What you need to send a wire transfer

To send a wire transfer, you need the recipient's full name, their bank account number, and their bank's routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies the bank). If the recipient's bank is outside the United States, you will also need the bank's SWIFT code — an eight or eleven-character code that identifies banks internationally. You can find routing numbers on the American Bankers Association website or by calling the recipient's bank directly.

You will also need money in your account to cover the transfer amount plus any wire transfer fee your bank charges. Wire transfer fees vary by bank and typically range from $15 to $50 for domestic transfers and $25 to $75 for international transfers. Some banks charge the sender; others charge the recipient; some split the cost. Ask your bank what it charges before you initiate the transfer.

You do not need a special account type to send a wire transfer. Checking accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts can all send wires, though some banks restrict wire transfers from savings accounts or require you to call rather than use online banking.

Key Takeaways

  • Wire transfers move money directly from your bank account to another bank account within hours, making them faster than checks or ACH transfers but also irreversible once sent.
  • You need the recipient's full name, account number, and their bank's routing number for domestic transfers, plus a SWIFT code for international transfers.
  • Most banks charge $15 to $50 per domestic wire transfer and $25 to $75 per international wire transfer, and the fee is usually deducted from your account.
  • You can initiate a wire transfer online, by phone, or in person at a bank branch, and the money typically arrives the same business day for domestic transfers.

How to send a domestic wire transfer online

Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for a "Send Money," "Wire Transfer," or "Payments" section. The exact name varies by bank. Click the option to send a wire transfer and enter the recipient's information: their full name, account number, routing number, and the amount you want to send. Double-check the account number and routing number — wire transfers cannot be reversed once the money leaves your bank, so a single digit wrong will send the money to the wrong account.

Review the transfer details on the confirmation screen, including the recipient's name, account number, amount, and any fees. If everything is correct, submit the transfer. Your bank will send you a confirmation number — save this for your records. The money typically arrives in the recipient's account within one business day for transfers between U.S. banks.

If your bank does not offer wire transfers online, you can call the bank's wire transfer department or visit a branch in person. Have the recipient's information ready when you call, and the bank representative will walk you through the process over the phone.

How to send an international wire transfer

International wire transfers follow the same basic process as domestic transfers, but you need additional information about the recipient's bank. In addition to the recipient's name, account number, and routing number, you will need the bank's SWIFT code. You may also need an IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which is a standardized account number used in Europe and some other regions. Ask the recipient for these details or look them up on their bank's website.

Some banks charge different fees for international wires than domestic wires, and the money may take longer to arrive — typically two to five business days depending on the destination country and the banks involved. A few banks also require you to visit a branch in person to send an international wire, rather than allowing online transfers. Check with your bank about its international wire policy before you initiate the transfer.

Currency conversion happens at the exchange rate your bank uses on the day the transfer is processed, not the day you initiate it. If you are sending money to a country with a different currency, the amount the recipient receives will depend on that day's exchange rate.

Wire transfer fees and timing

Wire transfer fees are set by individual banks and are not regulated by the federal government. Domestic wire transfer fees typically range from $15 to $50, while international wire transfer fees typically range from $25 to $75. Some banks charge a flat fee; others charge a percentage of the transfer amount. A few banks offer free wire transfers to customers who meet certain conditions, such as maintaining a minimum balance or having a premium account type.

The fee is usually deducted from your account automatically when you send the transfer. Some banks show the fee before you confirm the transfer; others deduct it after. If the recipient's bank also charges a fee to receive the wire, that fee is typically deducted from the amount the recipient receives, not charged to you separately.

Domestic wire transfers typically arrive within one business day. If you send a wire on a Friday after business hours or on a weekend, it will not process until the next business day. International wire transfers take longer — usually two to five business days — because the money must pass through multiple banks in different countries.

Why wire transfers cannot be reversed

Once you send a wire transfer, the money leaves your bank's control when ready and goes directly to the recipient's bank. Unlike checks, which can be stopped, or ACH transfers, which can sometimes be recalled, wire transfers are final. If you send money to the wrong account or the wrong person, you cannot undo it through your bank.

If you realize you made a mistake after sending a wire, contact your bank when ready. The bank can attempt to contact the recipient's bank and ask them to return the money, but the recipient's bank is not required to comply. If the recipient's bank does agree to return the money, the process can take weeks or months. This is why checking the account number and routing number twice before confirming a wire transfer is critical.

Wire transfer fraud is common because of this irreversibility. Scammers sometimes pose as landlords, employers, or government agencies and convince people to send wire transfers for fake reasons. Never send a wire transfer to someone you do not know or trust, and be suspicious of requests to wire money urgently or to unusual locations.

Wire transfers versus other ways to send money

Wire transfers are faster than checks or ACH transfers but more expensive and irreversible. A check takes five to ten business days to clear and can be stopped if you change your mind. An ACH transfer (also called an electronic funds transfer or EFT) takes one to three business days and costs nothing or very little, but some banks limit how much you can transfer per day or per month. A wire transfer arrives within one business day for domestic transfers and is not subject to daily limits, but it costs $15 to $75 and cannot be reversed.

If you are sending money to someone you trust and have time to wait, an ACH transfer is usually cheaper and safer. If you need the money to arrive quickly and the amount is large, a wire transfer is the right choice. If you are sending money to someone you do not know or have never done business with before, consider other payment methods that offer more protection, such as a credit card or a payment service like PayPal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?

Not reliably. Once a wire transfer is sent, the money leaves your bank's control. Your bank can attempt to contact the recipient's bank and ask them to return the money, but the recipient's bank is not required to comply. If you realize you made a mistake when ready after sending a wire, call your bank right away — the sooner you contact them, the better the chance they can stop it before it arrives.

What is the difference between a routing number and a SWIFT code?

A routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies a specific U.S. bank or bank branch. A SWIFT code is an eight or eleven-character code that identifies banks internationally. For domestic wire transfers, you need the routing number. For international wire transfers, you need the SWIFT code. Some countries also use an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) instead of or in addition to a SWIFT code.

How long does a wire transfer take?

Domestic wire transfers typically arrive within one business day. If you send a wire after business hours or on a weekend, it will process the next business day. International wire transfers take longer — usually two to five business days — because the money must pass through multiple banks and clearing systems in different countries.

What happens if I send a wire transfer to the wrong account number?

The money will go to the account number you provided, even if it belongs to the wrong person. You cannot reverse the transfer through your bank. Contact your bank when ready and ask them to reach out to the recipient's bank to request the money back, but the recipient's bank is not required to return it. If the money was sent to the wrong person, you may need to pursue legal action to recover it.

Do I need a special bank account to send a wire transfer?

No. Checking accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts can all send wire transfers. Some banks restrict wire transfers from savings accounts or require you to call rather than use online banking for certain account types. Check with your bank about its wire transfer policy for your specific account.