How to wire money from your bank account
To wire money, you contact your bank or credit union, provide the recipient's banking details, specify the amount, and authorize the transfer. The money moves electronically from your account to theirs, usually within one business day for domestic transfers. You'll need the recipient's full name, account number, routing number (for U.S. banks), and the name of their bank. Some banks let you initiate a wire through their website or app; others require you to call or visit a branch in person.
The process is straightforward but irreversible once sent. Your bank will charge a fee—typically $15 to $50 for a domestic wire—and the recipient's bank may charge a receiving fee as well. International wires cost more and take longer, sometimes several days, because they route through multiple banks and currency exchanges.
Key Takeaways
- You need the recipient's full name, account number, routing number, and bank name before you can send a wire.
- Domestic wires typically arrive within one business day; international wires take several days and cost significantly more.
- Your bank will charge a fee for sending the wire, and the receiving bank may charge a fee as well.
- Once a wire is sent, you cannot cancel or reverse it, so verify all details before authorizing the transfer.
- Some banks require you to visit a branch or call to send a wire, while others allow it online or through their mobile app.
What information you need to provide
Before you contact your bank, gather the recipient's banking information. You'll need their full legal name exactly as it appears on their account, their account number, and their bank's routing number. For U.S. transfers, the routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the receiving bank; you can find it on the recipient's checks, on their bank's website, or by calling their bank directly.
If you're sending money internationally, you'll also need the recipient's International Bank Account Number (IBAN) or SWIFT code, depending on the country. Ask the recipient to provide this information rather than guessing—a single digit wrong will send the money to the wrong account or cause the transfer to fail and bounce back to you after several days.
Have the amount ready in writing, and know whether you want the recipient to receive the exact amount you're sending or whether you'll cover all fees. Some wires are sent "all-in," meaning the recipient gets less because fees are deducted from the transfer. Others are sent with fees paid by the sender, so the recipient gets the full amount you specified.
How to initiate a wire at your bank
Start by logging into your bank's website or mobile app and looking for a "Send Money," "Wire Transfer," or "Payments" section. Not all banks offer online wiring; if yours doesn't, you'll need to call the wire department or visit a branch in person. Have all the recipient's information in front of you before you start.
Enter the recipient's name, account number, routing number, and bank name into the form. Double-check every digit—routing numbers and account numbers are easy to mistype, and a single error sends your money to the wrong place. Most banks will show you a confirmation screen with all the details before you authorize the transfer. Read it carefully and make sure everything matches what the recipient gave you.
After you authorize the wire, your bank will deduct the amount plus the wire fee from your account immediately. You'll receive a confirmation number; save this for your records. The money typically leaves your bank the same day if you send it before the bank's cutoff time (usually 2 or 3 p.m. on business days). If you send it after cutoff or on a weekend, it will process the next business day.
Domestic wires versus international wires
A domestic wire stays within the U.S. banking system and usually arrives the next business day. You only need the recipient's routing number and account number. Fees are lower—typically $15 to $30—and the process is straightforward.
An international wire crosses borders and currency systems. It requires a SWIFT code or IBAN, takes three to five business days, and costs $30 to $75 or more depending on the amount and destination country. The money passes through multiple intermediary banks, each of which may take a cut or add a fee. The recipient may receive less than you sent because of these hidden charges, even if you thought you were covering all fees. Some banks offer a "may provide rate" option that locks in the exchange rate and total cost upfront, but this usually costs extra.
If you're sending money internationally regularly, ask your bank whether they offer a better rate for larger amounts or whether they have a preferred partner bank in the recipient's country that charges lower fees.
Fees and what they cover
Your bank charges a wire fee for sending the money. This is separate from any fee the recipient's bank charges for receiving it. Domestic wire fees range from $15 to $50; international fees are typically $30 to $75. Some banks waive fees for customers with premium accounts or for transfers over a certain amount.
The fee covers the bank's cost to process the wire and route it through the banking network. It does not cover currency exchange fees on international transfers—those are calculated separately and may not be transparent until after the money arrives. If you want to know the exact amount the recipient will receive, ask your bank for a quote that includes all fees and the exchange rate before you authorize the transfer.
Some banks offer "flat-rate" wires where you pay one fee regardless of amount, and others charge a percentage of the transfer. Compare your bank's rates to other banks in your area if you're sending a large amount; the difference can be significant.
Why a wire cannot be reversed
Once you authorize a wire, the money leaves your account and enters the banking system. Unlike a check or credit card charge, which can be disputed or stopped, a wire is final. Your bank cannot recall it, and the recipient's bank cannot reverse it without the recipient's permission.
This is why wires are commonly used for large purchases like down payments on homes or for sending money to people you trust completely. It's also why wire fraud is a serious risk—scammers often ask victims to wire money because they know it cannot be taken back. If you wire money to the wrong person or account by mistake, you have to contact the recipient's bank and ask them to return it, which may take weeks or may not happen at all.
Before you authorize any wire, verify the recipient's information one more time. Call the recipient directly using a phone number you know is correct and confirm the account number and routing number. Do not use contact information from an email or text message, as these can be spoofed.
Alternatives to wiring money
If you need to send money but want more protection or lower fees, consider other options. A cashier's check is may provide by the bank and cannot bounce, but it takes several days to mail and the recipient has to deposit it. An ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House) is slower—typically three to five business days—but costs little or nothing and can be reversed within a limited window if there's an error. A money transfer service like Western Union or MoneyGram lets the recipient pick up cash at a location near them, which is useful for international transfers or when the recipient doesn't have a bank account.
For recurring payments, set up automatic ACH transfers or bill pay through your bank instead of wiring each time. For large purchases, ask the seller whether they accept a cashier's check or escrow arrangement instead of a wire. These alternatives give you more recourse if something goes wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a wire after I send it?
Not reliably. If you catch the error within minutes and the wire hasn't left your bank yet, call immediately and ask them to stop it. Once it enters the banking system, your bank cannot recall it. Your only option is to contact the recipient's bank and ask them to reverse it, which requires the recipient's cooperation and may not be possible.
How long does a domestic wire take?
Most domestic wires arrive the next business day if you send them before your bank's cutoff time (usually 2 or 3 p.m.). If you send it after cutoff or on a weekend, it will process on the next business day. Some banks offer same-day wires for an additional fee.
What happens if I wire money to the wrong account number?
The money goes to whoever owns that account number at that bank. If the account number belongs to another person, you'll have to contact that person and ask them to return the money, which they may refuse to do. Contact your bank and the recipient's bank immediately to report the error, but do not expect them to recover the money for you.
Do I need to tell the recipient I'm sending a wire?
Yes. Let them know the amount, the date you're sending it, and the approximate arrival date so they know to expect it. This also gives them a chance to confirm their account number and routing number are correct before the money arrives. If the wire doesn't show up on time, they can contact their bank to trace it.
Are there limits on how much I can wire?
Your bank may have daily or monthly limits on wire transfers, especially if you're a new customer or haven't wired before. Call your bank to ask what your limit is. If you need to send more than the limit, you may be able to request a higher limit or send multiple wires on different days.