What to do if your wire transfer is lost

Lost wire transfers can be scary and frustrating. But don't worry, if you’re suspecting your wire transfer may be lost, this guide will walk you through what to do when your money is transferred but not received.

We’ll also take a look at Wise as a safe and speedy way to send money abroad.

---

Table of contents
Can a wire transfer get lost? How long do wire transfers usually take? Why might a wire transfer get delayed? Make fast, secure and low cost international transfers with Wise What to do if a wire transfer is lost Can you cancel a wire transfer? Can I get my money back from a wire transfer? Lost wire transfer FAQs

---

Can a wire transfer get lost?

The short answer is not really.

Wire transfers don't physically move money. They're electronic instructions to move funds between accounts. But they can get delayed or misdirected. This might make it seem like your wire transfer is lost.

In reality, it's probably just stuck somewhere in the system.

That said, while a wire transfer may not be truly "lost," there's a possibility of wire transfer fraud. In these cases, the money isn't lost but has been intentionally misdirected by fraudsters.

To avoid scams, always verify all transfer details and be wary of unexpected or suspicious transfer requests.

How long do wire transfers usually take?

Wire transfers are usually quick.

The timing depends on whether you're sending money domestically or internationally.

Type	Transfer time
Domestic wire transfers	Usually same-day or next-day
International wire transfers	Typically 1-5 business days

The actual time can vary. Banks typically have cut-off times for processing transfers, and initiating a transfer after this time can delay it until the next business day.

If you’re worried your wire transfer is taking longer than usual, check with your bank to get a better estimate.

Why might a wire transfer get delayed?

There are a few things that can slow down your wire transfer.

• Bank cut-off times: Banks process transfers only during business hours. If you start a wire transfer after the cut-off time, your bank won't send it until the next business day

• Weekends and holidays: Most banks don't process transfers on weekends or national holidays. So, a Friday evening transfer might not start moving until Monday morning

• Incorrect account information: If you give the wrong account number or routing number, the transfer may be delayed or returned

• Bank system issues: Technical problems or scheduled maintenance at either the sending or receiving bank can delay your wire transfer

• Time zone differences: Banks in different countries have different schedules. If you're sending an international wire transfer, it might arrive during non-business hours in the recipient's country

• Intermediary banks: Your transfer might need to pass through intermediary banks, which adds time to the transfer process

• Currency conversions: If your transfer needs to change currencies, it may take extra time

• Compliance checks: International transfers sometimes need to go through extra security checks for money laundering and other financial crimes

A delay doesn't necessarily mean that your wire transfer is lost. If your transfer is taking longer than expected, get in touch with your bank or try to track your wire transfer.

Make fast, secure and low cost international transfers with Wise

Send money to 160+ countries with the mid-market exchange rate and low, transparent fees with Wise. Set up a free Wise account online or in the Wise app on iOS and Android, to transfer money fast in 40+ currencies.

Over 50% of Wise payments arrive instantly* — and all Wise transfers are deposited directly into your recipient's bank account for convenience.

No ongoing fees, no hidden charges and no hassle — just fast, transparent international transfers that can beat the banks.

Get started with Wise

*Transaction speed claimed depends on funds availability, approval by Wise’s proprietary verification system and systems availability of our partners’ banking system, and may not be available for all transactions.

What to do if a wire transfer is lost

Wire transfers are generally safe. But if your wire transfer seems lost, follow these steps:

1. Double-check the transfer details: Review all the information you provided for the transfer. Even a small error in the account number, routing number, or recipient name can delay your transfer
2. Contact your bank: If the details are correct and your wire transfer is lost, reach out to your bank. They can check the status of your transfer and give you more information
3. Ask for a SWIFT trace (for international transfers): This process tracks your money's path through the international banking system. It can help you figure out where your transfer might be held up.
4. File a complaint: If your bank can't find your lost wire transfer, you can file a formal complaint with a regulatory body like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Most lost wire transfers are eventually found, so don't panic.

Can you cancel a wire transfer?

It depends on the timing:

• Before processing: Yes, you can usually cancel
• After processing: It's much harder, but not impossible
• After completion: You'll need the recipient's cooperation

You should act fast if you want to reverse a wire transfer.

Get in touch with your bank as soon as you realize that you need to cancel and make sure to have all information about your transfer, such as the reference number and amount, on hand.

Can I get my money back from a wire transfer?

If you've fallen victim to fraud and need to recall a wire transfer, your chances of getting your money back are low. Wire transfers are fast and final, which is why fraudsters target them.

That said, it's not impossible, and the key is to act quickly. The faster you report the fraud, the better your chances of recovering your funds.

If you suspect wire transfer fraud, follow these steps:

1. Contact your bank immediately
2. Provide transaction details (date, amount, recipient info)
3. File a fraud report
4. Follow your bank's dispute process

You'll need:

• the wire transfer details and confirmation
• any communication with the recipient
• proof of fraud (if available)

When you report wire transfer fraud, your bank will start an investigation. They'll work to trace the funds and potentially freeze the receiving account if it's still active. Your bank may also contact the receiving bank to try to recall the funds.

There's no guarantee you'll get your money back, but in rare cases it's possible.

Lost wire transfer FAQs

---

How do I trace a lost wire transfer?

First, check all the information you provided to make sure it's accurate. Then, contact your bank and ask them to check the status of your transfer.

For international wire transfers, you can ask for a SWIFT trace. This tracks your money's path through the different banks that participated in the transaction.

If your bank can't find your transfer, you can file a formal complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Why would a wire transfer not go through?

There are a few possible reasons why a wire transfer might fail. The most common ones are having insufficient funds in your account, providing incorrect recipient information, and going over the transfer limit.

Sometimes, your wire transfer might also be flagged for compliance or security reasons. Another possible reason might actually have nothing to do with you. It's rare, but there may have been bank system issues or maintenance that delayed or misdirected your funds.

Who is responsible for lost wire transfer?

It depends on your particular situation. If you provided incorrect recipient info, you're usually responsible. If the bank makes an error, the responsibility is on them.

For fraud cases, liability can be complicated to prove. Overall, banks must make a reasonable effort to recover funds, but they're not always responsible for losses.

What happens if a wire transfer fails?

When a wire transfer fails, the money usually returns to the sender's account. Your bank should notify you of the failure, but you might need to contact your bank to get the full reason why your wire transfer failed.

Getting the money back into your account should take a few business days.

How reliable is a wire transfer?

Wire transfers are generally very reliable, and many people use them for moving large sums quickly or sending money overseas. But, like everything, wire transfers aren't perfect.

Human error, technical glitches, and fraud can all cause issues. To keep your money safe, always use reputable banks or transfer services, double-check all information, and don't send money to suspicious people or entities.

---

It's stressful to figure out what to do if a wire transfer is lost. But the good news is that wire transfers are usually not lost – just delayed or misdirected. Most "lost" transfers are eventually found and completed, but it's important to get in touch with your bank right away if you suspect there's an issue.

For a fast and reliable service when sending money abroad, use Wise. You can send money to 160+ counties with HTTPS encryption and 2-step verification, so you know your transactions are secure.

Learn more about Wise