information such as the SWIFT code and may take three to five business days to arrive.
  • Wells Fargo charges a fee for sending, and the recipient's bank will also deduct a fee from the amount received.
  • Once a wire transfer is sent, you cannot cancel it if the recipient's bank has already processed it, so verify all details before confirming.

Sending a wire transfer online through Wells Fargo

Log into your Wells Fargo online banking account and look for the "Wire Funds" or "Transfers" option in the main menu. Click it and select "Send Money" or "New Wire Transfer." You will be asked whether the transfer is domestic (within the United States) or international, and the form will change based on your answer.

For a domestic transfer, enter the recipient's full name, account number, routing number, and the name and city of their bank. Double-check the routing number — it is a nine-digit code specific to each bank branch, and one wrong digit will send the money to the wrong place. Enter the amount you want to send and add a reference note if you want (for example, "rent payment" or "invoice 2024-001"). Review all details, then confirm and submit.

The transfer will show as pending in your account immediately. Most domestic wires arrive at the recipient's bank within a few hours on the same business day, though some may take until the next business day. You will receive a confirmation number — save this in case you need to track the transfer or contact Wells Fargo later.

Sending a wire transfer by phone

Call Wells Fargo's wire transfer line at 1-800-869-3557 and have your account number and the recipient's information ready. A representative will verify your identity, ask you to confirm the recipient's details, and process the wire. This method costs $20 instead of $15 online, and the call may take 10 to 15 minutes depending on how busy the line is.

Phone transfers are useful if you do not have online access, prefer to speak with someone, or need to send an international wire and want guidance on the extra requirements. The representative can also answer questions about fees, timing, or whether the recipient's bank will accept the transfer. You will receive a confirmation number at the end of the call.

International wire transfers from Wells Fargo

International wires require more information than domestic ones. In addition to the recipient's name, account number, and bank name, you will need the bank's SWIFT code (an eight or eleven-character code that identifies banks worldwide) and the bank's address. Some countries also require an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) instead of or in addition to the account number.

International wires typically take three to five business days to arrive, though some may take longer depending on the destination country and whether the receiving bank requests additional information. Wells Fargo's fee for international wires is higher than domestic — usually $45 or more depending on the country and amount. The recipient's bank will also deduct a fee, which reduces the amount they receive.

You can send international wires online or by phone. If you are sending online, Wells Fargo will prompt you to enter the SWIFT code and other required fields. If you are unsure whether you have all the correct information, calling 1-800-869-3557 is safer — a representative can verify the details before the transfer is sent, since international wires cannot always be cancelled once they leave Wells Fargo's system.

What information you need before you start

Gather all recipient details before you begin the wire transfer, because incomplete information is the most common reason transfers are delayed or rejected. For a domestic wire, you need: the recipient's full legal name (as it appears on their bank account), their account number, their bank's routing number, and the bank's name and city.

For an international wire, add the recipient bank's SWIFT code and full address. Some countries require an IBAN instead of a routing number — ask the recipient or their bank which one to use. If you are sending to a business, use the business name as it appears on the account, not a shortened version or nickname.

The routing number is critical for domestic transfers. It is a nine-digit code that identifies the specific bank branch. You can find it on the recipient's checks, on their bank's website, or by calling their bank directly. Do not guess or use a similar number — one digit wrong sends the money to the wrong bank.

Fees, timing, and what happens after you send

Wells Fargo's outgoing wire transfer fees are $15 online, $20 by phone or in branch for domestic transfers. International wires cost more, typically $45 or higher. These fees are deducted from your Wells Fargo account. The recipient's bank will also charge a fee, which is deducted from the amount they receive — so if you send $1,000, the recipient may receive $950 or less after both banks take their cuts.

Domestic wires sent before 2 p.m. Pacific Time on a business day usually arrive the same day. Wires sent after 2 p.m. or on weekends and holidays process the next business day. International wires take three to five business days or longer, depending on the destination country and whether the receiving bank needs to verify information.

Once a wire transfer is sent and the recipient's bank has processed it, you cannot cancel it or reverse it. If you made a mistake with the recipient's account number or routing number, the money may go to the wrong account or be rejected by the receiving bank. In that case, contact Wells Fargo immediately with your confirmation number — they can sometimes trace the transfer and recover the funds, but this process takes time and is not may provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?

If the recipient's bank has not yet processed the transfer, Wells Fargo may be able to cancel it — call 1-800-869-3557 immediately with your confirmation number. Once the receiving bank has processed it, cancellation is not possible. This is why you should verify all details before confirming the transfer.

How long does a domestic wire transfer take?

Most domestic wires sent before 2 p.m. Pacific Time on a business day arrive the same day. Wires sent after 2 p.m. or on weekends and holidays process the next business day. Some transfers may take an additional day depending on the receiving bank's processing speed.

What is the difference between a routing number and an account number?

The routing number identifies the specific bank or branch where the account is held. The account number identifies the individual account within that bank. You need both for a wire transfer — the routing number tells the system which bank to send to, and the account number tells that bank which account to deposit into.

Why did my wire transfer get rejected?

The most common reasons are a wrong routing number, a wrong account number, or a mismatch between the recipient's name on the account and the name you entered. Contact Wells Fargo with your confirmation number — they can investigate where the money went and may be able to recover it, though this takes time.

Do I have to pay a fee if the wire transfer fails?

Wells Fargo typically refunds the wire transfer fee if the transfer is rejected by the receiving bank due to incorrect information. However, if you initiated the transfer and then cancelled it, you may still be charged the fee. Ask Wells Fargo about their specific refund policy when you contact them about a failed transfer.