What you need before you start
To wire money to a bank account, you need the recipient's full name, their bank account number, and their bank's routing number. If the bank is outside the United States, you will also need the bank's SWIFT code (an eight or eleven-character identifier) and possibly an IBAN (International Bank Account Number). Get these details directly from the recipient or from their bank's website — do not guess or use partial information, because a wire sent to the wrong account number is extremely difficult to recover.
You also need access to your own bank account with enough money to cover both the wire amount and any wire fee your bank charges. Wire fees typically range from $15 to $50 for domestic transfers and $25 to $75 for international ones, depending on your bank. Some banks waive fees for certain account types or transfer amounts, so check your account terms before you initiate the wire.
Key Takeaways
- You must provide the recipient's full name, account number, and routing number (or SWIFT code for international transfers), and you cannot change these details once the wire leaves your bank.
- Domestic wires typically arrive within one business day; international wires take three to five business days or longer depending on the receiving country.
- Wire transfers are nearly impossible to reverse or recover if sent to the wrong account, so verify all recipient details before you confirm the transfer.
- You can initiate a wire through your bank's website, mobile app, phone line, or by visiting a branch in person, and the method you choose affects how quickly the wire is processed.
- If a wire does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact your bank immediately with your wire reference number and ask them to trace the transfer.
Initiating a wire through your bank's online platform
Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for a "Send Money," "Wire Funds," or "Transfers" section. Most banks place this in the main menu or under a "Payments" tab. Select "Wire Transfer" and choose whether the transfer is domestic (within the United States) or international. The system will then prompt you to enter the recipient's information.
Enter the recipient's full legal name exactly as it appears on their bank account — middle initials and suffixes matter. Then enter their account number and routing number (for domestic) or SWIFT code and IBAN (for international). Double-check each number against the information you received from the recipient. Many banks will display a preview of the transfer details before you confirm; review this screen carefully, because once you submit the wire, you cannot edit the recipient's account information.
Enter the amount you want to send, review any fees that will be deducted, and confirm the transfer. Your bank will assign a wire reference number (sometimes called a confirmation number or trace number) — save this number immediately. You will need it if you have to contact your bank later to track the wire or if a problem arises.
Sending a wire by phone or in person
If you prefer not to use online banking, you can initiate a wire by calling your bank's customer service line or visiting a branch in person. Have the recipient's information ready before you call: their full name, account number, routing number (or SWIFT code and IBAN for international transfers), and the amount you want to send.
When you call, a representative will walk you through the wire process and may ask security questions to verify your identity. They will read back the recipient's details to confirm accuracy before processing the wire. If you visit a branch, bring a photo ID and the recipient's banking information in writing. The teller will fill out a wire form, show it to you for review, and process the transfer. Ask for a receipt with the wire reference number before you leave.
Wires initiated by phone or in person may take slightly longer to process than online wires — sometimes up to one business day — because the bank must manually enter the information. However, this method can be useful if you are uncomfortable with online banking or if you have questions during the process.
How long a wire takes to arrive
Domestic wires (transfers between U.S. banks) typically arrive within one business day, often the same day if you initiate the wire before your bank's cutoff time (usually 2 or 3 p.m. in the recipient's time zone). Some banks process wires on weekends and holidays, but many do not, so a wire sent on Friday evening may not arrive until Monday.
International wires take longer because they must pass through multiple banks and clearing systems. A wire to Canada or Mexico usually arrives within one to two business days. Wires to Europe, Asia, or other regions typically take three to five business days. Some countries have additional processing delays, so the recipient's bank may hold the funds for an extra day or two before crediting the account. If you need money to arrive by a specific date, send it several days earlier than you think necessary.
Once a wire leaves your bank, you cannot stop it or reverse it. If the recipient's bank receives the wire but the recipient does not claim it within a set period (usually 30 to 90 days), the money may be returned to your account, but this process is slow and uncertain. For this reason, confirm the recipient's account details are correct before you initiate any wire.
What happens if the wire goes to the wrong account
If you send a wire to an incorrect account number, the receiving bank will credit that account holder's account. You cannot simply ask the bank to reverse it — the money belongs to whoever owns that account number. Your only option is to contact your bank and ask them to reach out to the receiving bank and request a reversal. The receiving bank is not required to cooperate, and many will not reverse a wire without the account holder's consent.
If the account holder refuses to return the money or cannot be located, you may have to pursue legal action to recover the funds, which is expensive and time-consuming. Some banks offer wire fraud protection or limited recovery services, but these are not may provide. The best protection is to verify the recipient's account number and routing number multiple times before you send the wire.
If you realize you sent a wire to the wrong account immediately after initiating it, contact your bank right away. Some banks can stop a wire within minutes of processing if it has not yet left their system, but this window is very narrow. The sooner you call, the better your chances of stopping the transfer.
Tracking a wire and what to do if it does not arrive
If the recipient says they have not received the wire by the expected arrival date, contact your bank with your wire reference number. Your bank can trace the wire through the banking system to determine whether it has been processed, is in transit, or has been rejected. Ask your bank for a status update and an estimated delivery date.
If the wire was rejected (usually because the account number or routing number was invalid), your bank will return the funds to your account within one to three business days. You will then need to obtain the correct account information from the recipient and send a new wire.
If the wire has been in transit for longer than expected, your bank may contact the receiving bank to investigate. Delays can occur if the receiving bank is processing a high volume of transfers, if there is a holiday in the recipient's country, or if additional verification is required. In most cases, the wire will arrive within a few additional days. If more than a week has passed since you sent the wire and it still has not arrived, ask your bank to file a formal trace request with the receiving bank.
Wire fees and ways to reduce them
Most banks charge a fee for wire transfers, typically $15 to $50 for domestic wires and $25 to $75 for international wires. Some banks charge different fees depending on whether you initiate the wire online, by phone, or in person — online is usually cheapest. A few banks waive wire fees for customers with premium accounts, high account balances, or frequent transfers, so check your account terms.
If you are sending money regularly or in large amounts, ask your bank whether they offer a lower rate for frequent wire users. Some banks also offer discounted rates for business accounts. If your bank's wire fees are high, compare rates at other banks before you open an account, because wire costs can add up quickly over time.
For smaller amounts or non-urgent transfers, consider alternatives to wire transfers. ACH transfers (Automated Clearing House) are free or cost only a few dollars and take one to three business days. Peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo or PayPal are free for transfers between individuals but may charge a fee if you want the money instantly. These alternatives are slower than wires but much cheaper if you have time to wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a wire after I send it?
Only if you contact your bank immediately — within minutes of sending the wire. Once the wire leaves your bank's system, it cannot be stopped. If the wire has already been delivered to the receiving bank, cancellation is not possible. Your only option then is to ask the receiving bank to reverse it, which they are not required to do.
What is the difference between a routing number and a SWIFT code?
A routing number is a nine-digit code used to identify U.S. banks for domestic transfers. A SWIFT code is an eight or eleven-character code used to identify banks internationally. For domestic wires, use the routing number. For international wires, use the SWIFT code. Some international wires also require an IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which is the recipient's account number in a standardized format.
Do I need to tell the recipient I am sending a wire?
It is a good idea to notify the recipient before you send the wire so they know to expect it and can watch for it in their account. This also gives you a chance to confirm their account details are correct. After you send the wire, provide the recipient with your wire reference number in case they need to trace it with their bank.
What if my bank does not offer wire transfers?
Most banks offer wire transfers, but some smaller banks or credit unions may not. If your bank does not wire money, you can use a money transfer service like Western Union or MoneyGram, though these typically charge higher fees. You can also transfer money to another bank that offers wires and send the wire from there, though this adds time and cost.
Are wire transfers safe?
Wire transfers are secure in the sense that your bank verifies your identity before processing the transfer and the money is encrypted in transit. However, wires are not reversible, so if you send money to a scammer or to the wrong account, recovery is extremely difficult. Never wire money to someone you do not know or trust, and always verify account details directly with the recipient before sending.