The basic steps to send a wire transfer

To wire money into a bank account, you need the recipient's full name, their bank account number, the bank's routing number, and the bank's physical address. You then contact your own bank—by phone, online portal, or in person—give them this information, specify the amount, and authorize the transfer. Your bank deducts the money from your account, sends it to the recipient's bank, and the recipient's account is credited, usually within one business day for domestic transfers.

The exact process depends on which bank you use and whether you are sending money domestically (within the United States) or internationally. Domestic wires are faster and cheaper. International wires require additional information and take longer because they move through multiple banks and currency exchanges.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have the recipient's full legal name, account number, routing number, and their bank's address before you can initiate a wire.
  • Domestic wire transfers typically arrive within one business day and cost between $15 and $50 depending on your bank.
  • Once a wire is sent, it cannot be reversed or recalled unless the receiving bank agrees to return it, so verify all details before authorizing.
  • International wires require the recipient's SWIFT code or IBAN and take three to five business days; fees are usually $25 to $75.

Where to get the information you need from the recipient

Ask the recipient for their bank details in writing—email, text, or a screenshot. Do not rely on verbal confirmation. The information you need is: their full legal name (as it appears on their account), their account number, their bank's routing number (a nine-digit code specific to that bank and branch), and the bank's mailing address.

If the recipient does not have this information handy, they can find it by logging into their online banking portal, calling their bank's customer service line, or visiting their bank branch in person. Many banks print the routing number on the bottom left of checks. For international transfers, you will also need the recipient's SWIFT code (an eight or eleven-character code that identifies their bank globally) or their IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which varies in length by country.

Verify the account number and routing number twice before you send anything. A single digit wrong sends the money to the wrong account, and recovery is difficult and slow.

How to initiate a wire through your bank

Log into your bank's online portal or mobile app and look for "Send Money," "Wire Transfer," or "Payments." Enter the recipient's information exactly as you received it, including their full name and account number. Select the amount and the date you want the transfer to go out (most banks allow you to schedule it for a future date or send it immediately). Review all details one more time, then authorize the transfer using your password, PIN, or biometric authentication.

If you prefer not to use online banking, call your bank's wire transfer line or visit a branch in person. A representative will walk you through the same steps and may ask security questions to confirm your identity. In-person and phone transfers sometimes take longer to process because they require manual entry, but they can be useful if you have questions or want to speak to someone before sending a large amount.

Your bank will charge a fee for the wire, typically $15 to $50 for domestic transfers and $25 to $75 for international transfers. The fee is deducted from your account at the time of transfer. Some banks waive fees for customers who maintain a minimum balance or have certain account types, so ask your bank what applies to you.

What happens after you send the wire

Your bank sends the wire to the Federal Reserve or to the recipient's bank directly, depending on the banks involved. The recipient's bank receives the wire and credits the account within one business day for domestic transfers. The recipient will see the money in their account, usually with a note showing your name and any reference number you included.

You will receive a confirmation number from your bank immediately after you authorize the transfer. Save this number—it is your proof that the wire was sent and the amount and recipient details. If there is ever a dispute, you will need this confirmation to trace the transfer.

International wires take longer because they pass through multiple banks and currency exchanges. A wire sent on a Monday to Europe might not arrive until Thursday or Friday. The recipient's bank may also hold the money for a day or two while they verify it, especially if the amount is large or the sender is new to them.

What to do if the wire goes to the wrong account

If you realize you made an error before the wire is sent, contact your bank immediately and ask them to cancel it. If the wire has already been sent, call your bank right away and ask them to attempt a recall. The receiving bank is not required to return the money, but many will if you ask quickly and provide documentation of the error.

If the receiving bank refuses to return the money, you have limited options. You can file a dispute with your bank, but wire transfers are considered final once they leave your account. You may also contact the recipient directly and ask them to return the funds voluntarily. If the money was sent to a stranger's account due to a typo, you can file a police report, though recovery is unlikely.

This is why verification is critical: once a wire is sent, you have almost no recourse. Take the time to confirm every digit of the account number and routing number before you authorize the transfer.

Domestic versus international wire transfers

Domestic wires stay within the United States and use the Federal Reserve's wire system. They arrive within one business day, cost less, and require only the recipient's account number and routing number. The recipient receives the exact amount you send because there is no currency conversion.

International wires leave the United States and move through the SWIFT network, a global system that connects banks across countries. They take three to five business days, cost more, and require the recipient's SWIFT code or IBAN. The recipient may receive slightly less than you send because their bank deducts a fee for receiving the wire, and currency is converted at the bank's exchange rate, not the market rate. Always ask the recipient whether they want you to send a specific amount or whether they want to receive a specific amount, because the difference matters when fees and currency conversion are involved.

Alternatives to wiring money

If you need to send money but want to avoid wire transfer fees or delays, consider other options. ACH transfers (Automated Clearing House) are free or cost $1 to $3 and take one to three business days. They work between U.S. bank accounts and are slower but cheaper than wires. Peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App are instant or nearly instant for small amounts and charge no fee if you use a debit card, though they charge a percentage if you use a credit card. These apps work best for personal transfers under $5,000.

Cashier's checks cost $10 to $15, are may provide by the bank, and can be mailed or delivered in person. They take longer than wires but are useful when the recipient wants a physical check or when you are sending a large amount and want the security of a bank-may provide payment. Money transfer services like Western Union or MoneyGram are useful for international transfers to countries where banking is less common, though their fees are high and exchange rates are poor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?

If you contact your bank immediately after sending the wire, they may be able to recall it before it reaches the receiving bank. Once the receiving bank has received and processed the wire, cancellation is unlikely unless the receiving bank agrees to return the funds. This is why wires are considered final—always verify details before authorizing.

How long does a domestic wire transfer take?

Most domestic wire transfers arrive within one business day. If you send a wire on a Friday afternoon, it may not arrive until Monday. Weekends and bank holidays delay the process. Some banks offer same-day wire transfers for an additional fee, but standard domestic wires are one business day.

What information do I need to wire money internationally?

You need the recipient's full name, account number, their bank's SWIFT code (or their IBAN), and their bank's address. Some banks also ask for the recipient's country and city. International wires take three to five business days and cost $25 to $75 depending on your bank.

Why did the recipient receive less money than I sent?

On international wires, the receiving bank deducts a fee for processing the transfer, and the money is converted from dollars to the recipient's local currency at the bank's exchange rate, which is not as favorable as the market rate. Always clarify with the recipient whether you are sending a specific dollar amount or whether they want to receive a specific amount in their currency.

Is a wire transfer safer than other payment methods?

Wire transfers are fast and direct, but they are not reversible once sent. They are safer than sending cash or a check in the mail, but less safe than credit card payments because credit cards have fraud protection and dispute processes. For large amounts or unfamiliar recipients, ask for a different payment method or use a smaller test transfer first.