The basic steps for wiring money between banks

To wire money from your bank account to someone else's bank account, you start by contacting your bank — either in person, by phone, online, or through their mobile app — and telling them you want to send a wire transfer. Your bank will ask you for information about the person receiving the money: their full name, their bank account number, and the routing number of their bank (a nine-digit code that identifies their bank). You'll also tell your bank how much money to send. Once your bank has all this information and you've confirmed the details, they will deduct the money from your account and send it electronically to the receiving bank, which deposits it into the recipient's account.

The whole process usually takes one business day if you send the wire during your bank's business hours on a weekday. If you send it after hours or on a weekend, it may not go through until the next business day. Some banks charge a fee for sending a wire transfer — typically between $15 and $30 — so ask your bank what they charge before you confirm the transfer.

Key Takeaways

  • You need the recipient's full name, account number, and their bank's routing number before you can send a wire transfer.
  • Wire transfers move money the same business day if sent during your bank's hours on a weekday, or the next business day otherwise.
  • Most banks charge a fee of $15 to $30 to send a wire transfer, so confirm the cost with your bank first.
  • Once a wire transfer leaves your bank, it cannot be stopped or reversed, so double-check all the recipient information before you confirm.
  • You can initiate a wire transfer in person, by phone, online, or through your bank's mobile app, depending on what your bank offers.

Where to find the routing number you need

The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the bank where the recipient has their account. You can find it in several places. If the recipient knows their bank, they can call their bank's customer service line and ask for the routing number. They can also look it up online — most banks publish their routing number on their website, and you can search for it using the bank's name and the phrase "routing number." Some banks have different routing numbers for different regions, so make sure you get the one for the branch or region where the recipient's account is located.

The recipient can also find their routing number on a check from their account — it's the first set of numbers printed at the bottom left of the check. If the recipient has online banking access, their bank's website often displays the routing number in the account details section.

What information you'll need to provide

When you contact your bank to send a wire transfer, have the following information ready: the recipient's full legal name (exactly as it appears on their bank account), their bank account number, the routing number of their bank, the amount of money you want to send, and the reason for the transfer (some banks ask this, though it's optional). If you're sending money to someone outside the United States, you may also need their International Bank Account Number (IBAN) or SWIFT code instead of a routing number — ask your bank which one they need.

Write down all this information before you contact your bank, and read it back to the bank representative to make sure everything is correct. A small mistake — like a transposed digit in the account number — can send the money to the wrong person or the wrong account, and reversing a wire transfer is difficult and sometimes impossible.

How to send a wire through your bank's website or app

Most banks now let you send a wire transfer online without visiting a branch or calling. Log into your online banking account or open your bank's mobile app, then look for a section labeled "Send Money," "Wire Transfer," "Transfers," or something similar. Click on that section and select "Wire Transfer" or "Send to Another Bank." The bank's website or app will ask you to enter the recipient's information: their name, account number, routing number, and the amount you want to send.

After you enter all the information, the website or app will show you a summary of the transfer for you to review. Read through it carefully — this is your final note to catch any mistakes. Once you confirm, the bank will process the transfer. Some banks require you to verify the transfer through a second step, such as entering a code sent to your phone or answering a security question. This extra step protects your account from fraud.

If you're not comfortable sending a wire online, or if your bank doesn't offer online wire transfers, you can always call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch in person and ask a representative to send the wire for you.

Why wire transfers cannot be reversed

Once your bank sends a wire transfer, the money leaves your account when ready and goes to the receiving bank. Unlike a check, which can be stopped, or a credit card charge, which can be disputed, a wire transfer is final. The receiving bank deposits the money into the recipient's account, and you cannot ask your bank to take it back. This is why it's so important to verify all the recipient's information before you confirm the transfer.

If you realize you made a mistake after sending the wire, your only option is to contact the receiving bank directly and ask them to return the money. They may do this if you contact them quickly, but they are not required to. If the money went to the wrong account by mistake, the person who received it may refuse to return it, and you may have to pursue the matter through your bank's fraud department or through the courts. For this reason, take extra time to confirm the account number and routing number before you send any wire transfer.

Wire transfer fees and timing

Wire transfer fees vary by bank. Some banks charge $15 to $30 to send a wire transfer domestically (within the United States), and more to send a wire internationally. A few banks offer free wire transfers to customers who meet certain conditions, such as maintaining a minimum account balance or having a premium account type. Ask your bank what they charge before you send the wire, so you know the total cost.

Timing also varies slightly. If you send a wire transfer on a weekday during your bank's business hours (usually 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), the money typically arrives at the receiving bank the same business day. The receiving bank then deposits it into the recipient's account, which may happen when ready or within a few hours depending on the receiving bank's process. If you send a wire after your bank's business hours or on a weekend or holiday, it will not process until the next business day.

Alternatives to wire transfers

Wire transfers are fast and reliable, but they're not the only way to send money between bank accounts. An ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House transfer) is slower but usually free or very cheap. ACH transfers typically take three to five business days, but many banks offer them at no cost. If you don't need the money to arrive the same day, an ACH transfer is often a better choice.

You can also send money using a peer-to-peer payment app like Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App if both people have accounts with the same service. These apps are convenient for smaller amounts and transfers between friends or family, though they may have daily limits on how much you can send. For very large amounts or transfers to someone you don't know well, a wire transfer is still the most find and straightforward option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I give my bank the wrong account number?

If the account number is wrong, the money may go to a different person's account at the same bank, or the receiving bank may reject the transfer and send the money back to your bank. If the money goes to the wrong account, you'll need to contact the receiving bank and ask them to return it. They are not required to do so, and the person who received the money may refuse to give it back. This is why it's critical to double-check the account number before you confirm the transfer.

Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?

Once your bank sends the wire, you cannot cancel it. Your only option is to contact the receiving bank when ready and ask them to return the money. They may do this if you contact them very quickly, but they are not required to. The faster you act, the better your chances of getting the money back.

How long does a wire transfer take?

A wire transfer sent on a weekday during your bank's business hours usually arrives the same business day. If you send it after hours, on a weekend, or on a holiday, it will process on the next business day. Once the receiving bank gets the money, they deposit it into the recipient's account, which may happen when ready or within a few hours.

Do I need the recipient's bank account number or can I just use their name?

You need both the recipient's full name and their account number. The name alone is not enough — many people share the same name, and the account number is what ensures the money goes to the right person. You also need the routing number of their bank.

What's the difference between a wire transfer and an ACH transfer?

A wire transfer is fast (usually same-day) but typically costs $15 to $30. An ACH transfer is slower (three to five business days) but is usually free or very cheap. If you need the money to arrive quickly, use a wire transfer. If you can wait a few days, an ACH transfer is usually the better choice.