The basic steps to send a wire transfer
To wire money to a bank account, you need to give your bank four pieces of information: the recipient's full name, their bank account number, their bank's routing number, and the amount you want to send. Your bank will then send that money electronically to the recipient's bank, usually within one business day for domestic transfers.
You can initiate a wire transfer in person at a bank branch, by phone, or online through your bank's website or app. Most banks charge a fee for outgoing domestic wires—typically between $15 and $30—though some banks waive the fee for certain account types. International wires cost more and take longer, usually three to five business days.
Once you send a wire, you cannot cancel it or reverse it if the recipient's information was correct. This is why wires are popular for large, time-sensitive payments but also why they carry real risk if you make a mistake or send money to the wrong person.
Key Takeaways
- You need the recipient's name, account number, routing number, and the amount before you can send a wire transfer.
- Domestic wires typically arrive within one business day; international wires take three to five business days.
- Wire transfers cannot be reversed if the recipient's information was correct, so verify all details before you send.
- Most banks charge $15 to $30 for domestic outgoing wires, and international wires cost significantly more.
- You can send a wire in person, by phone, or online, depending on your bank's options.
Where to get the recipient's routing and account number
The recipient's routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies their bank. They can find it on the bottom left of their checks, or they can call their bank and ask. Many banks also publish their routing number on their website. If the recipient banks at a large national bank like Chase, Bank of America, or Wells Fargo, you can search for the routing number online using the bank name and the state where their branch is located.
The account number is usually printed on the check as well, or the recipient can log into their online banking and find it there. Ask the recipient to double-check both numbers before you send the wire—a single digit wrong means the money goes to the wrong account, and you will have no way to recover it.
For international wires, you may also need the recipient's SWIFT code (an international bank identifier) or IBAN (International Bank Account Number), depending on the country. Ask the recipient's bank what information you need before you attempt the transfer.
Sending a wire through your bank
If you bank online, log into your account and look for a "Send Money" or "Wire Transfer" option. You will enter the recipient's name, account number, routing number, and the amount. Most banks ask you to confirm all the details before the wire is sent. Some banks also ask why you are sending the money—this is a fraud-prevention question, not a restriction on what you can send.
If you prefer to send a wire in person, go to any branch of your bank with a photo ID and the recipient's information. The teller will fill out a wire transfer form with you and take payment. If you send by phone, call the number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website—do not call a number you find through a search engine, as scammers sometimes create fake bank phone numbers.
Your bank will give you a confirmation number once the wire is sent. Save this number in case you need to track the transfer or dispute it later. The confirmation does not mean the money has arrived at the recipient's bank—it means your bank has accepted the wire and sent it on.
How long a wire transfer takes
A domestic wire transfer—money sent from one U.S. bank to another—usually arrives within one business day. "Business day" means Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. If you send a wire on a Friday afternoon or over the weekend, it will not leave your bank until Monday, and it may not arrive at the recipient's bank until Tuesday.
International wires take longer because they pass through multiple banks and currency exchanges. Most international transfers take three to five business days, though some can take a week or more depending on the destination country and the banks involved. Some countries have slower banking systems or require additional verification steps.
If a wire does not arrive when you expect it, contact your bank with your confirmation number. Your bank can trace the wire and tell you where it is in the system. If the wire was sent to the wrong account, your bank can file a recovery request, but there is no may provide the other bank will return the money.
Wire transfer fees and what they cover
Domestic outgoing wire fees range from $15 to $30 at most banks. Some banks charge less for online wires than for in-person or phone wires. A few banks waive wire fees for customers with premium checking accounts or high balances, so check your account terms or ask a teller.
International wire fees are higher—typically $35 to $50 or more—and may include an additional charge from the recipient's bank. Some banks also charge a markup on the exchange rate if you are converting currency, which can add significantly to the total cost. Ask your bank for the full cost before you send an international wire.
The fee is deducted from your account when the wire is sent. If you do not have enough money in your account to cover both the transfer amount and the fee, the wire will be rejected.
What to do if you sent money to the wrong account
If you realize you sent a wire to the wrong account number or the wrong bank, contact your bank immediately with your confirmation number. Your bank can file a recovery request with the recipient's bank, asking them to return the funds. However, the recipient's bank is not required to comply, especially if the money has already been withdrawn.
If the recipient's bank does agree to return the money, it can take several weeks. In the meantime, you have no access to those funds. This is why verifying the recipient's information before you send is so important—recovery is not may provide.
If you believe you were scammed or sent money as a result of fraud, report it to your bank and to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Your bank may be able to reverse the wire if it can prove fraud, but this is rare and depends on the circumstances.
Wire transfers versus other ways to send money
Wire transfers are fast and reliable for large amounts, but they are not the only option. ACH transfers (Automated Clearing House) are slower—usually three to five business days—but cheaper or free and reversible if something goes wrong. Money transfer services like Western Union or MoneyGram are useful for sending cash to someone without a bank account, but they charge higher fees and are often used in scams.
Peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App are instant and free for small amounts between individuals, but they have daily limits and are not designed for large transfers. Cashier's checks are paper checks backed by the bank itself and cannot bounce, but they take time to clear and require you to go to a branch.
For bills and regular payments, ACH is usually the cheapest option. For large amounts that need to arrive quickly, a wire transfer is the standard choice. For sending money to someone without a bank account or in another country without a formal banking system, a money transfer service may be necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?
Not if the recipient's information was correct. Once your bank sends the wire, it is out of your control. If you made a mistake with the account number or routing number, contact your bank immediately—they may be able to stop the wire if it has not yet been processed by the recipient's bank, but this is rare. If the wire has already arrived, you will need to ask the recipient to return the money.
What if the wire arrives but the recipient says they did not get it?
The money went to their bank account, not into their hands. They may need to check their account balance or log into their online banking to see the deposit. If they still cannot find it, have them contact their bank with the date and amount. Their bank can confirm whether the wire arrived and where it went.
Do I need to report a wire transfer to the IRS?
Wire transfers themselves are not reported to the IRS. However, if you are sending money as a gift, a loan, or payment for goods or services, the IRS may want to know about it depending on the amount and the relationship. Consult a tax professional if you are unsure.
Can I wire money to a savings account or does it have to be checking?
You can wire money to either a checking or savings account. You just need the account number and routing number. Some savings accounts have limits on how many transfers you can make per month, so the recipient should check their account terms, but the wire itself will go through.
What happens if I wire money to someone and they refuse to send it back?
If someone took your money and will not return it, you have a civil dispute, not a banking problem. You can sue them in small claims court or consult a lawyer. Your bank cannot force the recipient to return the money—they can only help you trace where it went and file a recovery request if fraud is involved.