How long does it take for a wire transfer to be approved?

Asked by: Luther D'Amore  |  Last update: February 9, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (25 votes)

Domestic wire transfers in the US usually take less than 24 hours, while international transfers can take 1 to 5 days. However, various factors such as transfer methods, bank cut-off times, and weekends can impact the overall duration.

Do wire transfers go through immediately?

If transfers occur between accounts at the same financial institution, they can take less than 24 hours. Wire transfers via a non-bank money transfer service may happen within minutes. If you're sending money to another country, however, it may take as many as five days for the recipient to receive their funds.

How long does it take for a wire transfer to be confirmed?

Domestic wire transfer: Due to EFAA regulations, most bank-to-bank wire transfers between accounts in the US are completed within 24 hours. Some banks make wired funds available to recipients immediately, especially on transfers between accounts at the same institution.

How long after a wire transfer are funds available?

Domestic wire transfers are incredibly fast. Most times, you can expect to see funds landed within 24 hours. This is because domestic wire transfers tend to process same-day, with landed funds arriving next day as the bank opens.

What is the average wait time for a wire transfer?

While domestic wire transfers can be completed within one business day, international transfers typically take one to five business days, and they can take longer depending on a variety of factors. In rare cases, a perfectly executed transfer can reach the recipient within a single business day.

Wire Transfers Explained: How They Work | Beginners Guide to Wiring Money

44 related questions found

Why is my wire transfer taking so long?

The time it takes for a bank transfer to be successful depends on a number of factors, and some of these factors could cause a delay. These factors include the timing of the transfer, where the transfer is being made, the currencies involved, security checks, bank holidays, and the reasons for the transaction.

How do I know if a wire transfer went through?

You can request a trace on the transfer, and your bank will be able to tell you whether the money has been deposited into the recipient's account².

How long will a wire transfer show as pending?

Most wire transfers are processed the same business day. Funds will appear in “pending” status and aren't released until they clear the ACH system (up to 3 days).

Do banks hold funds on wire transfers?

Upon receiving the money, a bank or credit union might also hold these transferred funds for a period of time, so the total delivery time from one bank to another varies. Wire transfers send the funds along almost immediately through real-time processing.

How long does it take for a $30,000 check to clear?

Generally, it takes two to five business days to get all the funds from a check into your account. However, some factors might hold up the check-clearing process, like the status of your account or the place where you deposited the check.

How long can it take for a wire transfer to be applied?

The normal time to complete the transfer is 24 working hours, however, we recommend you check with your bank about it. Nowadays, most banking processes happen online. One would think that the money will reach the recipient's bank account instantly.

What happens if money is transferred but not received?

If the bank initiated the transfer, notify the bank immediately so that it can investigate your claim. If you first contact the bank by phone, it is a good practice to follow up in writing. If you wired the funds through a third party (e.g., Western Union), contact that party to find out what their procedures are.

Can a wire transfer get lost?

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

Why would a wire transfer not go through?

One of the most common reasons why a bank might refuse a wire transfer is that you provided incorrect or out-of-date information. This could be something as simple as inputting one wrong digit in your recipient's routing number or bank account number. Or it could be a misspelling.

How long does it take for an electronic funds transfer to go through?

How long it takes for an EFT payment to clear heavily depends on what type of transaction is being performed. Debit card and ATM transactions often clear instantly. ACH transactions typically clear the next day. International transactions might take longer — often two business days.

How long do US bank wire transfers take?

Wire transfers

Typically, a bank-to-bank wire transfer between accounts in the U.S. is transmitted same day and funds are delivered to the recipient within 24 hours. Wire transfers work great for closing costs, vendor invoices, large interbank transfers and more.

How quickly are funds available from a wire transfer?

The Expedited Funds Availability Act (EFAA) mandates every financial institution in the US to credit funds to a recipient within a business day. As a result, wire transfers within the country are generally cleared within 24 hours. Wire transfers through credit unions may happen within a few minutes.

What are the disadvantages of wire transfer?

Wire Transfers Cons
  • High costs. Not surprisingly, there's a price to pay for the convenience of wire transfers. Fees vary for this digital payment option depending on the provider or method used (online, over the phone, or in person). ...
  • Irrevocability. Once a wire transfer is sent, the transaction cannot be reversed.

How much money can you wire transfer?

Is there a limit on wire transfers? Broadly speaking, you can send as much money as you want in either a domestic or international wire transfer.

How long does it take a bank to verify a wire transfer?

Domestic transfers typically take up to 24 hours and are often completed the same day if initiated before the same day wire transfer cut off time. Factors like weekends, bank holidays, and processing times of the receiving bank can impact how long a wire transfer takes to show up.

How do I check the status of a wire transfer?

Contact your bank or payment service provider: Reach out to your bank's customer service or visit the nearest branch (if they have any). Provide them with the transaction details and ask for assistance in tracking the wire transfer. They will have access to the necessary systems and information to help you.

Which is better, ACH or wire transfer?

ACH transfers are generally free or low-cost, while wire transfers can cost anywhere from $25 to $50. In other words, a wire transfer is your best option if you need to make an urgent payment or transfer money overseas. Conversely, for domestic payments that can wait a few days, ACH transfers usually make more sense.

How to check if someone transferred money into your account?

Check your bank account balance: Log in to your online banking platform or check your account statement to see if the funds have been deposited. The balance should reflect the transferred amount. 2. Look for transaction details: Review your transaction history or statement to find the incoming transfer.

Does a wire transfer go directly into your account?

An electronic funds transfer (wire transfer) is a form of electronic payment that sends money directly from one bank account to another. With an electronic funds transfer, the bank acts as an intermediary for payment. The sender sends the money to their bank.

Why would a wire transfer be pending?

Pending means that the wire is in process, and you can no longer cancel it. Completed means that your wire has been sent successfully. Failed means that we were unable to send the money to your recipient.