The basic steps to wire money to a US Bank account
To wire money to a US Bank account, you need four pieces of information: the recipient's full name, their account number, the bank's routing number, and the bank's name and address. You then contact your own bank — by phone, online, or in person — give them these details, specify the amount, and authorize the transfer. US Bank will receive the funds, usually within one business day for domestic transfers.
The process is the same whether you're sending money across the country or across town. Your bank handles the routing and delivery; you provide the destination details. The recipient does not need to do anything on their end — the money arrives in their account automatically once the transfer clears.
Key Takeaways
- You need the recipient's name, account number, US Bank's routing number (which is 091000019 for most US Bank locations), and the bank's address before you start.
- Wire transfers typically cost between $15 and $30, depending on whether you send the money domestically or internationally, and whether you initiate the transfer online or by phone.
- Domestic wires usually arrive within one business day; international wires can take three to five business days or longer depending on the destination country.
- Once a wire is sent, it cannot be reversed, so double-check the account number and recipient name before you authorize the transfer.
Where to find the routing number and account details you need
The recipient's account number appears on the bottom left of their checks, or they can log into their US Bank account online and find it in the account details section. If they don't have checks or online access, they can call US Bank customer service or visit a branch in person and ask for their account number.
US Bank's routing number for wire transfers is 091000019 for most locations. Some older accounts or specific branches may use a different routing number, so ask the account holder to confirm, or call US Bank directly at 1-800-872-2657 to verify the correct routing number for the specific branch where the account is held.
You will also need the recipient's full legal name exactly as it appears on their account, and the US Bank branch address. The branch address is usually listed on US Bank statements or on the US Bank website when you search for the branch location.
How to send a wire through your own bank
Log into your bank's online banking portal and look for a "Wire Transfer" or "Send Money" option, usually under a Payments or Transfers section. Enter the recipient's name, account number, US Bank's routing number, and the amount. Review all details carefully — especially the account number — then submit the request.
If you prefer not to use online banking, call your bank's wire transfer department during business hours. A representative will ask you for the same information and may ask security questions to confirm your identity. Some banks charge less for online wires than phone wires, so ask about pricing before you choose your method.
You can also visit a branch in person and ask a teller to send a wire. Bring a photo ID and be prepared to provide the recipient's information and the amount. In-person wires sometimes cost more than online wires, but this option works if you don't have online access or prefer to handle it face-to-face.
Wire transfer fees and timing
Most banks charge between $15 and $30 for a domestic wire transfer. The fee depends on your bank, not on US Bank, and on whether you send the wire online, by phone, or in person. Online wires are often cheaper than phone or in-person wires. International wires typically cost more — often $35 to $50 — because they travel through multiple banks in different countries.
Domestic wires sent before your bank's cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. on business days) arrive the same day or the next business day. Wires sent after the cutoff or on weekends or holidays are processed the next business day. International wires take longer — usually three to five business days — because they pass through correspondent banks in other countries.
Ask your bank what time their wire cutoff is before you send. If you miss the cutoff, your wire will process the next business day, which matters if the recipient is waiting for the money.
What to do if you made a mistake on the wire
If you notice an error before you authorize the transfer, cancel it and start over. Once you have authorized the wire and it has been sent, you cannot reverse it. The money is gone from your account and on its way to US Bank.
If the wire was sent to the wrong account number, contact your bank when ready and explain what happened. Your bank can try to contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the funds, but there is no may provide. The receiving bank is not required to return money sent to an account that is not yours, even if it was sent by mistake.
This is why it is critical to verify the account number with the recipient before you send. Ask them to read it back to you, or have them confirm it in writing. A single wrong digit sends the money to a different account, and recovery is difficult or impossible.
Alternatives to wire transfers
If a wire transfer is too expensive or you want to avoid the risk of sending money to the wrong account, you have other options. ACH transfers (Automated Clearing House) are slower but cheaper — usually free or $1 to $3 — and take one to three business days. Many banks offer free ACH transfers to other US bank accounts.
Checks are free but slow, taking five to ten business days to clear. Mobile payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App work if both people have accounts, but they have daily limits and are better for smaller amounts between people who know each other.
If the recipient needs the money urgently and you want to avoid wire fees, ask your bank whether they offer free or low-cost ACH transfers. If the money is not urgent, a check or ACH transfer saves you the wire fee entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wire money to US Bank from a bank that is not US Bank?
Yes. Any bank in the United States can send a wire to any other bank, including US Bank. You initiate the wire through your own bank and provide US Bank's routing number so your bank knows where to send the money.
What happens if I send a wire to the wrong account number?
The money goes to that account instead of the intended recipient's account. Your bank can contact the receiving bank and ask them to return it, but the receiving bank is not required to do so. Recovery is difficult and not may provide. Always confirm the account number with the recipient before sending.
How long does a wire transfer to US Bank take?
Domestic wires usually arrive within one business day if sent before your bank's cutoff time. Wires sent after the cutoff or on weekends process the next business day. International wires take three to five business days or longer depending on the destination country and the banks involved.
Do I need the recipient's Social Security number to send a wire?
No. You need their name, account number, and the bank's routing number. Your bank may ask for additional information for compliance reasons, but a Social Security number is not required to send a domestic wire.
Can I cancel a wire after I have sent it?
Not reliably. Once a wire is authorized and sent, it is out of your bank's hands. Contact your bank when ready if you need to try, but do not expect to reverse it. This is why verifying all details before you send is so important.