The basic steps to wire money

To wire money to another bank account, you need four pieces of information about the person receiving it: their full name, their bank account number, their bank's routing number, and the bank's name and address. You then contact your own bank — by phone, in person, or through online banking — give them this information plus the amount you want to send, and authorize the transfer. Your bank deducts the money from your account and sends it to the receiving bank, which deposits it into the recipient's account.

The whole process typically takes one to two business days, though some banks offer same-day wiring for an extra fee. Once the money leaves your bank, you cannot cancel the transfer, so double-check the recipient's account number before you authorize it.

Key Takeaways

  • You need the recipient's full name, account number, routing number, and their bank's name and address before you start.
  • Wire transfers are irreversible once sent, so verify the account number matches the recipient's name.
  • Most banks charge a fee for outgoing domestic wires, ranging from around $15 to $30 depending on the bank.
  • You can initiate a wire through your bank's website, mobile app, by phone, or in person at a branch.
  • International wires require additional information and take longer, usually three to five business days.

Getting the information you need from the recipient

Before you contact your bank, reach out to the person or business you are sending money to and ask for their banking details. Ask them to provide their account number and routing number in writing — a text message, email, or photo of a bank statement — so you have it exactly right. Mistyping even one digit in the account number means the money goes to the wrong person's account.

The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the specific bank branch. You can also find it on a check from that bank — it appears in the bottom left corner — or by searching the bank's name and "routing number" online. The account number is usually 10 to 12 digits and also appears on checks or statements.

For the bank's address, you can ask the recipient or look it up on the bank's website. If you are wiring to a large national bank, your bank's system may have the address on file already.

How to send the wire through your bank

Once you have the recipient's information, contact your bank through whichever method is easiest for you. Many banks now let you start a wire through their website or mobile app — you log in, select "send money" or "wire transfer," enter the recipient's details and the amount, review the information, and authorize it. Some banks require you to confirm the wire by phone or in person for security reasons.

If you prefer to do it in person, visit a branch with the recipient's information and your ID. A bank employee will fill out the wire form with you, confirm the details, and process it on the spot. If you call, have the recipient's information in front of you and be ready to spell out names and numbers carefully.

Your bank will tell you the fee at the time you send the wire. Domestic wire fees typically range from $15 to $30 for an outgoing transfer, though some banks charge less or waive the fee for certain account types. Ask about the fee before you authorize the transfer if you want to know the exact amount that will leave your account.

What happens after you send the wire

Once you authorize the wire, your bank deducts the full amount — including the fee — from your account when ready. The money then travels to the recipient's bank, which usually takes one to two business days for domestic transfers. The recipient's bank deposits the money into their account, and they can use it once it appears in their account.

Your bank will give you a confirmation number or reference number for the wire. Keep this number in case you need to track the transfer or dispute it later. You can use it to check the status of the wire if it does not arrive within the expected timeframe.

If the wire does not arrive after two business days, contact your bank with the confirmation number. They can trace the wire and find out where it is. If the money went to the wrong account due to an error on your part, your bank may not be able to recover it — this is why verifying the account number is so important.

Wiring money internationally

International wires require more information and cost more than domestic ones. In addition to the recipient's name, account number, and bank name, you will need their bank's SWIFT code — an eight or eleven-character code that identifies banks internationally — and sometimes an IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which is used in Europe and some other regions. Ask the recipient for these details or have them check their bank's website.

International wire fees vary widely by bank, typically ranging from $25 to $50 or more. The transfer usually takes three to five business days, though some banks offer expedited options for a higher fee. Exchange rates also explore if you are converting from one currency to another, and your bank will show you the rate before you authorize the transfer.

When a wire transfer is not the right choice

Wire transfers are fast and reliable, but they are not always the best option. If you are sending money to someone you do not know well, or if the amount is very large, consider whether a wire is necessary — once sent, it cannot be reversed. For smaller amounts or less urgent transfers, a regular bank transfer (also called an ACH transfer) is cheaper and often free, though it takes three to five business days.

If you are concerned about fraud or sending money to an unfamiliar recipient, ask the person to confirm their banking details in a way you can verify — for example, by calling them directly at a number you already have, rather than using a number they provided in an email or message. Scammers sometimes pose as businesses or family members and provide fake account numbers to intercept money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?

No. Once your bank sends the wire, it cannot be stopped or reversed. This is why you must verify the account number and recipient's name before authorizing it. If the money went to the wrong account, contact your bank when ready with your confirmation number, but recovery is not may provide.

What if I made a mistake with the account number?

Contact your bank right away with your confirmation number. The bank can try to recover the funds, but success depends on whether the receiving bank can identify and reverse the transaction. This is why double-checking the account number against the recipient's name is critical before you send.

How long does a domestic wire transfer take?

Most domestic wires arrive within one to two business days. Some banks offer same-day wiring if you send it early in the business day, though this usually costs extra. Weekend and holiday transfers may take longer.

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

Yes. Let them know you are sending the wire, when you are sending it, and the amount. This way they can watch for it and let you know when it arrives. It also helps them recognize the deposit and prevents confusion if there is a delay.

What is the difference between a wire transfer and a regular bank transfer?

A wire transfer is fast (one to two days) but costs $15 to $30 and cannot be reversed. A regular bank transfer (ACH) is usually free or costs a few dollars, but takes three to five business days and can be reversed within a certain window. Use a wire when speed matters; use a regular transfer when cost matters more.