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Sending a wire, especially for the first time, can seem like a lot. Moving a large amount of money through an unfamiliar process can feel confusing or intimidating, but WaFd Bank is here to make it smooth and easy. We've got all the details you'll need to know to successfully handle business.

What is a Wire Transfer?

It's a fast way to send money electronically to a domestic (U.S.) or international recipient's bank account. Wires are also secure, funds are typically sent the same or next day, and they are ideal for high-dollar amounts or urgent payments. A few things to keep in mind:

  • There are cutoff times to send a wire; for WaFd Bank, all information must be received before 3 PM PST
  • Wire transfers cannot be canceled once processed and cannot be reversed
  • Generally, there are fees to send and receive wires; fees are higher for domestic wires compared to international (view WaFd Bank's wire fees)

What fees does WaFd Bank charge for wire transfers?

The incoming wire fee is $15 per wire.

For outgoing wires, the domestic wire fee is $30, the international wire fee if sent in U.S. dollars is $50. Sending an international wire in foreign currency is $60.

See our wire fees page for more information about fees and when they are charged.

What Information is Needed to Send a Wire?

There are a few things you'll need from the person receiving the funds:

  1. Full name
  2. Address (PO Box addresses are not accepted)
  3. The receiving bank's routing number (ABA)
  4. The receiver's account number

How Do I Send a Wire Transfer?

You can visit your local branch to send a wire or use WaFd Bank's mobile or online banking if you have signed up for Voice-Activated Banking. That's a requirement to send a wire online; if you'd rather not sign up or want to send an international wire, please visit your local branch.

If you want to send a domestic wire (to a bank in the United States) through online banking or in the app, keep in mind the limit is $2,000 per wire. The sending account must have enough money to send the wire and cover the wire fee (view WaFd Bank's wire fees). To send a wire online or in the app:

  1. Log in
  2. Choose Move Money
  3. Select Wire Transfer
  4. Enter the amount, choose the account the money for the wire will be sent from, and fill in the recipient's information
  5. Click Review Transfer
  6. After double-checking all information, hit Confirm Wire
  7. A message will show asking to verify and confirm your identity using voice authentication (Voice-Activated Banking); hit Call me to receive an automated phone call to complete and send your wire

The wire cutoff time is 3 PM PST; if your wire is submitted after this time, it will be processed and sent within two business days.

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How Do I Send an International Wire?

Please visit your local branch to send an international wire. The cutoff time to send a wire is 3 PM; all information must be submitted before that time to be sent the same day. You can send funds in U.S. dollars or in the currency of the country you're sending to, in most cases. You must send in U.S. dollars (USD) to Colombia, Nigeria, Panama, Somalia, Timor-Leste, Venezuela, and Palestinian Territories.

How Long Does it Take to Wire Money?

Wiring money is not as simple as depositing a check. Gather all the information you'll need ahead of time to make the process faster if you're visiting the branch. If you'd like to send a domestic wire using online banking or the WaFd app, it takes just minutes.

As far as when funds show up in the receiver's account, domestic wires (wires sent to banks in the United States) take just a few hours. International wires can take one to three business days, depending on a number of factors, including the receiving country's bank holidays and the receiving bank's processing time, among other things.

What Information is Needed to Send a Wire?

To send a domestic wire, you'll need:

  1. Full name
  2. Address (PO Box addresses are not accepted)
  3. The receiving bank's routing number (ABA)
  4. The receiver's account number

To send an international wire, you'll need the above information plus:

  1. The receiving bank's SWIFT code
  2. You may need the receiver's IBAN (international bank account number) instead of their normal account number

How to Receive a Wire Transfer

All you need to do to receive a wire transfer is provide information to the sender. After they’ve sent the wire, money will automatically be deposited into your account. You'll need to give them:

  • Your full name
  • Address (PO Box addresses are not accepted)
  • Account number
  • Routing number

Can a Wire be Cancelled or Changed After Sending?

Once a wire is submitted and sent it cannot be changed, canceled, or reversed.

Frequently Asked Questions

WaFd Bank is Here to Help

No question is too small for our friendly bankers, and with WaFd Bank, you also have access to tools and services to help you manage your finances and get the most from your money. Visit us at your neighborhood branch, give us a call at 800-324-9375, or check out what WaFd online banking has to offer.