Best Business Banks for Wire Transfers
This guide compares business banking options for domestic and international wire transfers based on fees, speed, and operational needs.
Key takeaways
- Wire fees and cutoffs vary widely by bank.
- International wires often involve intermediary fees.
- If you send wires frequently, controls and approvals matter.
Business Bank Wire Transfer Comparison
| Bank | Typical wire fees (domestic / international) | Speed & cutoffs | Best for | Visit site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mercury | Domestic: $15–$25, International: $35–$45 | Same-day if submitted before cutoff (typically 2–4 PM ET) | Startups, tech companies needing occasional wires | Visit siteDisclosure |
Bluevine | Domestic: $15–$30, International: Limited availability | Same-day processing, cutoff times vary | Small businesses with occasional domestic wire needs | Visit siteDisclosure |
Chase | Domestic: $25–$35, International: $40–$50 | Same-day, cutoff typically 4 PM ET (online), 5 PM ET (branch) | Established businesses needing reliable wire services and branch support | Visit site |
Wells Fargo | Domestic: $25–$30, International: $40–$45 | Same-day, cutoff typically 3 PM ET (online), 5 PM ET (branch) | Businesses needing comprehensive wire services and branch access | Visit site |
Relay | Wire transfers may have limited availability | Check current offerings | Online-first businesses, wire capabilities vary | Visit site |
* Fees shown are approximate ranges and may vary by account type, relationship tier, and negotiated terms. International wires may incur additional intermediary bank fees. Always verify current pricing and cutoff times with your bank.
More Business Bank Options
Many other business banks offer wire transfer services with varying fees, cutoff times, and international capabilities. Explore our complete directory to compare additional options.
Browse all business banks →How to Choose a Bank for Wire Transfers
Consider these factors when evaluating business banks for wire transfer services:
- Domestic vs international wires: Determine if you need international wire capabilities, as fees and availability differ significantly
- Cutoff times: Understand wire cutoff times and how they affect same-day processing, especially if you need funds to arrive the same day
- Incoming vs outgoing wires: Some banks charge differently for incoming wires (which may be free) vs outgoing wires
- Intermediary fees: International wires may involve intermediary bank fees that aren't always disclosed upfront
- Approval workflows: Evaluate multi-user approval processes if you need internal controls for wire transfers
- Limits: Check daily and monthly wire transfer limits, which may vary by account type and relationship
- Support expectations: Consider whether you need phone support, branch assistance, or online-only wire capabilities
- Compliance requirements: Some businesses may need enhanced compliance features or reporting for wire transfers
Estimated Wire Transfer Costs
Wire transfer costs add up quickly, especially for businesses that send wires regularly. For example, a business sending 10 domestic wires and 2 international wires per month might see:
- Domestic wires (10/month): $150–$350 per month ($15–$35 per wire)
- International wires (2/month): $70–$100 per month ($35–$50 per wire)
- Total monthly wire costs: $220–$450
- Annual wire costs: $2,640–$5,400
Compare this to ACH transfers: the same 12 payments via ACH would cost approximately $3–$9 per month ($0.25–$0.75 per transaction), saving $2,100–$5,300 annually if same-day delivery isn't required.
Use these resources to understand payment method costs and alternatives:
- Compare Business Banks — Find banks based on your wire transfer needs
- ACH vs Wire vs RTP Comparison — Understand when to use each payment method
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do business wire transfers cost?
Domestic outgoing wire transfers typically cost $15 to $35 per transaction, while international wires cost $35 to $50 or more. Incoming wires may be free or cost $10 to $20. Fees vary by bank, account type, and relationship tier. Some banks offer volume discounts for frequent wire users.
Are international wire fees higher?
Yes, international wire transfers typically cost more than domestic wires. International wires often cost $35 to $50 or more per transaction, plus potential intermediary bank fees and currency conversion costs. Domestic wires typically cost $15 to $35 per transfer.
What are wire cutoff times?
Wire cutoff times vary by bank but are typically between 2 PM and 5 PM Eastern Time on business days. Wires submitted before the cutoff usually process the same day, while wires submitted after the cutoff process the next business day. Some banks offer later cutoffs for online wires compared to in-branch wires.
Are wire fees negotiable?
Yes, wire fees are often negotiable for businesses with high transaction volumes or strong banking relationships. Banks may offer reduced per-wire fees, volume discounts, or bundled pricing as part of treasury management packages. It's worth discussing wire fee structures with your bank if you send wires frequently.
When should I use ACH instead of a wire?
Use ACH for routine payments that aren't time-sensitive, such as payroll, vendor payments, or recurring bills. ACH costs $0.10 to $0.75 per transaction compared to $15 to $50 for wires. Use wires when you need same-day delivery, are sending large amounts, or need international transfers where ACH isn't available.
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