Citi Bank Wire Transfer: Fees, Limits and How To Send Money

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Want to send a large amount quickly and securely? A Citi Bank wire transfer might be your best bet. Whether it’s covering a big purchase or sending funds overseas, Citi offers several wire transfer options that can suit your needs. After all, sending money where it needs to be quickly and fully digitally is way better than the stress of carrying around all that cash yourself, right?

Read on for everything you need to know about fees, limits, processing times and how to get your wire on its way with minimal fuss.

Why Use a Citi Bank Wire Transfer?

Wire transfers are a go-to option for big-ticket transactions or when you want funds to arrive fast. They offer:

  • Speed: Most wires settle within a day or two, especially if you meet the cutoff time.
  • Security: Because these are bank-to-bank transfers, the risk of bouncing checks is removed.
  • Convenience: You can do many wires online, so no need to travel to a branch — unless your account or the destination requires otherwise.

How To Send a Wire Transfer With Citi Bank

1. Confirm Your Account Details

Check which account type you have. Depending on whether it’s Citigold®, Citi Priority or a standard checking, you may face different fees or daily limits. If you’re unsure, log in to your Citi online banking or call customer service for a quick review of your perks.

2. Gather Recipient Information

For domestic wires, you’ll need:

  • Full recipient name
  • Bank routing number (ABA)
  • Recipient’s account number
  • Possibly the bank’s address

For international wires, also get:

  • SWIFT code for the recipient’s bank
  • IBAN (if required by the destination country)
  • Full bank name and address

3. Choose an Online or In-Branch Method

  • Online: If your account allows, log in and select “Wire Transfer” or “Transfer Funds.” Enter the details, amount, and any required memo.
  • Branch Visit: For certain international transfers or if you prefer face-to-face support, locate a Citi branch near you, bring your ID and fill out the wire form with a teller’s help.

4. Beat the Cutoff

  • Domestic Wires: Usually must be sent before 6:45 p.m. ET on a business day for same-day sending.
  • International Wires: Typically have a 6 p.m. ET cutoff, but check with your account or local branch to be sure.

5. Review and Submit

Double-check all details — especially account and routing numbers. Once you hit “Confirm,” your transfer’s on its way.

Citi Bank Wire Transfer Fees

Wire fees vary by account tier and whether you’re transferring within the U.S. or internationally. Check out this general overview:

Transfer Type Domestic Fee International Fee Incoming Fee
Citigold®, Citi Alliance, Citigold® Private Client Waived Waived Waived
Citi Priority $17.50 $25 Waived
All Other Accounts $25 (domestic) $35 (international) $15 (incoming)
Some Specialized Tiers $18.75 or $30 $30 Might be waived

If you have a premium account level, you might dodge these fees. Otherwise, expect around $25 to $35 for outbound wires and $15 to receive an incoming wire.

Citi Bank Wire Transfer Limits

How much you can wire at once also depends on your account. Higher-tier customers often get bigger daily or weekly limits.

Account Tier Domestic Limit International Limit
Citigold®, Citi Alliance, Citi Priority $50,000 to $100,000 daily or more, depending on specific tier Same or unlimited for U.S. dollar transfers
Citi Private Bank Relationship Tiers / Citigold® Private Client Often $100,000/day or higher Some levels may not have a strict limit

Some foreign countries place caps on incoming amounts or require extra checks. If your wire is especially large or heading overseas, reach out to Citi first.

How Long Does a Citi Wire Transfer Take?

  • Domestic: If you send it before the day’s cutoff (often 6:45 p.m. ET), it can arrive the same day. Transfers after that likely post the next business day.
  • International: Usually 1 to 3 business days, but certain places or verification steps can stretch it to 3 to 5 days. Timing also depends on how quickly the foreign bank processes wires.

What About Receiving a Wire Transfer?

To receive a wire, provide your sender:

  1. Your Full Name: Exactly as on your Citi account.
  2. Account Number: Match the correct checking or savings account.
  3. Routing Number: 021000089 is common for many Citi accounts, but confirm if your region uses another.
  4. SWIFT Code (for international): Usually CITIUS33, but confirm with your local branch or Citi’s SWIFT code info.

Once it’s sent, you can track your wire via Citi online banking or by calling customer service. Funds typically show up quickly, though large amounts might face a short hold.

What Are Citi’s Exchange Rates?

When moving money across borders, you’ll likely convert from one currency to another. Exchange rates change constantly, so Citi recommends calling 800-756-7050 (option #1) to get the day’s current rates. Fees might apply if you’re converting currencies during your transfer.

Types of Money Transfers at Citi

Aside from wire transfers, Citi also offers:

  1. Inter-Institution Transfers (ACH) – Move funds between your Citi account and accounts at other U.S. banks — often free but can take 1 to 3 business days.
  2. Global Transfers – Transfer to other Citi accounts worldwide; some are free, especially with certain account tiers.
  3. Wire Transfers – Best for large sums, including to non-Citi recipients. Domestic wires are same-day if before cutoff; international wires vary.

Final Take to GO

When you need speed and security, Citi Bank wire transfers deliver. Fees and daily transfer limits hinge on your account type, so check your tier to see whether you’ll face any charges — or if you get them waived. Make sure to meet cutoff times for same-day service, and always double-check the details you enter, especially if you’re sending a big chunk of cash.

Key Points:

  • Fees: Ranging from $17.50 to $35 for domestic wires, or $25 to $35 for international unless waived.
  • Limits: Higher tiers allow bigger transfers. Some accounts have no limit for U.S. dollar wires.
  • Cutoffs: Domestic by 6:45 p.m. ET, international by 6 p.m. ET.
  • Receiving: Provide your routing number (or SWIFT code) and account number; watch for any potential hold on large deposits.

Compare your account level to see if you’re eligible for waived fees. If you still have questions, contact Citi customer service or visit a branch to finalize your wire with confidence. By knowing the process, you’ll sail through your next wire transfer — and get your funds where they need to go, right on time.

More About Citi Bank

FAQs About Citibank Wire Transfers

Digital banking can be confusing, especially if you're not super familiar with how it works. Here's a quick breakdown of some questions and concerns that might pop up around the topic:
  • How much does a Citi Bank wire transfer cost?
    • Fees vary by account type. Standard accounts may pay $25 domestically and $35 internationally, while Citigold® or Citigold® Private Client typically see waived fees. See our Citi Fee Table for more details.
  • What do I need to send a wire transfer with Citi Bank?
    • You’ll require the recipient’s name, bank account details, and either a routing number (domestic) or SWIFT code (international). Double-check your daily limit, too.
  • Can I send an international wire transfer online with Citi Bank?
    • Yes, many Citi accounts allow online international wires. Some higher-level accounts might even waive fees. If in doubt, you can visit a branch or call customer support.
  • How long does it take for a Citi Bank wire transfer to be received?
    • Domestic wires often show up the same day if submitted before 6:45 p.m. ET. International wires can arrive within 1 to 3 business days, though some may take up to 5, depending on the recipient’s country and possible intermediary banks.

Information is accurate as of March 7, 2025.

Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.

Our in-house research team and on-site financial experts work together to create content that’s accurate, impartial, and up to date. We fact-check every single statistic, quote and fact using trusted primary resources to make sure the information we provide is correct. You can learn more about GOBankingRates’ processes and standards in our editorial policy.

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