Why is my wire transfer delayed?

Asked by: Myrtis Yundt  |  Last update: May 15, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (41 votes)

One of the most common reasons for a bank transfer delay is a weekend or holiday. Transfers are typically processed during working days and hours, so if your sender has made a payment on Friday afternoon, it won't be processed until Monday morning. This automatically tacks on two days to the processing time.

How long can a wire transfer be delayed?

While most banks will process funds within 24 hours, it could be a day or two before they arrive in the recipient's account. Most banks will advise 24 to 72 hours before funds land and are available.

Why is my wire transfer taking so long to receive?

The reason for delays in wire transfers are mainly due to: 1. Wrong or incorrect Beneficiary details ( most common) 2. Enhanced Due Diligence 3. No Funds 4. The format of recipient institution different from that of the sender institution 5. Too m...

What is the longest a wire transfer takes?

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.

Why would a bank transfer be delayed?

Delayed bank transfers can be caused by a number of factors, including global events, natural disasters, different currencies, missing paperwork, time differences, and many more. Bank holidays, weekends, and different banking regulations may also contribute to delays.

[117] Can Money Ever Get Lost In A Wire Transfer? I Did Not Get My Money!

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What if my wire transfer is not showing up?

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.

Why is my transfer taking longer than usual?

Banks can take longer depending on your currency. For example, it might take 2 working days to process your transfer, and longer if it falls on a holiday. If you make a Swift transfer, which is a global payment that uses multiple banks, we'll need to wait until we get your money.

Is there a way to track a wire transfer?

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.

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.

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.

How do I know if my wire transfer is successful?

To check if your bank has received a wire transfer, you can follow these steps:
  1. Online Banking: Log into your bank's online banking platform or mobile app. ...
  2. Transaction Notifications: If you have notifications set up, you might receive an alert via email or text message when a wire transfer is credited to your account.

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.

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

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.

Why is my wire transfer taking 2 weeks?

Time zones and working hours

Differences in time zones between sending and receiving countries can significantly impact the processing time of international wire transfers. Banks typically operate during specific business hours, and transfers initiated outside of these hours may experience delays.

Why is my transferred money not showing up in my account?

The receiving bank is still processing the money

But some banks are slower than others — they might take up to 1 working day for them to release the money. So your money's safely on its way, but the recipient bank is still processing it. Your recipient can ask their bank to speed this up.

What would stop a wire transfer?

It can happen if: Your bank made an error in getting the recipient's account number right. The recipient received more money than you intended to send. There was an error in the wire transfer because it was a duplicate.

Why haven't I received my wire transfer?

You might not have received your payment because: Your payment has been delayed. The length of time it takes for your wire transfer to arrive in your bank account may vary depending on your country and banking institution. If your payment hasn't arrived after 15 business days, you should contact your bank.

What delays money transfer?

Why bank transfers might be delayed
  • Weekends and holidays.
  • Paperwork errors.
  • Differences in time zones.
  • Missed bank cut-off times.

What if I sent someone money but they haven't received it?

If you have set up a payment but the recipient has not received it or you think it may have gone to the wrong account: You would firstly need to identify where the payment has gone to. If you know the recipient you can contact them and arrange to have the funds returned.

What's the longest a wire transfer can take?

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.

Do banks monitor wire transfers?

The intermediary financial institution (where your recipient bank account is) might also have a set of limits and controls in place. Banks must report any funds or cash sent to some accounts, or when transactions are above a certain amount. Sending wire transfers might trigger the IRS or other governmental agencies.

How do you track down a wire?

To trace electric wires, we need a wire finder:
  1. Circuit tracker: A professional kit to find wires in a circuit.
  2. Stud finder: To scan through the drywall to find existing wires, pipes, and other materials.
  3. Endoscope camera: A device that slips into walls and ceilings through a hole to see inside.

Why is a transfer delayed?

There can be many reasons why international money transfers take time to be processed such as bank holidays, weekend delays, currency conversion delays, fraud detection & prevention measures, slow international bank networks, global events, and natural disasters among many other reasons.

Why is my transfer pending so long?

When you make a transfer, it can take extra time to be sent to your recipient in some situations. This is known as a pending transfer, and it may occur for several reasons: Being sent on a weekend or bank holiday when there's no processing. Additional processing checks.

How to track a wire transfer as a receiver?

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.