Wire Transfer Fees Explained — Domestic & International Costs

Wire Transfer Fees Explained: Domestic & International Costs

Wire transfers are the fastest way to send money between bank accounts, but they come at a cost. Domestic outgoing wires typically cost $15 to $35 per transfer, while international wires can cost $35 to $50 or more—plus currency conversion fees. This guide explains wire fees, when to use wires, and cheaper alternatives.

Key Takeaways

Domestic outgoing wire fees typically range from $15 to $35 per transfer.

International outgoing wires cost $35 to $50+, plus currency conversion costs.

Incoming wires may be free or cost $10 to $25 depending on your bank.

Wire transfers are same-day but significantly more expensive than ACH.

Use wires for urgent, high-value, or international payments—not routine transfers.

Related comparisons

Compare business banks by wire transfer fees and speed:

Best Business Banks for Wire Transfers →

Typical Wire Transfer Fee Ranges

Wire Type	Typical Range	Notes
Domestic Outgoing	$15 – $35	Same-day delivery within US
Domestic Incoming	$0 – $15	Many banks offer free incoming
International Outgoing	$35 – $50+	Plus currency conversion costs
International Incoming	$15 – $25	Intermediary banks may deduct fees
In-Branch Wire	+$5 – $15	Additional fee for non-online wires

Hidden Wire Transfer Costs

The advertised wire fee isn't always the full cost. Watch out for:

Currency conversion spread: Banks add 1-3% markup on exchange rates
Intermediary bank fees: International wires may pass through correspondent banks that deduct fees
Receiving bank fees: The recipient's bank may charge incoming wire fees
Amendment fees: Correcting wire details can cost $25-$50

Real-World Example: Wire vs ACH for Vendor Payments

A business paying 20 domestic vendors monthly could choose wires or ACH:

Payment Method	Per-Transfer Cost	Monthly Cost	Annual Cost
Wire transfers	$25	$500	$6,000
ACH transfers	$0.25	$5	$60
Savings with ACH	—	$495	$5,940/year

Unless vendors require same-day funds, switching from wires to ACH can save thousands of dollars annually.

When Wire Transfers Make Sense

Despite the cost, wire transfers are the right choice when:

Same-day delivery is required: Real estate closings, emergency payments
High-value transactions: Large purchases where speed and certainty matter
International payments: Where local ACH-like rails aren't available
Counterparty requires it: Some vendors or escrow agents only accept wires
Irrevocability is a feature: Once sent, wires are difficult to reverse

Common Wire Transfer Mistakes to Avoid

Using wires for routine payments: ACH is 50-100x cheaper for non-urgent transfers
Ignoring cutoff times: Missing the daily cutoff delays delivery to next business day
Incorrect account details: Wire amendments or recalls are expensive and not guaranteed
Not comparing banks: Wire fees vary significantly between institutions

Next Steps

Ready to optimize your wire transfer costs? Here are your next steps:

Calculate your wire transfer fees with our free calculator
Compare business bank accounts to find lower wire fees
Learn about ACH fees as a cheaper alternative for domestic payments

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a domestic wire transfer cost?

Domestic wire transfer fees typically range from $15 to $35 for outgoing wires and $0 to $15 for incoming wires. The exact cost depends on your bank, account type, and whether you initiate the wire online or in-branch.

How much does an international wire transfer cost?

International wire transfer fees typically range from $35 to $50 or more for outgoing wires, with additional costs for currency conversion (usually 1-3% spread). Incoming international wires may cost $15 to $25, and intermediary banks may deduct additional fees.

Why are wire transfers so expensive?

Wire transfers are expensive because they provide same-day, nearly guaranteed funds delivery through direct bank-to-bank settlement. The higher cost reflects the speed, certainty, and manual verification involved compared to batch-processed ACH transfers.

Can I avoid wire transfer fees?

Some premium business accounts waive wire fees or include a certain number of free wires per month. For domestic payments that aren't urgent, using ACH instead of wires can save $15 to $50 per transaction.