What you need before you start

To send money by wire into a checking account, you need the recipient's bank routing number, account number, and the name on the account exactly as it appears at the bank. You also need to know the bank's full name and address. Without these details, the wire cannot be sent.

The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the specific bank branch. The account number is usually 8 to 12 digits and identifies the individual account. Both appear on the bottom left of a check, or the account holder can get them by calling their bank or logging into their online banking portal.

You will also need to decide how much money to send and confirm you have that amount available in your own account. Most banks charge a fee to send a domestic wire—typically $15 to $30—so factor that into your total.

Key Takeaways

  • You need the recipient's routing number, account number, bank name, and the exact name on their account before you initiate a wire.
  • Domestic wires sent during business hours usually arrive the same day; wires sent after hours or on weekends arrive the next business day.
  • You can send a wire through your bank's website, mobile app, phone line, or in person at a branch, depending on what your bank offers.
  • Once a wire is sent, it cannot be stopped or reversed unless the receiving bank agrees to return it, which is rare.
  • If the recipient's information is wrong, the wire may be rejected or sent to the wrong account, and recovery is difficult.

How to send a wire through your bank

Most banks let you send a wire through their website or mobile app if you are already a customer. Log in, look for "Send Money," "Wire Transfer," or "Payments," and select the option to send a domestic wire. You will be asked to enter the recipient's name, routing number, account number, and the amount.

Some banks require you to register the recipient as a payee before you can send money to them. This is a security step that can take a few minutes or up to 24 hours. Once registered, you can send wires to that person without re-entering their information each time.

If you prefer not to use the website or app, you can call your bank's wire transfer line or visit a branch in person. A representative will walk you through the same information and process the wire for you. In-person wires at a branch are often processed when ready if you go during business hours.

When the money arrives

A domestic wire sent before 2 p.m. on a business day (Monday through Friday) usually arrives in the recipient's account the same day. Wires sent after 2 p.m. or on weekends typically arrive the next business day. The exact timing depends on the receiving bank's processing schedule.

International wires take longer—usually 3 to 5 business days—because they pass through multiple banks and currency exchanges. The receiving bank may also hold the money for a day or two while they verify it.

Once the money arrives, the recipient can use it when ready. There is no hold period for wire transfers the way there can be for checks or ACH transfers.

What happens if something goes wrong

If you send a wire to the wrong account number or routing number, the money may go to someone else's account or be rejected by the receiving bank. If it is rejected, it will be returned to your account, usually within 5 to 10 business days. If it reaches the wrong account, recovery is much harder and depends on whether the receiving bank will cooperate.

Once a wire is sent, you cannot cancel it the way you can cancel a check or an ACH transfer. Your only option is to contact your bank when ready and ask them to request a recall from the receiving bank. The receiving bank is not required to honor the recall, and many will not if the account holder has already withdrawn the money.

This is why confirming the recipient's information before you send is critical. Ask the recipient to read their routing number and account number back to you, or ask them to send you a photo of a check or a screenshot from their banking app.

Fees and limits

Domestic wire transfer fees range from $15 to $30 per wire, depending on your bank. Some banks charge less if you send the wire online rather than by phone or in person. A few banks offer a limited number of free wires per month for customers with certain account types.

Most banks do not have a limit on how much you can wire in a single transfer, but some cap it at $10,000 or $25,000 per day for security reasons. If you need to send more than your bank's limit, you can split it into multiple wires on different days, or call your bank to request a temporary increase.

International wires often cost more—$35 to $50—and may include currency exchange fees if you are converting money to another currency.

Alternatives to wiring money

If you want to avoid wire fees or need the money to arrive more slowly, you can use an ACH transfer instead. ACH transfers are free or very cheap, but they take 1 to 3 business days to arrive. They work the same way as a wire—you need the recipient's routing and account number—but they are processed in batches rather than individually.

If the recipient needs the money when ready and you are in the same city, you could also use a service like Zelle, Venmo, or PayPal, depending on what both of you have set up. These services are often faster and cheaper than wires for smaller amounts, though they have daily limits.

For very large amounts or international transfers, some people use money transfer services like Western Union or MoneyGram, though these typically charge higher fees than banks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wire money to a checking account from a savings account?

Yes. The account type does not matter—a wire can be sent from or received into a checking account, savings account, or money market account. You just need the correct routing and account number for whichever account the recipient wants the money in.

What if I do not know the recipient's routing number?

Ask the recipient to check the bottom left of one of their checks, or to call their bank and ask for it. You can also search for the routing number on the bank's website or by calling the bank directly if you know the bank name and the state where the account is held. Do not guess or use a number you are not sure about.

Is it safe to wire money to someone I do not know?

Wires are final and cannot be reversed, so wiring money to someone you do not know carries significant risk. If the person is a scammer, you will likely not recover the money. Only wire money to people you trust or to established businesses you have verified through official channels.

How long does a wire take if I send it on a Friday afternoon?

A wire sent after 2 p.m. on Friday will not be processed until Monday morning, so it will arrive Monday or Tuesday depending on the receiving bank's schedule. If you need the money to arrive over the weekend, a wire is not the right tool—consider an alternative like Zelle if both parties have it set up.

Can I send a wire from my phone?

Yes, if your bank has a mobile app with wire transfer capability. Log in, find the wire transfer option, and follow the same steps as you would on the website. Not all banks offer this feature, so check your app or call your bank to confirm.