A wire transfer fee is a service charge for completing a wire from one account to another. Depending on the bank, you might have to pay an incoming fee for receiving a wire and an outgoing fee for sending one.

How much is the service for international bank transfers?

The service fee for international bank transfers typically ranges from $30 to $50. It depends on the financial institution, the type of international transfer and your account status. For example, some banks charge lower fees for high-tier accounts.

Which banks have the lowest wire transfer fees?

Navy Federal, PNC Bank and U.S. Bank offer some of the lowest wire transfer fees, including options with no fees.

Are wire transfers over $10,000 reported to the IRS?

Banks generally report wire transfers that are over $10,000 to the IRS. It's a regular part of business for the bank. It doesn't necessarily mean that you owe taxes on the money, but it does mean that there's a record of the cash transaction.

What is the cheapest way to send a wire transfer?

The cheapest way to send a wire transfer is to complete it online through your existing bank account. Some banks charge additional fees for setting up the transfer in person. You can always call your bank to ask about current promotions or suggestions for how to save.

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Wire Transfer Fees: What You’ll Pay and How To Avoid Them

July 24, 2025

5 min Read

Written by Taylor Milam-Samuel

Edited by Elizabeth Constantineau

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When you need to send a large sum of money quickly and securely, a wire transfer is a reliable option. It’s faster than mailing a check and safer than sending cash — but it usually comes with a fee. A wire transfer fee is what banks charge to process the transaction, similar to any other service fee. Keep reading to learn more about how much banks may charge for this service.

How Much Are Wire Transfer Fees?

Wire transfer fees usually fall within the following range, regardless of which bank you use.

Type of Transfer	Fees
Domestic	$15 to $30
International	$35 to $50

Be aware that sending money internationally may involve additional fees for currency exchange or third-party bank processing.

Wire Transfer Fees by Bank

Wire transfer fees vary by bank and type of transfer. Here’s how some of the biggest banks compare.

Bank	Wire Transfer Fees
Ally	$20 for all transfers
Bank of America, Member FDIC	-$15 to $30 for domestic wire transfers -$0 to $45 for international wire transfers
Capital One	$0 to $30
Chase	-$0 to $35 for domestic wire transfers -$0 to $50 for international wire transfers
Citi®	$0 to $65, depending on the customer’s account tier
Navy Federal Credit Union	$0 to $25
U.S. Bank	-$0 to $30 for domestic wire transfers -$0 to $50 for international wire transfers
PNC Bank	-$0 to $30 for domestic wire transfers -$15 to $50 for international wire transfers
TD Bank	$15 to $50
Regions Bank	-$15 to $25 for domestic wire transfers -$18 to $45 for international wire transfers

Good To Know

The cost of a wire transfer can depend on several factors, including:

Your bank

The type of bank account you have

Domestic vs. international transfers

Incoming vs. outgoing wires

How the wire is sent — in person, online or by phone

Whether currency conversion is needed

5 Ways To Avoid or Reduce Wire Transfer Fees

Here are some simple tips to help reduce or eliminate wire transfer fees.

1. Use Online Transfers

Many banks and services offer lower fees for online transfers compared to in-person or phone transfers. Check if your bank has a mobile app or website platform for cheaper options.

2. Choose the Right Service

Compare different banks or transfer services to find the one with the lowest fees. Some services, such as online money transfer apps, may have minimal or no fees compared to traditional banks.

3. Look for Promotions

Check for special deals or promotions that waive the fee to wire money, especially if you’re a new customer or sending your first transfer.

4. Bundle Your Transfers

Instead of sending multiple small transfers, combine them into one larger transfer to avoid paying various bank fees.

5. Ask Your Bank

Some banks offer free wire transfers for customers who hold specific types of accounts, such as premium or high-balance accounts. Check with your bank to see if you qualify for fee waivers.

Alternatives to Wire Transfers

Not sure if a wire transfer is the best choice? Check out these popular alternatives.

ACH transfers: These bank-to-bank transfers allow businesses or individuals to set up direct deposits and recurring payments. The service is free, but there are some limitations on who can use it.
Electronic funds transfer (EFT): A convenient way to move money between bank accounts. EFTs are typically fast and free, especially when transferring funds between accounts in your own name.
Online bill pay: You can schedule payments using this service. It’s a digital method of paying for utilities or goods.
Peer-to-peer payment platforms: Apps such as PayPal, Venmo and Zelle can be a cost-effective way to transfer funds domestically and internationally.

Final Takeaway: Is It Worth Paying a Wire Transfer Fee?

Whether or not it’s worth it to pay a wire transfer fee depends on the situation. It might be worth it for the added convenience or for one-time purchases, such as buying a property. But if you regularly wire money to others, it may be worth it to explore other cheaper options like EFTs or peer-to-peer payments.

FAQs on Wire Transfer Fees

Still have questions about wire transfers? Here's what else you need to know.

What is a wire fee?
- A wire transfer fee is a service charge for completing a wire from one account to another. Depending on the bank, you might have to pay an incoming fee for receiving a wire and an outgoing fee for sending one.
How much is the service for international bank transfers?
- The service fee for international bank transfers typically ranges from $30 to $50. It depends on the financial institution, the type of international transfer and your account status. For example, some banks charge lower fees for high-tier accounts.
Which banks have the lowest wire transfer fees?
- Navy Federal, PNC Bank and U.S. Bank offer some of the lowest wire transfer fees, including options with no fees.
Are wire transfers over $10,000 reported to the IRS?
- Banks generally report wire transfers that are over $10,000 to the IRS. It's a regular part of business for the bank. It doesn't necessarily mean that you owe taxes on the money, but it does mean that there's a record of the cash transaction.
What is the cheapest way to send a wire transfer?
- The cheapest way to send a wire transfer is to complete it online through your existing bank account. Some banks charge additional fees for setting up the transfer in person. You can always call your bank to ask about current promotions or suggestions for how to save.

Allison Hache and Aja McClanahan contributed to the reporting for this article.

Information is accurate as of July 24, 2025.

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