What Information is Needed for a Wire Transfer? Full Guide

Wire transfers are reliable and easy. They help you get money to friends, family, employees or businesses abroad.

A wire transfer is an electronic way to send money. It goes from one person or business to another. It's a popular tool in the globalized world, allowing for safe cross-border payments.

This article will cover everything you need to know, including what information is needed for a wire transfer. You can also find out about common mistakes, how to avoid wire transfer scams, and money saving tips.

Essential Information for Wire Transfers

The exact information you need for a wire transfer will depend on the type of transfer.

Step 1: Identify the Type of Wire Transfer

There are two main types of wire transfers: domestic and international.

• A domestic wire transfer is for moving funds within the same country. For example, real estate down payments, car purchases, or paying vendors.
• International wires move money between countries. They are for business across borders. Or, for sending money to family abroad.

What Information is Needed For Domestic Wire Transfers?

The exact details vary depending on the transfer type (domestic vs. international). Here's what you’ll need for domestic wire:

• Recipient's full name, address, and phone number
• Recipient's bank name, account number, and routing number
• Transfer amount
• Transfer purpose (optional)
• Your full name, address, and phone number

What Information is Needed For International Wire Transfers?

When you send an international wire, you'll need all the information for a domestic transfer, plus:

• SWIFT/BIC code: A unique identifier for the recipient's bank (8-11 characters).
• IBAN number: An international bank account number (up to 34 characters).

A SWIFT code ensures the transfer reaches the correct bank.¹ An IBAN identifies the specific account within that bank.²

What to Prepare Before Sending a Wire Transfer

Before initiating a wire transfer, there are a few important details to prepare.

Steps to Gather the Necessary Information

Here's a checklist of things you’ll need before sending a wire:

1. Gather recipient information: Ensure you have all the details listed above.
2. Verify fees and limits: Understand the costs of international wires. These can vary depending on your bank or money transfer service.³
3. Choose a transfer method. Pick the type of global payment you’ll use. Consider factors like speed, fees and convenience.
4. Confirm available funds: Have enough money to cover the transfer plus fees.

Verifying Information Before Sending a Wire

Failing to verify the information before sending a wire can mean delays or loss of funds. To avoid such situations:

• Double-check the recipient's details. Verify their name, address, and bank.
• Contact the recipient's bank. This is the best way to confirm details. Especially for first-time transfers.
• Request written confirmation. This provides evidence you took steps to ensure accuracy.

Taking these simple steps can help prevent delays, errors, and potential loss of funds.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Wire Transfers

Unlike some payment methods, wire transfers are not reversible. Make sure everything is correct before finalizing. Some of the most common mistakes senders make include:

• Incorrect account details. Ensure all numbers and codes are accurate.
• Misspelled recipient name. Double-check the spelling.
• Overlooking exchange rates. Understand how currency rates affect the final amount.
• Miscalculating delivery speeds. Consider processing times. This is especially true for international transfers.
• Ignoring fees. Be aware of wire transfer fees. This is especially important for international wires. It helps you avoid surprises.

💡 Avoid costly international wire transfer fees with Wise. Send international payments at the mid-market rate, with no hidden fees.

Security Measures for Wire Transfers

Wire transfers are usually final. They are hard to reverse. It's important to protect yourself from ‌wire scams or frauds.

Protecting Your Information

To protect your information:

• Use secure online access. Use trusted online banking portals or mobile apps.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi. Don't use your bank account on unsecured networks.
• Monitor your accounts. Review your bank accounts for unusual activity.

There are many other things you might consider doing as well, such as increasing security for your accounts and securing home networks.⁴

Recognizing and Avoiding Scams

Wire transfer scams can take various forms. Here are the most common wire transfer scams:

• Romance scams. Fake online relationships where scammers trick you into sending money.
• Advance-fee scams. Offers large sums of money in exchange for upfront fees.
• Fake buyer scams. Scammers pose as buyers on classified ads and request wire transfers for overpayments.
• Family emergency scams. Scammers impersonate family members claiming urgent financial needs.
• Real estate and rental scams. Individuals pose as landlords or agents and ask for wires for non-existent properties.

Here are some ways to recognize and avoid wire transfer scams:

• Beware of red flags. Watch out for last-minute changes, urgency tactics, and poor grammar or spelling.
• Verify requests. Don't wire money based on unexpected requests. Verify the source.
• Take your time. Take time to confirm the legitimacy of a request.
• Seek help if unsure. Contact your bank or the ‌Consumer Federal Trade Commission if you suspect a scam.⁵

FAQs on Wire Transfers

Still have questions about wire transfers? Here are the top ones most people have:

How do I find my bank's SWIFT code or IBAN number for a wire transfer?

To find your bank's SWIFT code or IBAN number, you can:

• Check your bank's website (often under "International Transfers")
• Contact your bank's customer service

Can wire transfers be reversed if I make a mistake?

Wire transfers are generally not reversible. Contact your bank or financial institution when you realize the mistake. Provide information and request a correction.

How long does a wire transfer take?

Domestic wire transfers take one to two business days. International transfers can take three to five days. The time it takes for a wire depends on bank holidays and delays due to errors.

What's the difference between a wire transfer and an ACH transfer?

The differences between wire transfers and ACH transfers include things like speed and pricing. Wire transfers use the SWIFT network. ACH transfers use the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network in the United States.

Are there limits to how much I can send through a wire transfer?

Yes, wire transfer limits exist due to legal requirements and bank policies. Limits can vary. Larger transfers require additional documentation.

Save Money on International Payments with Wise

Wire transfers offer a fast and convenient way to send money. Figuring out what information is needed for a wire transfer is relatively easy. But be aware of the costs and mistakes.

If you need to send an international transfer quickly and safely, Wise is a great option. Wise transfers are fast, low-cost, and secure — all without hidden fees.

Wise is not a bank, but a Money Services Business (MSB) provider and a smart alternative to banks. The Wise Business account is designed with international business in mind, and makes it easy to send, hold, and manage business funds in 40+ currencies.

You can send money to 160+ countries with ease. You can also get major currency account details for a one-off fee to receive overseas payments like a local.

Open a Wise Business account
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🔍 Or read the guide on how to open a Wise Business account

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Sources:

1. Swift - About us
2. Swift - IBAN
3. Finder - Wire transfer fees
4. Consumer FTC - Online privacy and security
5. Consumer FTC - What to do if you were scammed

Sources checked April 2024