Wells Fargo wire transfer basics
Wells Fargo lets you send domestic and international wire transfers through online banking, mobile app, phone, or in person at a branch. The method you choose affects how fast the transfer goes and what it costs. Domestic wires typically arrive the same business day if sent before the cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. local time). International wires take one to three business days depending on the receiving country and bank.
You need an active Wells Fargo checking or savings account to send a wire. The bank charges a fee for each transfer — domestic wires cost around $15 to $20, and international wires cost $15 to $45, though these amounts vary by account type and whether you use online banking or visit a branch. Wells Fargo does not charge to receive incoming wires.
Key Takeaways
- Domestic wires sent online or by phone before 2 p.m. local time usually arrive the same business day; international wires take one to three business days.
- You must provide the recipient's full name, account number, and routing number for domestic transfers, or SWIFT code and IBAN for international ones.
- Domestic wires cost $15 to $20 and international wires cost $15 to $45, depending on your account type and how you send the transfer.
- Once a wire leaves your account, Wells Fargo cannot stop or reverse it, so verify all recipient details before confirming.
Sending a wire through online banking or mobile app
Log into your Wells Fargo account online or open the mobile app, then select "Transfer Money" or "Wire Funds." Choose whether the transfer is domestic or international. For a domestic wire, enter the recipient's full name, account number, routing number, and the amount. For an international wire, you will need the recipient's SWIFT code (an eight or eleven-character bank identifier) and IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which your recipient's bank can provide.
Review all details carefully — the recipient's name must match their bank account exactly, and a wrong routing number or account number will send the money to the wrong place. Once you confirm and submit, the transfer is final. Wells Fargo will show you a confirmation number; save this for your records. The fee is deducted from your account at the time of transfer.
Sending a wire by phone or at a branch
Call Wells Fargo customer service at 1-800-869-3557 to send a wire by phone. Have your account number, the recipient's information, and the transfer amount ready. A representative will walk you through the details and confirm them before processing. Phone wires are processed during business hours and may take longer than online transfers to reach the recipient.
To send a wire in person, visit any Wells Fargo branch with your ID and account information. A teller will collect the recipient's details and process the transfer on the spot. In-branch wires may cost slightly more than online wires. This method is useful if you are unsure about the recipient's information or need immediate help verifying details.
What information you need before sending
For a domestic wire, gather the recipient's full legal name, their bank account number, and the nine-digit routing number of their bank. You can find routing numbers on the bottom left of a check or by asking the recipient's bank directly. Never guess at a routing number — an incorrect one sends the money to a different bank, and recovery is difficult.
For an international wire, you need the recipient's full name, their bank's SWIFT code, and the recipient's IBAN. Some countries also require additional information like a bank branch code or address. Ask the recipient to provide all of this information in writing before you initiate the transfer. Wells Fargo's international wire form will tell you what fields are required for the specific country.
Fees and timing by transfer type
| Transfer Type | Cost | Typical Timing | How to Send |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic (online or app) | $15–$20 | Same business day if sent before 2 p.m. | Online banking or mobile app |
| Domestic (phone) | $15–$20 | Same business day if sent before 2 p.m. | 1-800-869-3557 |
| Domestic (in branch) | $15–$20 | Same business day if sent before branch close | Visit a Wells Fargo branch |
| International | $15–$45 | 1–3 business days | Online banking, app, phone, or branch |
Fees depend on your account type. Some premium Wells Fargo accounts waive wire transfer fees or offer discounts. Check your account terms or call customer service to confirm what you will pay. The fee is taken from your account balance at the time you send the wire, so make sure you have enough funds to cover both the transfer amount and the fee.
What happens after you send the wire
Once you submit a wire transfer, it cannot be stopped or reversed by Wells Fargo. The money leaves your account immediately, and the receiving bank processes it according to their own timeline. You will receive a confirmation number from Wells Fargo — write this down and keep it for at least 30 days. If the recipient says they did not receive the money, you will need this number to trace the transfer.
If the wire was sent to the wrong account due to an error on your part, contact Wells Fargo right away with your confirmation number. The bank can attempt to contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the funds, but there is no may provide. This is why verifying all recipient details before sending is critical.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?
No. Once a wire leaves Wells Fargo, it cannot be stopped or reversed. If you realize you made an error immediately after sending, call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 with your confirmation number and ask them to contact the receiving bank, but recovery is not may provide. Always double-check recipient details before confirming.
How long does an international wire take?
International wires typically take one to three business days, depending on the receiving country and whether the receiving bank processes wires on weekends. Some countries have slower banking systems or additional security checks that add time. Wells Fargo will provide an estimated delivery date when you send the transfer.
What if I do not know the recipient's routing number?
Ask the recipient to provide it, or contact their bank directly and ask for the routing number. You can also search online using the bank name, but verify the number with the recipient's bank before sending. A wrong routing number sends the money to a different bank, and recovery is difficult.
Do I pay a fee to receive a wire at Wells Fargo?
No. Wells Fargo does not charge to receive incoming domestic or international wires. The sender pays the fee. If you are receiving a wire, there is no cost to you.
Can I send a wire from a savings account?
Yes. Wells Fargo allows wire transfers from both checking and savings accounts. The fee and timing are the same regardless of account type. Make sure your account has enough funds to cover the transfer amount plus the wire fee.