Wire transfers online work the same way as in-person transfers, but you initiate them through your bank's website or app instead of visiting a branch
When you send a wire transfer online, your bank moves money directly from your account to another account — usually within hours. You do not need to write a check or wait for the mail. The recipient's bank receives the funds and deposits them, often the same day if you send before your bank's cutoff time (usually mid-afternoon on business days).
Online wire transfers cost money. Most banks charge between $15 and $50 per transfer, depending on whether the money stays within the United States or goes abroad. Some banks charge less for domestic wires (within the US) than international ones. A few banks waive the fee if you keep a certain balance or have a premium account, so it is worth asking your bank what they charge before you send.
You will need specific information about the person or business receiving the money: their full name, account number, routing number (for US banks), and the name of their bank. If the transfer goes outside the US, you may also need a SWIFT code or IBAN. Getting even one digit wrong can send the money to the wrong account, and recovering it is difficult and slow.
Key Takeaways
- Online wire transfers move money directly from your bank account to another account on the same day or next business day, but they cost $15 to $50 per transfer.
- You need the recipient's full name, account number, routing number, and bank name — incorrect information can send money to the wrong account.
- Most banks let you send domestic wires through their website or mobile app, but some require you to call or visit a branch for large amounts.
- Wire transfers are permanent once sent; you cannot cancel or reverse them like you can with a check or credit card charge.
- International wire transfers take longer and cost more than domestic ones, and may require additional codes like SWIFT numbers.
How to send a wire transfer through your bank's website or app
Log into your bank's online banking portal or open their mobile app. Look for a section labeled "Send Money," "Wire Transfer," "Payments," or "Transfers" — the exact name varies by bank. Click or tap that section and select "Wire Transfer" or "Send Wire."
Enter the recipient's information exactly as it appears on their account: full legal name, account number, routing number, and bank name. Double-check every number and letter. Some banks ask whether the transfer is domestic (within the US) or international; select the correct option. You may also see a field for "purpose of transfer" — this is optional for domestic wires but required for some international transfers.
Enter the amount you want to send. Review all the information on the confirmation screen before you submit. Once you click "Confirm" or "Send," the transfer is final. You cannot undo it.
Your bank will show you a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot. You will need this number if you ever need to contact your bank about the transfer.
When your bank requires you to call or visit in person
Some banks do not allow large wire transfers online. If you want to send more than a certain amount — often $10,000 or $25,000, though this varies — your bank may require you to call a phone number or visit a branch in person. This is partly a security measure and partly a regulatory requirement for large transfers.
If your bank blocks your online wire attempt, you will see a message telling you to contact them. Call the number on the back of your debit card or the number listed on your bank's website. A representative will verify your identity and process the wire over the phone. You can also visit a branch during business hours and ask a teller to send the wire for you.
Bring your account information and the recipient's details with you if you visit in person. The process is the same as online, but a bank employee handles it instead of you.
Domestic versus international wire transfers
| Factor | Domestic (US to US) | International |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Same day or next business day | 3 to 7 business days |
| Cost | $15 to $30 | $25 to $50 |
| Information needed | Account number, routing number, bank name | Account number, SWIFT code or IBAN, bank address |
| Currency conversion | Not applicable | Your bank converts to the recipient's currency; exchange rate varies by bank |
Domestic wire transfers are faster and cheaper because the money stays within the US banking system. Your bank sends the funds to the recipient's bank using the Federal Reserve's wire network, and the money usually arrives within hours.
International wire transfers take longer because they must pass through multiple banks in different countries. The recipient's bank may also hold the funds for a day or two to verify the transfer is legitimate. Exchange rates also matter: if you are sending US dollars to a country that uses a different currency, your bank converts the money at their rate, which may be less favorable than the market rate. Some banks charge a separate fee for currency conversion on top of the wire fee.
Information you need before you send
Ask the person or business receiving the money for their banking details in writing — email, text, or a document they send you. Do not rely on memory or a verbal description. The information you need is:
- Full legal name of the account holder (exactly as it appears on their account)
- Account number
- Routing number (for US banks) or SWIFT code and IBAN (for international banks)
- Name of the bank
- City and state (or country) where the bank is located
For international transfers, also ask for the bank's address. Some banks require it; others do not. It is easier to have it and not need it than to start the transfer and find out you need it halfway through.
If the recipient gives you information verbally, ask them to confirm it in writing. A single wrong digit in the account number or routing number sends the money to a different account, and the receiving bank has no obligation to return it or tell you where it went.
What happens after you send the wire
Your bank deducts the amount plus the wire fee from your account immediately. The money leaves your control at that moment. You cannot cancel the transfer or reverse it like you can with a credit card charge or a check.
For domestic transfers, the recipient's bank usually receives the funds within a few hours. The recipient's account is credited the same day or the next business day, depending on when you sent it and when their bank processes incoming wires. If you send after your bank's cutoff time (usually 2 or 3 p.m. on business days), the transfer may not go out until the next day.
For international transfers, the money is in transit for several days. The recipient's bank may hold it for an additional day or two for verification. You can give the recipient your confirmation number so they can contact their bank and ask about the status, but there is little either of you can do to speed it up.
Keep your confirmation number and the date you sent the transfer. If the recipient says they never received the money, you will need this information to file a trace with your bank — a request to find out where the money went. A trace can take weeks and may not recover the funds if they were sent to the wrong account.
Protecting yourself from wire transfer fraud
Wire transfers are a common target for fraud because they are fast and irreversible. Scammers often pose as landlords, business partners, or government agencies and pressure people into sending money urgently. Once the money is sent, it is gone.
Before you send any wire transfer, verify the recipient's identity through a method you know is safe. If someone emails you asking for a wire transfer, call them back at a phone number you find yourself (not a number they provided). If a landlord or business partner asks for a wire, contact them through a phone number or address you already have on file.
Be suspicious of requests that pressure you to send money quickly, use unusual payment methods, or ask you to keep the transfer secret. Legitimate businesses and government agencies do not ask for wire transfers to personal accounts or demand payment the same day.
If you realize you sent money to the wrong account or to a scammer, contact your bank immediately. Tell them the transfer was sent in error or that you were defrauded. Your bank can try to recall the funds, but success depends on whether the receiving bank has already released the money. The sooner you report it, the better your chances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?
Not usually. Once your bank sends the wire, the money is out of your control. Some banks can attempt to recall a wire within a few hours of sending it, but the receiving bank is not required to return it. Call your bank immediately if you need to cancel, but do not expect the money to come back.
How long does a wire transfer take?
Domestic wire transfers (US to US) usually arrive the same day or next business day. International transfers take 3 to 7 business days. The exact timing depends on when you send it, your bank's processing schedule, and the recipient's bank's schedule. Weekends and holidays add extra days.
What if I enter the wrong account number?
The money goes to the account number you entered, not the person you intended to send it to. The receiving bank has no obligation to return it or tell you where it went. Contact your bank and the receiving bank immediately to report the error, but recovery is not may provide.
Do I need to use a wire transfer, or are there other ways to send money?
Wire transfers are fast but expensive and irreversible. Other options include ACH transfers (slower, cheaper, reversible), checks (slowest, cheapest), and money transfer services like Western Union or MoneyGram (fast, expensive, good for international transfers). Choose based on how fast you need the money, how much it costs, and whether you need to reverse it later.
Is it safe to send my banking information to someone so they can wire me money?
Sharing your account number and routing number is generally safe for receiving money — these numbers are printed on your checks and are not secret. However, never share your PIN, password, or online banking login. If someone asks for those, it is a scam.