What Information Is Needed for a Wire Transfer?

Wiring money isn’t something most people do every day, but when you do, it’s usually for a major reason: buying a house, supporting family abroad, paying tuition, or helping a friend in urgent need. 

Wire transfers are among the fastest and most secure ways to move funds, but only if you provide precise information. One wrong digit can send the money to the wrong place or delay it for days.



So what exactly do you need to make sure your transfer goes through smoothly? That’s what this guide is for.

First—What Is a Wire Transfer, Really?

A wire transfer is a way to send money electronically from your bank account to someone else’s—either within the U.S. (domestic) or abroad (international).

It’s fast, secure, and doesn’t rely on checks, third-party apps, or long processing windows. 

 Once it’s sent, the money moves through a secure network between banks and can arrive on the same day (domestic) or may take more days (international), depending on the type of transaction.

This isn’t like paying with Zelle or transferring funds between your own accounts. 

 Also, wiring funds directly to someone else’s account requires accurate details, as the transaction cannot be reversed once it is settled.

Here’s What You’ll Need to Send a Wire Transfer

Most of what you’ll be asked for is straightforward. But don’t take shortcuts—double-check everything before you hit send.

For Domestic Transfers (within the U.S.):

You’ll need:

• Recipient’s full name (as it appears on their bank account)
• Bank name
• Routing number
• Bank account number
• The amount you want to send
• Optional: a note or reference for the recipient

Not sure what the difference is between routing and account numbers? You’re not alone. Here’s a helpful breakdown: account vs routing number

For International Transfers:

You’ll need everything above, plus:

• SWIFT or BIC code (this identifies the bank internationally)
• Recipient’s full address (some banks ask for it)
• Currency to be received (like USD, EUR, GBP, etc.)
• Occasionally: an intermediary bank’s info, if your bank doesn't connect directly to theirs

International transfers typically take a bit longer—plan for 1–3 business days. But they’ll move faster (and cleaner) if you get the details right from the start.

How to Actually Send the Wire

Once you’ve gathered the info, you can usually start the transfer in a few different ways:

• In-person at your bank
• Through online banking
• Or your bank’s mobile app

Whichever method you choose, the steps are pretty similar:

Step 1: Start the Wire Process

Find the wire transfer option in your online account, or speak with a banker at your branch.

Step 2: Enter the Details

This part matters most. Take your time and enter everything exactly as it’s listed—no shortcuts, no assumptions.

Step 3: Review the Fees

Wires aren’t free.

• Domestic wires usually cost between $15–$30
• International wires can run $30–$50, plus currency conversion fees

Many banks show the fee before you submit. If they don’t, ask.

Step 4: Submit and Save the Confirmation

Once you’ve submitted, you’ll usually get a confirmation number or receipt. Hold on to it. That’s your reference if there’s ever a delay or issue.

 For more details, check out this walk-through: How do I do a wire transfer. It breaks things down clearly, especially if this is your first time wiring money.

Timing: When Will the Money Arrive?

This depends on a few things: the destination, time of day, and your bank’s cut-off time.

• Domestic wires usually arrive same-day, as long as they’re submitted before the bank’s deadline (often 2–3 PM local time).
• International wires usually land in 1–3 business days.

Weekends and holidays don’t count. So, if you’re wiring money on a Friday evening, it won’t get processed until Monday.

What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?

Here’s the honest answer: once a wire is processed, it’s very hard to reverse. That’s why most banks push you to double-check everything before submitting.

If you realize there’s a mistake right after hitting send, call your bank immediately. If the transfer hasn’t gone through yet, they might be able to stop it. But if it’s already been processed? 

You may be out of options.

Sending vs. Receiving: What If You’re on the Other Side?

If someone is wiring you money, your job’s simpler—but you still need to provide accurate info:

• Your name (as it appears on your account)
• Your bank’s name
• Your routing number
• Your account number
• For international wires: your bank’s SWIFT code
• Optional: your address (some banks require it)

Give this info in writing if possible. That reduces the chance of errors.

Before You Submit: A Quick Last-Minute Checklist

-Did you enter the full and correct account number?

-Is the routing number valid and specific to that bank?

-Did you double-check the SWIFT code (if international)?

-Are you clear on the transfer fees?

-Did you save the confirmation number?

If you answered yes across the board, you’re good to go.

Wrapping Up

Wire transfers may feel intimidating at first—but really, they just come down to one thing: details. 

Get them right, and you’ve got one of the fastest, most dependable ways to move money—whether it’s across the state or across the world.

So, before you send that next transfer, take a minute to gather the right info, check the fine print, and make sure you’re clear on how the process works.

Because with wire transfers, it’s not about doing it quickly. It’s about doing it right the first time.