The basic steps to send a wire transfer
To wire money from your bank, you need your bank's routing number, the recipient's full name and account number, and the recipient's bank's routing number. Call your bank or log into online banking and select "send wire transfer" or "initiate wire." Enter the recipient's information exactly as it appears on their account, the dollar amount, and whether it's a domestic (US) or international wire. Review all details for accuracy—banks cannot reverse a wire once it leaves your account. Confirm and submit. Most domestic wires arrive the same business day; international wires take one to five business days.
Some banks charge $15 to $50 per wire transfer. A few banks waive the fee for customers who maintain a minimum balance or hold certain account types. Ask your bank about its fee structure before you send.
Key Takeaways
- You will need the recipient's full name, account number, and their bank's routing number before you start the wire.
- Wires cannot be reversed once they leave your bank, so verify every detail—especially the account number—before you confirm.
- Domestic wires usually arrive the same business day; international wires take one to five business days depending on the destination country.
- Most banks charge $15 to $50 per wire, though some waive the fee for certain account holders.
- If you make a mistake with the recipient's information, contact your bank immediately—the sooner you report it, the better the chance of recovery.
Where to find your bank's routing number and the recipient's details
Your bank's routing number appears on the bottom left of your checks, or you can find it by logging into online banking or calling your bank's customer service line. Some banks also post it on their website under "wire transfer information" or "routing numbers."
The recipient's routing number belongs to their bank, not their account. If you do not have it, ask the recipient directly—they can find it on their checks or by calling their bank. Do not guess or use a number from the internet without confirming it with the recipient first. A wrong routing number can send your money to the wrong bank, and recovery becomes much harder.
The recipient's account number must match their name exactly as it appears on their account. If their account is under "Robert J. Smith" and you enter "Bob Smith," the wire may be rejected or delayed. Ask the recipient to provide their name and account number in writing if possible.
Domestic versus international wires
A domestic wire stays within the United States and uses the recipient's nine-digit routing number and account number. These wires typically arrive the same business day if you send before your bank's cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Eastern time). If you send after cutoff, the wire processes the next business day.
An international wire goes to a bank outside the US and requires additional information: the recipient's bank's SWIFT code (an eight- or eleven-character code that identifies the bank worldwide) and sometimes an IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which varies by country. International wires take one to five business days and cost more—typically $25 to $75 depending on the destination country. The recipient's bank may also charge a fee on the receiving end.
Some countries require specific information formats or additional documentation. Before you send an international wire, ask the recipient's bank what details are needed. Your bank can also tell you what information is required for that country.
What happens if you send money to the wrong account
If you realize you made a mistake before the wire leaves your bank, call immediately. If your bank has not yet processed it, they may be able to cancel it. Once the wire has been sent, cancellation becomes much harder and depends on whether the receiving bank will cooperate.
If the money reaches the wrong account, your bank can send a recall request to the receiving bank asking them to return the funds. The receiving bank is not required to comply, especially if the account holder has already withdrawn the money. Recovery can take weeks or months, and there is no may provide you will get the money back.
To avoid this: write down the recipient's information before you enter it into the wire form, read it aloud to the recipient to confirm, and review the wire form one more time before you submit. The few extra minutes can save you from a costly mistake.
Wire transfer cutoff times and processing delays
Most banks process domestic wires submitted before 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Eastern time the same business day. Wires submitted after cutoff are queued for the next business day. Weekends and federal holidays do not count as business days, so a wire sent on Friday afternoon may not arrive until Monday or Tuesday.
International wires have earlier cutoff times—often 1 p.m. or noon Eastern time—because they require more processing steps. Check with your bank about its specific cutoff time before you send.
If you need the money to arrive by a specific date, send it at least one business day early. Do not assume a wire will arrive the same day, especially if you are sending it close to cutoff or on a Friday.
Fees, limits, and fraud protection
Wire transfer fees range from $0 to $50 for domestic wires and $25 to $75 for international wires, depending on your bank and account type. Some banks charge extra if you send a wire to a bank outside the US or if the wire requires manual review. Ask your bank for its complete fee schedule before you send.
Most banks set daily and monthly wire transfer limits to reduce fraud risk. A typical limit might be $10,000 per day or $25,000 per month, though this varies widely. If you need to send more than your limit, contact your bank to request a temporary increase. The bank may ask you to verify the recipient's identity or provide documentation of the transaction.
Wire transfers offer limited fraud protection compared to credit cards or ACH transfers. Once the money leaves your account, your bank cannot force the receiving bank to return it. If you suspect fraud—for example, if someone asked you to wire money urgently or to an unusual account—contact your bank immediately and report it to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?
If you catch the error within minutes and your bank has not yet processed it, they may cancel it. Once the wire has left your bank, cancellation is difficult and depends on the receiving bank's willingness to cooperate. Call your bank immediately if you need to cancel—do not wait.
What is the difference between a wire transfer and an ACH transfer?
A wire transfer leaves your account the same day and cannot be reversed, making it faster but riskier. An ACH transfer takes one to three business days and can be disputed or reversed within a window. ACH transfers are cheaper (often free) but slower. Use a wire when speed matters and you trust the recipient; use ACH for routine bills and transfers to accounts you control.
Do I need the recipient's bank account number or just their routing number?
You need both. The routing number identifies the bank; the account number identifies the specific account within that bank. Providing only the routing number will not get the money to the right person.
How long does an international wire take?
International wires typically take one to five business days depending on the destination country, the receiving bank's processing speed, and whether the wire requires additional review. Some countries have slower banking systems or require extra verification steps. Ask the recipient's bank for an estimate before you send.
What should I do if the recipient says they never received the wire?
Ask the recipient to check with their bank—the wire may have arrived but not posted to their account yet, or it may be held pending verification. If several business days have passed, contact your bank and provide the wire confirmation number (which appears on your receipt). Your bank can trace the wire and determine where it is.