How to Wire Money Online for Any Purpose

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p.article.infoBox.posted Feb 10, 2025

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Wiring money online is a convenient and secure way to send funds to anyone, anywhere in the world. With the rise of online banking and digital payment systems, it's easier than ever to transfer money online.

You can wire money online for any purpose, whether it's paying bills, sending gifts, or even investing in a business. According to the article, online wire transfers are processed quickly, usually within minutes, and are often less expensive than traditional bank transfers.

What Is a Transfer?

A wire transfer is an electronic transaction initiated through a bank or non-bank transfer provider. It's a way to move funds from one account to another using an electronic payment network.

To initiate a wire transfer, you'll need to provide some basic information. This includes a government-issued ID, proof of funds, and the recipient's name and address. You may also need to provide the recipient's bank name and address, as well as their bank account number and routing number.

p.article.credit youtube.com, Wire Transfers Explained: How They Work | Beginners Guide to Wiring Money

A wire transfer differs from an Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfer, where money moves between accounts at different banks linked to pay bills. It's a faster and more convenient way to move money, often completed in hours or a few days.

To complete a wire transfer, you may need to provide additional information, such as funding purpose information (e.g. a home purchase) and the recipient's mobile number if wiring money to a mobile wallet app. You may also need to provide a Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) code, which is assigned to banks and may be required for bank-to-bank domestic or international wire transfers.

Here are the documents and information you may need to provide for a wire transfer:

  • A government-issued ID
  • Proof of funds
  • Funding purpose information (e.g. a home purchase)
  • Transfer recipient’s name and address
  • Transfer recipient’s bank name and address
  • The bank account number and routing number for the recipient
  • The recipient’s mobile number if wiring money to a mobile wallet app
  • A SWIFT code (for bank-to-bank domestic or international wire transfers)

How Transfers Work

A wire transfer is a direct transfer of funds from one bank to another, and most major banks allow you to complete one online by specifying the recipient's information and dollar amount.

p.article.credit youtube.com, How Wire Transfer Works | Wire Transfers Explained in Detail | Beginners Guide to Wiring Money

You can usually choose between domestic and international wire transfers, and some banks even offer free domestic incoming wire transfers.

Ally, Capital One 360, and Discover are examples of banks that offer free domestic incoming wire transfers, but they charge a fee for outgoing wire or international transfers.

International transfers require the assistance of an intermediary bank to handle the transaction since their banking systems and currencies are different.

International Money Transfers can be done through RBC Online Banking or the RBC Mobile app, and they're a great way to send smaller sums of money overseas or across the border.

Types of Transfers

A wire transfer can be a domestic or international transaction, but to be considered a true wire transfer, it must be sent from one bank to another.

Domestic wire transfers involve sending money within the same country, whereas international wire transfers involve sending money across borders.

International transfers often require an intermediary bank to facilitate the transaction due to differences in banking systems and currencies.

A wire transfer can be facilitated through various services, but it's essential to note that not all services, like Zelle, are considered true wire transfers.

Online Bank Transfers

p.article.credit youtube.com, How To Send Money With Western Union 2024 | Step-By-Step Transfer Guide

Online bank transfers are a convenient way to send money online. You can complete a wire transfer online by signing into your account and specifying that you need to send one and entering the recipient's information and dollar amount.

Most major banks allow you to complete a wire transfer online, and some even offer free domestic incoming wire transfers. Banks like Ally, Capital One 360, and Discover offer this service without charging a fee for incoming wires.

To make an online bank transfer, you'll need to log into your online banking platform and select the wire transfer option. You'll then need to accept the terms and conditions, add the recipient's information, and confirm the details.

The money you send comes directly from your savings or checking account, and it usually delivers the same business day or the following one, depending on your bank and the time of day you make the transfer.

p.article.credit youtube.com, WISE Money Transfer Tutorial 2025 - How To Use Wise

Here are the basic steps to make an online bank transfer:

  1. Log into your online banking platform
  2. Select Wire transfer (may also say ACH/wire)
  3. Accept the terms and conditions
  4. Add the recipient's information
  5. Follow the instructions to confirm the recipient's information
  6. Choose the account you're transferring funds from
  7. Enter the amount you want to transfer
  8. Confirm all information
  9. The transfer will be sent

To send money internationally, you'll need to provide additional information, including an ABA routing number or a SWIFT code or BIC, as well as an account number or an International Bank Account Number (IBAN) if you're transferring money out of the country.

Sending Money Online

Sending money online is a convenient and often free way to transfer funds to friends, family, or even businesses. You can use online and mobile payment services like Zelle and Venmo, which are usually instant and free if you're sending money directly from a bank account.

These services typically require both parties to have an account with the same service, and you'll need to provide your payment details, such as your bank account or credit card information. You'll also need the recipient's account information, which can be their email address or phone number.

One thing to keep in mind is that some services, like PayPal and Venmo, deliver the funds to your account first, and then you need to withdraw them to your bank account. This can be a bit of a hassle, but it's still a great way to send money online.

p.article.credit youtube.com, How to send a domestic wire transfer with Bank of America

If you're looking to send a large sum of money, wire transfers might be a better option. For example, RBC offers wire transfers that can be made to almost anywhere in the world and in any currency. To send a wire transfer, you'll need to provide the sending bank with some specific information, including your account number, personal home address, and RBC Royal Bank institution number.

You can also use online banking to set up and send wires, such as with Wells Fargo Online. To do this, you'll need to sign on to their website, select Wire Money in the Transfer & Pay menu, and add the recipient's details.

If you're sending money internationally, you'll need to use an intermediary bank to handle the transaction. This can be a bit more complicated, but it's still a great option for sending smaller sums of money overseas.

Here are some common requirements for sending money online:

  • An account with the service (e.g. Zelle, Venmo, PayPal)
  • The recipient's account information (e.g. email address, phone number)
  • Your payment details (e.g. bank account, credit card information)
  • Specific information for wire transfers (e.g. account number, personal home address, RBC Royal Bank institution number)

Keep in mind that some services may have lower daily limits on the amount you can send compared to a bank wire transfer.

Wells Fargo Money Transfers

p.article.credit youtube.com, How to Wire Transfer Money on Wells Fargo | 2023

To send money online with Wells Fargo, you'll need to sign on to their online platform and enroll in Online Wires. You can then add your recipient, select your funding account and amount, and review your payment before sending it.

You must have a current residence in the United States to send an online wire with Wells Fargo. Customers living in U.S. territories or other countries can't send wires online.

To send a domestic wire, you'll need to provide the name and address of your recipient, the name of their bank, a valid U.S. mobile number or RSA SecurID device, the recipient's routing number, and their account number.

For international wires, you'll need to provide the name and address of your recipient, the name of their bank, a valid U.S. mobile number or RSA SecurID device, the recipient's SWIFT/BIC, IBAN, and any additional codes required by the recipient's country.

Wells Fargo charges a fee for outgoing wire or international transfers, but some banks offer free domestic incoming wire transfers. You'll also need to consider any exchange rate fees and markups when converting currencies.

p.article.credit youtube.com, ✅ How To Wire Transfer Money With Wells Fargo App 🔴

Here's a summary of the information you'll need for a wire transfer with Wells Fargo:

Information RequiredFor Domestic WiresFor International Wires
Name and address of recipientYesYes
Name of recipient's bankYesYes
Valid U.S. mobile number or RSA SecurID deviceYesYes
Recipient's routing numberYesNo
Recipient's account numberYesNo
SWIFT/BICNoYes
IBANNoYes

Wells Fargo restricts the amount of money you can send to recipients online, and you'll need to review any limits before completing your wire transfer. To request higher limits, you'll need to visit your local branch.

Fees and Costs

Fees are automatically deducted from your account balance for wire transfers.

The cost to wire money varies depending on the service you use. Some services, like Zelle, Paypal, or Venmo, may not charge a fee if you withdraw the money directly from your bank account.

A bank may charge as much as $45 for a wire transfer.

Can Transfer Be Cancelled?

If a wire transfer is still showing in the bank's processing system as "scheduled", it may be possible to cancel the transaction. This policy varies at each institution, so users should check to see how cancellations are handled.

You can try to cancel a wire transfer if it has not been picked up or deposited, according to Western Union.

Wire transfers are often used for large purchases like a down payment on a home or college tuition, so it's good to know the cancellation rules beforehand.

Transfer Requirements

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To transfer money via online bank wire, you'll need to provide some basic information. This includes the full name and address of the recipient, the name of the receiving bank, and a secure ID or US mobile device with a telephone number.

You'll also need to provide an ABA routing number for domestic transfers or a SWIFT code or BIC for an international transfer. This ensures the money moves into the correct account.

Some banks, like Wells Fargo, require additional information, such as the recipient's account number and international bank account number (IBAN) for international transfers. Certain countries also require specific codes, such as the Australian Branch Code (BSB) or the Canadian Payment Routing Number.

Here's a list of the required information for a wire transfer:

  • Full name and address of the recipient
  • Name of the receiving bank
  • Secure ID or US mobile device with a telephone number
  • ABA routing number for domestic transfers or SWIFT code or BIC for international transfers
  • Recipient's account number for domestic transfers or IBAN for international transfers

Some banks may also require additional information, such as the recipient's address or a purpose of payment, depending on the country and type of transfer.

What's the Cost?

p.article.credit youtube.com, Video 3: Transaction Costs

The cost of wire transfers can be a bit of a mystery, but don't worry, I've got the lowdown.

The cost to wire money varies depending on the service you use. In some cases, it's free to transfer funds, especially if you use Zelle, PayPal, or Venmo and have the money withdrawn directly from your bank account.

A bank may charge as much as $45 for a wire transfer, whereas services like Western Union charge varying fees depending on your payment method and whether you're sending money domestically or internationally.

If you're using Western Union, you'll need to pay fees using a bank account, debit card, or credit card, depending on the method you choose.

Here's a rough idea of what you can expect to pay:

ServiceFee Range
Bank wire transferup to $45
Western Unionvaries depending on payment method and destination

It's worth noting that some wire transfer services may charge more for international transactions, so be sure to check the fees before sending money abroad.

International Transfers

International transfers refer to money transferred between two banks in different countries. They often require the assistance of an intermediary bank to handle the transaction since their banking systems and currencies are different.

p.article.credit youtube.com, How to make an International Wire Transfer with Bank of America

To send an international wire transfer, you'll need to provide some basic information, including the full name and address of the recipient, the name of the receiving bank, a secure I.D. or U.S. mobile device with a telephone number, and an ABA routing number for transfers within the United States or a SWIFT code or BIC for an international transfer.

You may also need to provide additional information, such as an International Bank Account Number (IBAN) or a Bank Identification Code (BIC), depending on the country and the bank involved in the transfer.

International Transfers

International transfers refer to money transferred between two banks in different countries. They often require the assistance of an intermediary bank to handle the transaction since their banking systems and currencies are different.

To send an international transfer, you'll need to provide some basic information, including the full name and address of the recipient, the name of the receiving bank, and a secure ID or US mobile device with a telephone number. You'll also need to provide an ABA routing number for transfers within the US or a SWIFT code or BIC for an international transfer.

p.article.credit youtube.com, 7 Cheapest International Money Transfers + Best (Uncovered 2023)

International wires may require additional information, such as an International Bank Account Number (IBAN) if you're transferring money out of the country. Certain countries also require additional codes, such as an Australian Branch Code (BSB) or a Canadian Payment Routing Number.

Here are some common currencies and their corresponding Bank Name and SWIFT code/BIC/ABA number:

CurrencyBank NameSWIFT code/BIC
USDJPMORGAN CHASECHASUS33 / ABA: 021000021
EURBNP PARIBAS SABNPAFRPP
GBPLLOYDS TSB BANK PLCLOYDGB2L
HKDSTANDARD CHARTERED BANK (HONG KONG) LIMITEDSCBLHKHH
AUDAUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND BKG GROUPANZBAU3M
CHFCREDIT SUISSE LTDCRESCHZZ80A
DKKNORDEA BANK ABPNDEADKKK
JPYSUMITOMO MITSUI BANKING CORPORATIONSMBCJPJT
MXNCITIBANK N.A.CITIUS33MER
NOKDNB NOR BANK ASADNBANOKK
NZDANZ BANK NEW ZEALAND LIMITEDANZBNZ22058
SEKSKANDINAVISKA ENSKILDA BANKENESSESESS
SGDDBS BANK LTDDBSSSGSG
ZARSTANDARD BANK OF SOUTH AFRICA LTDSBZAZAJJ

Note that there are fees associated with both incoming and outgoing wire transfers.

Blocking International Fraud

Blocking international fraud is a crucial step in protecting your business from financial losses. Our International Wire Block feature automatically rejects all international wire transfers on your account, regardless of the source.

If your business initiates wires only within the US, you can prevent account takeovers from sending your funds to beneficiary banks outside the US. This feature blocks all attempts and reports them to you.

You don't need to do anything else, as the International Wire Block takes care of everything.

Large and Foreign Transfers

p.article.credit youtube.com, Should You Use Western Union? 3 Cheaper Ways to Transfer Money Overseas

A true wire transfer is a direct transfer of funds from one bank to another, and most major banks allow you to complete one online simply by signing into your account.

You can send a wire transfer domestically or internationally, and some banks even offer free domestic incoming wire transfers, such as Ally, Capital One 360, and Discover.

If you're looking to send or receive a large sum of money, wire transfers are a quick and secure option that can be made to almost anywhere in the world and in any currency.

To send a wire transfer, you'll need to provide the sending bank with your account number, personal home address, and the RBC Royal Bank institution number, which is 003.

The RBC Royal Bank SWIFT BIC is ROYCCAT2, and you'll also need to provide the branch phone number, address, and transit number.

Here's a quick rundown of what you'll need to send a wire transfer:

  • Account number
  • Personal home address
  • RBC Royal Bank institution number: 003
  • RBC Royal Bank SWIFT BIC: ROYCCAT2
  • RBC Royal Bank branch phone number, address, and transit number

Choosing a Transfer Option

p.article.credit youtube.com, ACH Transfer vs Wire Transfer Explained: Beginners Guide to Sending Money

There are three options to consider when transferring money online. You can choose from these options based on your bank's online platform and your personal preferences.

You can log into your online banking platform to initiate an online bank wire transfer. This option allows you to transfer funds directly from your savings or checking account.

To complete an online bank wire transfer, you'll need to follow a series of steps. Here's a quick rundown:

  • Log into your online banking platform
  • Select Wire transfer (may also say ACH/wire)
  • Accept the terms and conditions
  • Add the recipient’s information
  • Follow the instructions to confirm the recipient’s information
  • Choose the account you’re transferring funds from
  • Enter the amount you want to transfer
  • Confirm all information
  • The transfer will be sent

Online bank wire transfers usually deliver the same business day or the following one, depending on your bank and the time of day you make the transfer.

p.article.sections.frequentlyAskedQuestions

Is Zelle considered a wire transfer?

No, Zelle is not considered a wire transfer, but rather an Automated Clearing House (ACH) payment. This distinction affects how large payments are handled, with wires typically used for bigger transactions like home down payments.

Can you transfer money with just a routing number and account number?

Yes, you can transfer money using just a routing number and account number, which helps the sending bank identify the recipient's account. However, using this information alone may not be enough for a complete transfer.

Is it safe to wire money online?

Wire transfers are generally safe when using a legitimate service and verifying the recipient's identity, but anonymity is not possible

How long does a money wire transfer take?

Wire transfers typically take 3 days in the U.S. to complete, but can vary depending on the specific transfer details.

Matthew McKenzie

Matthew McKenzie

p.team.ranks.Lead Writer

Matthew McKenzie is a seasoned writer with a passion for finance and technology. He has honed his skills in crafting engaging content that educates and informs readers on various topics related to the stock market. Matthew's expertise lies in breaking down complex concepts into easily digestible information, making him a sought-after writer in the finance niche.

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