How to track wire transfers?

Asked by: Dr. Savanah Eichmann  |  Last update: January 24, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (51 votes)

When you send a wire transfer, you'll receive a Federal Reference number, or fed number, that confirms the transaction¹. If you're worried about your payment, you can contact the sending bank and request a trace on the wire transfer using the reference number¹.

How do I follow up on a wire transfer?

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. Ask for a SWIFT trace (for international transfers): This process tracks your money's path through the international banking system.

What's the longest a wire transfer can take?

Domestic transfers can take less than 24 hours, but international transfers can take up to 5 days, depending on things like weekends, bank holidays, cut-off times, and the method you use.

Can a transfer be tracked?

Money transfer tracking is the process of using a unique reference number or tracking number to check the status of a money transfer. This number is provided to the bank or service provider that initiated the transfer, allowing them to locate the transaction and provide detailed updates on its progress.

How to track bank transaction using reference number?

1) Bank's Net Banking Portal
  1. Sign in to your bank's net banking portal using your credentials.
  2. Browse to the “funds transfer” section.
  3. Choose NEFT and then “transaction status”
  4. Input the NEFT reference number to check the transaction status.

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40 related questions found

Can you track a wire transfer with a reference number?

If you're worried about your payment, you can contact the sending bank and request a trace on the wire transfer using the reference number¹. Many banks will do this, though you may have to pay an additional fee.

How do I track a wire transaction?

Log into your online banking platform or money transfer app: Most services have a designated section for tracking transfers. Enter your reference number and other required details: This step unlocks the latest updates on your transfer's journey.

How do you trace a bank transfer?

Tracking an ACH transaction
  1. Find the ACH transaction trace number. Every ACH transaction has two Trace IDs, including one for the source and one for the destination. ...
  2. Contact the bank. If you are the one waiting to receive a payment, you should contact your own bank with the ACH trace number. ...
  3. Track the payment.

How long does a wire transfer take?

How long does a wire transfer take? Typically, you can expect a domestic wire to process within one business day. International transfers take two to three business days or longer.

Can you track an ACH transfer?

Monitoring ACH Transfers

If a payment hasn't appeared within three days, contact your bank or perform an ACH trace number lookup to pinpoint the transaction's status. Banks can trace the funds by reviewing the transaction date, amount, and trace number, ensuring the transferred funds reach their intended destination.

How do I know if a wire transfer went through?

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.

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.

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 if my wire transfer hasn't arrived?

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.

What is the federal tracking number for wire transfers?

A Federal Wire Reference Number, commonly known as a Fed Reference Number or IMAD/OMAD number, is a unique identifier assigned to each wire transfer processed through the Federal Reserve's Fedwire system. This number helps track and verify wire transfers, ensuring that funds are transferred accurately and securely.

How do I know if a bank transfer has gone through?

If the payment or transfer you have made left your account immediately you will see the transaction in your list of most recent transactions. If you have scheduled a payment or transfer for a date in the future you will be able to check online that it has been created successfully.

Can a wire transfer get lost?

Only send money to people or businesses you know and trust. Verify the recipient and double-check their details before initiating the transfer. Make sure the recipient's information is accurate, as even a small error can result in the transfer getting lost or being sent to the wrong account.

What is the maximum money transfer without tax?

The IRS allows you to gift up to $18,000 in money or property to an individual each year without having to report it to the IRS (for the tax year 2024). Even if your gifts exceed $18,000, it's still unlikely you'd have to pay taxes unless you've surpassed the lifetime gift tax exclusion ($13.61 million in 2024).

How long does a 100k check take 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.

Can I track a wire transfer online?

Yes. Internation wire transfers are usually sent via SWIFT payment messaging system. Sender of the wire can ask his bank to provide GPI tracking. Sometimes bank is not part of GPI network.

How to check status of bank transfer?

Method 1: Using Online Banking
  1. Log in to Your Online Banking Account. Access your bank's online banking platform by logging in with your credentials.
  2. Navigate to the NEFT Section. Navigate to the transactions or payments section, and select NEFT from the available options.
  3. Enter the Reference Number. ...
  4. View the Status.

How can I track a transfer?

In general, to track a money transfer:
  1. Complete your transfer. After sending a transfer, you can start tracking it.
  2. Check your receipt. Look for a reference, confirmation, order, transaction or similarly-named number.
  3. Contact the sending company. ...
  4. Sign up for notifications.

How do I know if my wire transfer was received?

Online Banking: Log into your bank's online banking platform or mobile app. Most banks provide real-time updates on incoming wire transfers in your account transaction history. Look for a transaction labeled as a wire transfer or funds received.

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

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.

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.