How long does it take for a wire transfer to go through?

Asked by: Darrick Rice  |  Last update: February 6, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (27 votes)

Generally, domestic bank wires are completed in three days, at most. 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.

How long does it take for a wire transfer to hit your bank?

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 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.

Can you get a wire transfer the same day?

Most Banks Offer Same-Day Wire Transfers

It's important to note that not every bank is so quick with wire transfers. Most major national and regional banks offer same-day capabilities, but smaller banks may not. It's important to check with your institution to make sure they offer same-day wires.

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.

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

33 related questions found

Why hasn't my wire transfer arrived?

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. Contact your bank: If the details are correct and your wire transfer is lost, reach out to your bank.

What is the cut off time for wire transfers?

The cutoff time to send a wire transfer varies depending on the type: International Wire: 11:00 a.m. Domestic Wire: 4:30 p.m. ACH Wire: 4:30 p.m.

Can a wire go through same day?

Generally, domestic bank wires are completed in three days, at most. 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.

What's the longest a wire transfer can take?

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.

Why is my bank transfer taking so long?

Why is my bank transfer taking so long? Delays in bank transfers can be caused by factors such as the amount being transferred, bank security checks, or the bank's operational hours when transferring money internationally or during weekends and public holidays.

Why do bank transfers take 3 days?

The payment system takes up to three days due to the electronic funds' transfer and formal filing system. The financial institutions process bank account information in batches, leading to a delay in funds 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.

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 do I check the status of a wire transfer?

Utilise online banking: If you have online banking access, log in to your account and navigate to the section for wire transfers. Check for any tracking features or options available. Some banks provide real-time tracking updates for international wire transfers.

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 does it take for a rejected wire transfer to return?

If the receiving bank rejects the wire transfer, the funds will ultimately be returned to the original account. Typically, you can expect a rejected wire to be returned within 2 business days of the original transaction.

How much money can you legally 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. However, your bank may have its own wire transfer limits on how much you can transfer at once, daily or monthly.

What happens if money is transferred but not received?

If money is transferred but not received, the sender should contact the bank or service used to initiate the transfer to track the transaction. They can also contact the recipient's bank to inquire if the funds have been received.

Does a wire transfer happen immediately?

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.

How long does a wire transfer take to clear?

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.

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.

Do wires go through on Saturdays?

In general, it is not possible to send bank wires on the weekend because banks typically operate on a business schedule that follows regular business hours, Monday through Friday.

Can a wire transfer be reversed?

Wire transfers are used to send money electronically from one bank account to another. Sending money this way is like sending cash in that, once sent, the wire transfer typically cannot be reversed. Wired funds are considered the property of the recipient and wire transfers may be final.

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.