The basic steps to wire money from your bank

To wire money from your bank account, you need four pieces of information: the recipient's name, their bank account number, their bank's routing number, and the amount you want to send. You then contact your bank—by phone, in person, or through online banking—provide those details, confirm the wire fee (usually $15 to $30 for domestic wires), and authorize the transfer. Your bank sends the money through the Federal Reserve's wire system or a private network like SWIFT, and the recipient's bank receives it the same day or the next business day.

The speed is the main reason people use wires instead of ACH transfers or checks. A domestic wire typically arrives within hours during business days. An international wire takes one to three business days depending on the receiving country and whether intermediate banks are involved. Once your bank sends the wire, you cannot cancel it—the money is gone—so verify the recipient's details before you authorize anything.

Key Takeaways

  • You need the recipient's full name, account number, routing number, and the wire amount before you contact your bank.
  • Domestic wires usually arrive the same day or next business day; international wires take one to three business days.
  • Wire fees range from $15 to $30 for domestic transfers and $25 to $50 for international ones, depending on your bank.
  • Once your bank sends a wire, you cannot cancel it, so confirm all recipient details are correct before authorizing.
  • You can initiate a wire by phone, in person, or through your bank's online portal, whichever your bank offers.

Where to find the recipient's routing and account numbers

The recipient's bank routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies their bank. Ask them directly—they can find it on a check, in their online banking portal, or by calling their bank. Do not guess or look it up online unless you verify it with the recipient afterward. A wrong routing number sends your money to the wrong bank, and recovering it takes weeks or may be impossible.

The account number is usually printed on the bottom left of a check, or the recipient can find it in their online banking. For international wires, you may also need the recipient's SWIFT code (an eight or eleven-character code that identifies their bank internationally) or their IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which is used in Europe and some other regions. Ask the recipient which one their bank uses.

Initiating a wire through your bank's online portal

Most banks let you start a wire through their website or mobile app. Log in, look for "Send Money," "Wire Transfer," or "Pay Someone" in the menu, and select "Domestic Wire" or "International Wire." Enter the recipient's name, account number, routing number, and the amount. Review the wire fee—your bank will show it before you confirm. Some banks require you to verify the recipient's name matches their account before processing.

After you submit, your bank may hold the wire for review, especially if it is large or going to a new recipient. This review usually takes a few hours during business days. You will receive a confirmation number once the wire is sent. Save this number—it is your proof of the transaction and the reference your bank uses if you need to trace the wire later.

Calling your bank to send a wire

If you prefer to wire by phone, call the number on the back of your debit card or the customer service line on your bank's website. Have the recipient's information ready: their full name, account number, routing number, and the amount. The representative will read back the details to confirm, tell you the wire fee, and ask you to authorize the transfer.

Some banks require you to verify your identity by answering security questions or providing a code sent to your phone. Once you authorize, the representative will give you a confirmation number. Write it down. If the wire does not arrive when expected, you will need this number to trace it.

Wiring money in person at a bank branch

You can also walk into a branch and ask to send a wire. Bring a photo ID and the recipient's information. The teller will fill out a wire form with you, show you the fee, and process the transfer. This method is slower than online or phone wires because you have to travel to the branch and wait, but some people prefer it for large amounts or international wires where they want to speak face-to-face.

In-person wires follow the same timeline as online and phone wires—domestic wires arrive the same day or next business day, international wires take one to three days. The teller will give you a receipt with a confirmation number. Keep it until the recipient confirms they received the money.

Wire fees and what affects the cost

Domestic wire fees typically range from $15 to $30 per wire. International wires cost more—usually $25 to $50—because they pass through intermediary banks and currency conversion systems. Some banks charge extra if the wire is urgent or if you need to send it outside normal business hours.

A few banks waive wire fees for certain account types (like premium checking or wealth management accounts) or if you maintain a high balance. Ask your bank whether you may have access to. The fee is deducted from your account at the time you send the wire, so make sure you have enough money to cover both the wire amount and the fee.

What happens after you send the wire

Once your bank sends the wire, the Federal Reserve or SWIFT network routes it to the recipient's bank. For domestic wires, this usually takes a few hours, and the money appears in the recipient's account the same day if sent before 2 p.m. or the next business day if sent after. International wires take longer because they may pass through one or more intermediary banks, each of which processes the transfer during its own business hours.

The recipient's bank may hold the money for one to three business days while they verify the sender's information, especially for large amounts or international transfers. This is normal and does not mean anything went wrong. You can give the recipient your confirmation number so they can contact their bank to check on the status if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a wire after I send it?

Not reliably. Once your bank sends the wire into the Federal Reserve or SWIFT system, you cannot cancel it. If you catch the error before your bank processes it—usually within minutes—call when ready and ask them to stop it. After that, you would need to contact the recipient's bank and ask them to reverse it, which they may refuse to do.

What if I send money to the wrong account number?

The wire will go to whatever account the routing number and account number point to. If that account belongs to someone else, you have no automatic way to recover the money. Contact your bank and the receiving bank when ready with your confirmation number and ask them to trace the wire and request a reversal. The receiving bank is not required to help, but some will if you can prove the transfer was sent in error.

How do I know if the wire arrived?

Ask the recipient to check their bank account or contact their bank. You can also call your bank with your confirmation number and ask them to trace the wire. For domestic wires, if the money has not arrived within one business day, contact your bank. For international wires, wait two to three business days before following up.

Do I need to tell the recipient I am sending a wire?

Yes. Give them a heads-up so they know to expect it and can watch for it. Provide your name, the amount, and the date you are sending it. This helps them confirm the wire when it arrives and prevents confusion if their bank holds it for review.

What is the difference between a wire and an ACH transfer?

A wire is faster and more expensive. It arrives the same day or next business day and costs $15 to $50. An ACH transfer takes three to five business days and is usually free or costs $1. Use a wire when you need the money to arrive quickly; use ACH when you have time and want to save the fee.