What do you need to send a wire transfer

Table of Contents Show

KNOWLEDGE BASE
Online banking steps:
U.S. Bank Mobile App steps:
Additional information:
1. Decide which provider to use
2. Gather the information
3. Check costs and choose the transfer method
4. Read the fine print
5. Fill out the form carefully
6. Save the receipt

KNOWLEDGE BASE

Wiring money just got easier with new digital wire transfers. When you’re ready, choose the experience that best suits your needs.

Online banking steps:

To get started, log in to online banking and follow these steps:

From the top of the page, select Transfers, then External transfers and wires.
Select Send a wire transfer and choose the account information to pay from, amount and date. If you want to change the date, select a different day under SEND ON.
Select View all dollar limits to see daily and weekly wire transfer limits. Please note that limit increases are not available.
Once complete, select Continue, enter the recipient's information, then select Continue again.
Add the routing and account number, then select Continue.
Review the information. If you agree, select the checkbox next to I agree to the Wire Transfer Authorization, then select Submit.

U.S. Bank Mobile App steps:

For the best mobile banking experience, we recommend logging in or downloading the U.S. Bank Mobile App.

From the main dashboard select Pay bills & transfer, then choose External Transfers & wires.
Select Send a wire transfer and choose the account you would like to pay from.
Enter the amount and choose the date you would like the wire to be sent. Once complete, select Continue. Select View all dollar limits to see daily and weekly wire transfer limits. Please note that limit increases are not available.
Enter the recipient's information, routing and account number, then select Continue.
Review the information. If you agree, select the checkbox next to I agree to the Wire Transfer Authorization, then select Submit.

Additional information:

Try our Send a wire transfer tutorial to preview how it works.
Troubleshooting tip: If the digital wire transfer option isn't available on your U.S. Bank Mobile App, try uninstalling, then reinstalling it. If you have any questions, call us at 800-USBANKS (872-2657). We accept relay calls.

This feature is for domestic wire transfers only. International wire transfers must be completed at a U.S. Bank branch. We encourage you to make an appointment to allow time for questions and processing.

Logged into the mobile app? Select Make an appointment on your dashboard.
Logged into online banking? Start by selecting Customer service at the top of your page, then choose Make an appointment.
Not logged in? Visit usbank.com, then select Locations in the upper left corner and enter your ZIP code. Select the branch you'd like to schedule an appointment at, then choose Make an appointment.

Contact us

Wiring money can be a fast way to move large amounts of money within the U.S. and abroad. Here’s a quick tutorial on how to wire money.

+ See a summary of the steps

1. Decide which provider to use. Banks and money transfer companies offer wire transfers. 2. Gather the information. You’ll need your recipient’s name, location and bank account information to start. 3. Check costs and choose the transfer method. You might be charged different amounts for sending online and in person. 4. Read the fine print. You have the legal right to ask for details. 5. Fill out the form carefully. Mistakes could derail your transfer. 6. Save the receipt. It has helpful information in case there’s trouble with the transfer.

1. Decide which provider to use

Banks and nonbank money transfer providers can help you send wire transfers.

With bank wire transfers, both the sender’s and receiver’s financial institutions are involved. Transfers within the U.S. may be processed the same day, but expect international ones to take at least a few days.

Nonbank money transfer providers

Companies such as Western Union allow you to move funds in the U.S. or internationally. You can transfer money between bank accounts, send cash for pickup and, in some cases, pay bills via wire transfers. The transfers can take minutes to several days, depending on the service and delivery method.

A wire transfer is irrevocable and a cash-based one can be anonymous, so never send funds to anyone you don’t know well. The Federal Trade Commission has tips on how to avoid wire transfer scams.

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2. Gather the information

If you’re using your bank to transfer money, be sure to have your:

Government-issued ID and/or online account access.
Account funded with at least the amount you want to send.
Bank account number (found on a bank statement, a check or your online account).
Recipient’s full name and contact information.
Recipient bank’s name, address and phone number.
Recipient bank's transit number or equivalent.

Within the U.S., this is a nine-digit code called the American Banking Association routing transit number, which can be found here or by asking the recipient.
Abroad, this is a bank identification code, such as a SWIFT code. SWIFT, or the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, uses an eight- or 11-character code that identifies specific banks internationally and is in the standard bank identification code format. Ask the recipient for this code, or look it up online.

Recipient's bank account number.
Additional information based on your bank’s instructions.

Nonbank providers might not require bank account information, depending on which delivery option you choose, but they will require the recipient’s name and location.

3. Check costs and choose the transfer method

Your bank or nonbank provider may let you send a wire transfer in several ways, such as online, through telephone banking or at a bank branch. The methods can vary in cost, so compare prices before making a decision.

The median cost at banks is $25 for sending wires domestically and $45 internationally. Many nonbank providers have online tools that let you estimate the cost of a wire transfer before sending.

» Not sure if you need a wire transfer? Check out other ways to send money

4. Read the fine print

Before sending international wires, you have the right under federal law to ask for details about the exchange rate, total fees and taxes collected by all parties, the delivery date and the amount expected to be delivered abroad (separate from fees).

5. Fill out the form carefully

Whether you speak with a bank teller or fill out a form online, be precise while providing the information needed. A misspelled name or a missing digit can prevent the recipient from getting the money.

6. Save the receipt

Get confirmation of the transfer in a receipt, which should include a transaction number, so you can save it and refer to the specific transfer if any issues arise.