To send an international wire transfer, you need the recipient’s full legal name, their bank’s SWIFT/BIC code, and in many cases an International Bank Account Number (IBAN). You’ll also need enough details about the recipient’s bank, including its name and location, to route the money correctly. Beyond those basics, the specific requirements depend on the destination country, the amount you’re sending, and how you fund the transfer.
Recipient Details You’ll Need to Collect
Before you walk into a bank or start an online wire, gather these details from the person you’re paying:
- Full legal name and address of the recipient, exactly as it appears on their bank account
- Recipient’s bank name and address
- SWIFT/BIC code for the recipient’s bank. This is an 8- or 11-character code that identifies a specific bank worldwide. Every bank that handles international transfers has one, and your recipient can get it from their bank or find it on a bank statement.
- IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which identifies the specific account at the receiving bank. IBANs are standard across Europe, the Middle East, and many other regions. Not every country uses them, but your bank will tell you if one is required for the destination you’re sending to.
- Recipient’s account number, if the destination country doesn’t use IBANs
Some countries require an additional local routing code on top of the SWIFT code. Australia uses a BSB (Bank State Branch) code, Canada requires a Canadian Payment Routing Number, the U.K. uses a Sort Code, India requires an IFSC code, and Mexico uses a CLABE number. Your bank’s wire form will prompt you for the right code based on the country you select, but it helps to have this information ready before you start.
Certain destination countries also require you to state the purpose of payment, such as “tuition,” “property purchase,” or “family support.” If this applies, the bank will ask during the process.
What You Need on Your End
On the sending side, you’ll need a funded bank account in your name, valid government-issued identification, and your bank’s routing number if the transfer is being initiated by a third party. For online wire transfers, most banks also require a second layer of authentication, such as a security token, a one-time code sent to your phone, or a registered mobile number linked to your account.
You’ll need enough money in your account to cover both the transfer amount and the wire fee. Outgoing international wire fees at major U.S. banks typically range from $25 to $50 per transfer, though the exact amount depends on your bank and account type. The receiving bank may also deduct its own fee from the funds before depositing them, which is worth mentioning to your recipient so the final amount isn’t a surprise.
How Funding Method Affects the Transfer
How you pay for the wire matters more than it used to. If you fund a transfer from your bank account or use a debit or credit card issued in the U.S., the transaction is straightforward. However, starting in 2026, a 1% federal excise tax applies to certain remittance transfers funded with cash, money orders, cashier’s checks, or traveler’s checks. This tax is collected by the transfer provider, not by you directly, but it will likely be passed along as an added cost.
The tax does not apply to transfers funded by withdrawals from a bank account or paid with a U.S.-issued debit or credit card. It also doesn’t apply to transfers of $15 or less. If you regularly send money internationally and have been paying with cash at a money transfer office, linking a bank account to your transfers could save you that extra percentage.
How Long It Takes
International wire transfers typically arrive within one to five business days. The wide range comes down to several factors: the destination country, the number of intermediary banks the money passes through, and whether the receiving bank needs to convert currencies.
Transfers to major financial centers with well-established banking relationships (think Canada, the U.K., or Western Europe) often arrive in one to two business days. Transfers to countries with less direct banking connections can take the full five days because the money may route through one or more correspondent banks along the way.
Timing also matters on the sending side. Banks process wires only on business days, and most have a daily cutoff, often around 3:00 PM local time. If you submit a wire after the cutoff or on a weekend, processing won’t begin until the next business day. Federal holidays in either the sending or receiving country can add another day or two.
The most common cause of delays is incorrect recipient information. A single wrong digit in a SWIFT code or IBAN can cause the transfer to bounce back or get stuck in a holding queue while the banks sort it out. Double-checking every code and account number before you hit send is the simplest way to avoid a frustrating wait.
Currency and Exchange Rate Costs
If your recipient’s account is in a different currency, the money will be converted at some point during the transfer. Your bank typically handles this conversion and applies its own exchange rate, which includes a markup over the mid-market rate you’d see on Google or a currency converter. This markup is effectively a hidden fee, and it can add 1% to 3% to the total cost of your transfer depending on the bank and the currency pair.
Some banks let you choose whether to send in U.S. dollars and let the recipient’s bank handle conversion, or to convert upfront and send in the destination currency. Sending in the recipient’s local currency can sometimes reduce the overall cost, but it depends on which bank offers a better rate. If you’re sending a large amount, it’s worth asking your bank what rate they’ll apply before you confirm.
Tracking Your Transfer
When you complete the wire, your bank will give you a confirmation number or reference code. Hold onto this. If the transfer doesn’t arrive within the expected window, your bank can use this number to trace it through the correspondent banking network. Most banks also show wire status updates in their online banking portal, though the level of detail varies. If you’re sending a time-sensitive payment, ask your bank about expedited wire options, which some institutions offer for an additional fee.