The basic steps to wire money from one bank to another

To wire money between banks, you need to contact your bank (the one sending the money), provide the recipient's banking details, and authorize the transfer. Your bank will deduct the funds from your account and send them electronically to the receiving bank, which deposits them into the recipient's account. The whole process usually takes one to two business days, though some banks offer same-day wiring for an extra fee.

You do not need to visit a branch in person—most banks let you initiate a wire through online banking, mobile app, or by phone. However, some banks require you to go in person for your first wire to a new recipient, as a fraud prevention measure.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need the recipient's full name, account number, routing number, and bank name before you start—ask them directly rather than guessing.
  • Domestic wires (within the United States) typically arrive within one to two business days and cost between $15 and $30 per transfer.
  • International wires take longer (three to five business days), cost more ($30 to $50 or higher), and may require additional information like a SWIFT code or IBAN.
  • Once a wire is sent, you cannot cancel it if the receiving bank has already accepted the funds, so verify all details before you authorize the transfer.
  • Some banks allow you to wire money online, while others require a phone call or in-person visit, especially for large amounts or first-time transfers.

What information you need to collect before wiring

The recipient must give you their routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies their bank) and account number (which identifies their specific account). You also need their full legal name as it appears on the account. Ask the recipient to provide this information directly—do not assume you know it or look it up yourself, because a single digit wrong will send the money to the wrong account.

For domestic wires within the United States, the routing number and account number are usually enough. If you are wiring to a different country, you will also need the recipient's bank's SWIFT code (an international bank identifier) or IBAN (International Bank Account Number), depending on the country. The recipient's bank can provide these codes if the recipient does not have them.

Write down all this information and double-check it before you contact your bank. A mistyped routing number or account number means your money goes to a stranger's account, and recovering it is difficult and slow.

How to initiate a wire through your bank

Log into your bank's online banking portal or mobile app and look for a "Send Money," "Wire Funds," or "Transfer" option. You will be asked to enter the recipient's name, account number, routing number, and the amount you want to send. Some banks also ask for a reason for the transfer (such as "rent" or "personal loan repayment"), though this is optional information.

Review the details on the confirmation screen carefully. Make sure the recipient's name, account number, and routing number are exactly as the recipient gave them to you. If anything looks wrong, do not authorize the transfer—go back and correct it.

If your bank does not offer online wiring or if you prefer to speak to someone, call the wire transfer department directly. Have all the recipient's information ready before you call. Some banks require you to visit a branch in person for your first wire or for wires over a certain dollar amount (often $10,000 or more). Ask your bank about its policy before you make a trip.

Fees, timing, and what happens after you send

Domestic wire transfer fees typically range from $15 to $30, though some banks charge less and others charge more. A few banks offer free wiring to customers who meet certain conditions (such as maintaining a minimum balance or having direct deposit set up). International wires cost significantly more—usually $30 to $50 or higher—because they pass through multiple banks and currency exchanges.

Domestic wires usually arrive within one to two business days. If you send a wire on a Friday afternoon, it may not arrive until Monday or Tuesday. International wires take longer, typically three to five business days or more, depending on the receiving country and the banks involved. Some banks offer expedited domestic wiring for an additional fee if you need the money to arrive the same day.

Once you authorize the wire, your bank will send you a confirmation number. Save this number—you will need it if you ever need to track the wire or dispute it. Your bank will deduct the transfer amount plus the fee from your account when ready, even though the recipient may not receive the funds for a day or two.

When you cannot cancel a wire and what to do if something goes wrong

If you realize you made a mistake after sending a wire, contact your bank when ready. If the receiving bank has not yet accepted the funds, your bank may be able to recall the wire. However, once the receiving bank has processed the transfer, the money is gone and cannot be reversed through normal banking channels.

If the wire was sent to the wrong account due to an error in the routing number or account number, you will need to contact your bank and ask them to file a wire fraud claim on your behalf. Your bank will reach out to the receiving bank and ask them to return the funds. This process can take weeks or months, and there is no may provide the money will be returned—it depends on whether the receiving bank cooperates and whether the account holder is willing to send the money back.

To avoid this situation, verify all recipient information one more time before you authorize the transfer. If you are sending a large amount of money to someone for the first time, consider sending a small test amount first to confirm the account is correct.

Domestic wires versus international wires

A domestic wire stays within the United States banking system and uses the recipient's routing number and account number. These wires are faster, cheaper, and simpler because they do not cross currency or international borders.

An international wire goes to a bank in another country and requires additional information. You will need the recipient's bank's SWIFT code (a code that identifies the bank internationally) and possibly an IBAN (a longer account number format used in Europe and other regions). International wires pass through multiple intermediary banks, each of which may take a fee, so the total cost to you can be higher than the fee your bank charges. The recipient may also receive less money than you sent because intermediary banks deduct their own fees along the way.

If you are sending money internationally, ask your bank whether the amount quoted includes all fees or whether additional fees will be deducted before the recipient receives the funds. Some banks offer a "send exact amount" option where you specify how much the recipient should receive, and your bank calculates how much you need to send to cover all fees.

Alternatives to wiring money

Wire transfers are fast and reliable, but they are not the only way to move money between banks. ACH transfers (Automated Clearing House) are slower but cheaper—they usually cost nothing or a small fee, and take three to five business days. Most banks let you set up ACH transfers for free through online banking.

Peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, or Square Cash are fast and free for transfers between individuals, but they have daily limits (often $1,000 to $5,000) and work best for smaller amounts. These apps are not ideal for large transfers or for sending money to a business.

If you need to send money to someone without a bank account, money transfer services like Western Union or MoneyGram let you send cash that the recipient can pick up at a physical location. These services charge higher fees than wire transfers and are best for international transfers or when the recipient does not have a bank account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wire money on a weekend or holiday?

You can initiate a wire anytime through online banking, but your bank will not process it until the next business day. If you send a wire on Saturday, it will not leave your bank until Monday, and the recipient will not receive it until Tuesday or Wednesday. If you need money to arrive urgently, confirm with your bank that the receiving bank is open and will process the wire the same day you send it.

What if I wire money to the wrong account by mistake?

Contact your bank when ready and ask them to file a wire recall or fraud claim. If the receiving bank has not yet released the funds, your bank may be able to stop the transfer. If the funds have already been deposited, your bank will ask the receiving bank to return the money, but this is not may provide. The process can take weeks, and you may not recover the full amount.

Why does my bank ask for a reason when I wire money?

Banks ask for the purpose of the transfer for record-keeping and fraud prevention. This information is not shared with the recipient and does not affect whether the wire goes through. You can usually leave this field blank or enter something generic like "personal transfer" if you prefer not to specify.

Is it safe to give someone my routing number and account number?

Your routing number and account number are safe to share with people you trust who need to send you money. These numbers are printed on the bottom of your checks and are not secret. However, do not share this information with strangers or enter it on websites you do not recognize, as someone could use it to set up unauthorized transfers from your account.

How much money can I wire at once?

Most banks do not have a legal limit on wire transfer amounts, but individual banks set their own limits. Some banks cap domestic wires at $10,000 or $25,000 per day for online transfers, though you can usually wire more if you call the bank or visit in person. Ask your bank about its limits before you try to send a large amount.