What you need before you start

To wire money, 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). For international wires, you'll also need the bank's SWIFT code or IBAN instead of a routing number. You should verify this information directly with the recipient or their bank—a single wrong digit in the account number means your money goes to the wrong place, and recovery can take weeks.

You also need access to your own bank account with enough money to cover the wire amount plus any wire fee. Most banks charge $15 to $50 per domestic wire, and international wires cost more. Some banks waive fees for customers who maintain a minimum balance or have premium accounts, so check your bank's fee schedule before you send.

Have the recipient's information written down or copied accurately before you contact your bank. Typos are the most common reason wires fail or land in the wrong account.

Key Takeaways

  • You need the recipient's full name, account number, and their bank's routing number (or SWIFT code for international transfers).
  • Domestic wires usually arrive within one business day; international wires take three to five business days depending on the receiving country.
  • Wire fees range from $15 to $50 for domestic transfers and are higher for international ones, and most banks charge the sender.
  • Once a wire leaves your bank, you cannot cancel it if the recipient's bank has already accepted it, so verify all details before you send.
  • If a wire goes to the wrong account, contact your bank immediately—they can file a trace, but recovery is not may provide.

How to initiate a wire at your bank

Call your bank's wire transfer line or log into your online banking portal and select "Send Money" or "Wire Transfer." Most banks let you wire through their website or mobile app, though some still require a phone call for large amounts or international transfers. Have the recipient's information ready when you start.

Enter the recipient's full legal name exactly as it appears on their bank account. Enter their account number and their bank's routing number. Double-check both numbers against what the recipient gave you—read them aloud to yourself or have someone else verify them. Then enter the amount you want to send and confirm the wire fee your bank will charge.

Review the entire transaction on the confirmation screen before you submit. Once you hit send or confirm the wire with your bank representative, the transaction is locked in. Most banks will give you a confirmation number and a reference ID—save both.

How long a wire takes to arrive

Domestic wires (between U.S. banks) typically arrive within one business day, often the same day if you send before your bank's cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Eastern). If you send after the cutoff, the wire processes the next business day. Weekends and federal holidays add an extra day.

International wires take longer because they pass through multiple banks and currency exchanges. Most arrive within three to five business days, depending on the receiving country and whether the receiving bank needs additional information. Some countries' banking systems are slower than others; for example, wires to India or China often take five business days even when sent immediately.

Ask the recipient to watch for the money and confirm receipt. If a wire doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe, contact your bank and provide the confirmation number—they can file a trace to locate it.

What happens if you wire to the wrong account

If you realize you sent money to the wrong account number before the wire clears, call your bank immediately. If the receiving bank hasn't accepted the transfer yet, your bank may be able to recall it. This window is usually only a few hours, so speed matters.

Once the receiving bank accepts the wire, you cannot reverse it. Your only option is to contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the funds, which requires their cooperation. If the account belongs to another person, you may need to file a police report for theft or fraud, though this rarely results in recovery.

If the wire went to the right account but the wrong person (for example, you and the recipient share a bank but you used the wrong account number), contact your bank and ask them to file a trace. Provide the confirmation number and the receiving account number. The bank will investigate, but recovery is not may provide and can take weeks.

Wire fees and who pays them

Domestic wire fees typically range from $15 to $50 per transfer. International wires cost more—usually $25 to $75 depending on the destination country and whether the receiving bank charges an additional fee. Some banks charge a flat fee; others charge based on the amount being sent.

The sender (you) pays the fee in most cases. The fee is deducted from your account when the wire is processed. A few banks offer fee waivers for customers with premium accounts or high balances, so check your account type before you wire.

The receiving bank may also charge a fee to receive the wire, but that fee comes out of the money the recipient receives, not from you. Ask the recipient whether their bank charges an incoming wire fee so they know how much will actually land in their account.

International wires and SWIFT codes

To wire money internationally, you need the recipient's bank's SWIFT code (an 8 or 11-character code that identifies banks worldwide) or their IBAN (International Bank Account Number, used mainly in Europe and some other regions). The SWIFT code replaces the routing number for international transfers.

Ask the recipient for their bank's SWIFT code or IBAN directly—do not guess or search online, because banks can have multiple SWIFT codes and using the wrong one delays the transfer. The recipient can find this information on their bank statement or by calling their bank.

International wires are slower and more expensive than domestic ones because they pass through correspondent banks in multiple countries. A wire to Europe usually takes three to four business days; a wire to Asia or Africa may take five to seven. Currency conversion happens at the receiving bank's exchange rate, not yours, so the recipient may receive slightly less than the amount you sent due to exchange fees.

How to track a wire after you send it

Use the confirmation number your bank provided to track the wire. Log into your online banking portal and look for the transaction in your recent activity, or call your bank's wire transfer line and provide the confirmation number. Your bank can tell you whether the wire has been sent, accepted by the receiving bank, or delivered.

Ask the recipient to confirm when the money arrives in their account. If the wire doesn't show up within the expected timeframe, contact your bank and file a trace using the confirmation number. The bank will contact the receiving bank to locate the transfer. This process can take one to two weeks.

If the wire is lost or stuck in the system, your bank may issue a refund to your account, though this is not may provide. Keep your confirmation number and any emails from your bank about the wire until the recipient confirms receipt.

Alternatives to wires when speed or cost matters

If the wire fee is too high or you need the money to arrive faster than a wire allows, consider other options. ACH transfers (Automated Clearing House) are free or cost $1 to $3 and work between most U.S. banks, but they take three to five business days. Peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App are instant for small amounts (usually under $1,000) and charge no fee if you use a bank account, though they charge 1% to 3% if you use a debit card.

For very large amounts or international transfers, a money transfer service like Western Union or MoneyGram may offer better exchange rates than your bank, though fees are often higher. Compare the total cost (fee plus exchange rate) across your bank and a money transfer service before you decide.

If you're sending money to someone you trust and time is not critical, ACH is almost always cheaper than a wire. If you need the money to arrive today and the amount is small, a peer-to-peer app is faster and cheaper than both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a wire after I send it?

Only if you contact your bank immediately—within a few hours of sending. Once the receiving bank accepts the wire, it cannot be cancelled. If the receiving bank has already accepted it, your only option is to ask them to return the funds, which requires their cooperation and is not may provide.

What if the wire goes to the wrong bank but the right account number?

The wire will still go to the account number you provided, even if it's at a different bank than you intended. Contact your bank immediately and ask them to file a trace. Provide the confirmation number and the receiving account number. Recovery depends on whether the receiving bank cooperates.

Do I need to tell the recipient I'm sending a wire?

Yes. Tell them the amount, the date you're sending it, and when they should expect it to arrive. Ask them to confirm receipt once the money lands in their account. This way you'll know immediately if something went wrong.

Why did my wire take longer than one business day?

Domestic wires usually arrive within one business day if sent before your bank's cutoff time (typically 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Eastern). If you sent after the cutoff, it processes the next business day. Weekends and federal holidays add extra days. International wires take three to five business days or longer depending on the destination country.

Can I wire money from a savings account?

Yes, most banks allow wires from both checking and savings accounts. Some banks limit the number of wires you can send from a savings account per month (often six), so check your account terms. Checking accounts usually have no limit on outgoing wires.