How Long Does it Take for International Wire Transfer? (U.S. Banks Breakdown)

When sending money abroad, international bank transfers remain one of the safest and most trusted methods. Yet even with their reliability, the speed of an international wire transfer can vary widely based on several factors — leaving many senders unsure about when the funds will actually reach the recipient. This leads to the most common question U.S. customers ask:

“How long will my international wire transfer take?”

The truth is, the processing time depends on your bank, the destination country, time zones, cut-off times, and whether intermediary banks are involved. To make it easier, this guide breaks down the average international wire transfer times for four major U.S. banks — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank — and explains what affects these timelines so you can plan your transfer confidently.

Bank of America International Wire Transfer Time

Average Time: 1 to 2 business days (up to 5 for certain destinations)
Bank of America wire transfer Cut-off Time is 5:00 PM Eastern Time

Bank of America processes international wires quickly when sent before the daily cut-off.
If you send money to countries like the U.K., Canada, or Germany, it usually arrives within 24 to 48 hours.

Transfers that involve currency conversion, or countries in Asia, Africa, or South America, might take 3 to 5 business days. This is because the payment has to pass through intermediary (correspondent) banks, which can slow things down.

If the recipient also uses Bank of America or a partner bank, the transfer might complete faster.

Chase Bank International Wire Transfer Time

Average Time: 1 to 4 business days
Chase Bank wire transfer Cut-off Time is 4:00 PM Eastern Time

Chase uses the SWIFT network for most of its international transfers. For common corridors such as the U.K., Canada, and Western Europe, funds are typically received within one to two business days.

But transfers to other regions, especially those that require currency conversion or extra compliance checks, such as Asian countries, Africa, and all may take up to four days.

One of the greatest merits of Chase Bank is that Chase customers can track their international wires through the Chase app or online banking portal.

International Wire Transfer Time, WELLS FARGO

International Wire transfer time: 1 to 3 business days
Well Fargo’s international wire transfer Cut-off Time is 5:30 PM Eastern Time

WELLS FARGO is known for its strong international banking network and reliable wire transfer system.
Transfers to major destinations like Canada, the EU, Australia, or the U.K. typically take one to two business days, while those to developing countries may extend to three business days.

One best things about Wells Fargo ( that I personally appreciate) is its transparent fee and exchange rate display before confirming the Wells Fargo cross border payment transfer, which helps users know exactly what the recipient will receive.

✅ Tip: Initiating transfers early in the day helps ensure same-day processing.

 Citibank International Wire Transfer Time

Average Time: 1 to 2 business days
Cut-off Time: 5:00 PM Eastern Time

Citibank stands out for having one of the fastest international money transfer networks among U.S. banks.
Because Citi operates in many countries, Citi-to-Citi transfers can often be completed within the same day or next business day.

Transfers to non-Citi banks abroad generally take 1–2 business days, though destinations requiring intermediary banks might take longer. If both sender and recipient use Citibank accounts (even in different countries), the process can be almost instant.

Factors That Affect International Bank Transfer Time.

Whether it’s Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, or Citibank, several factors determine how long your international wire transfer takes. Understanding these can help you plan your payments better and avoid unnecessary stress or surprises.

 1. Destination Country & Currency

The destination country and the currency involved play a big role in how quickly money arrives.
Transfers made in common global currencies like USD (U.S. Dollar), GBP (British Pound), or EUR (Euro) are usually processed faster because they’re supported by major international banks.

But if you’re sending money to countries with less common or exotic currencies (like INR, PKR, or THB), your transfer might take longer. This is because those transactions may need additional currency conversion or must pass through intermediary banks before reaching the recipient. 

 2. Intermediary (Correspondent) Banks

Most international transfers move through the SWIFT network, where multiple banks handle the transaction before it reaches the final recipient.
Each intermediary bank, also called a correspondent bank, adds a small delay because it must receive, verify, and forward the payment. If your sending bank doesn’t have a direct relationship with the recipient bank, it relies on one or more intermediaries to complete the process, which increases international wire transfer time..

 3. Time Zones & Bank Holidays

Timing also matters in cross-border payments. Banks in different countries operate in different time zones, which affects when transfers are processed. For example, if you made a transaction at the end of a business day in the U.S., the receiving bank abroad might already be closed, pushing your transfer to the next business day.

Additionally, weekends and public holidays in either country can cause extra delays. For example, sending funds on a Friday evening from the U.S. to Japan could mean the transfer won’t be processed until Monday or Tuesday.

 4. Regulatory & Security Checks

Banks are required to follow strict anti-money laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations. If you’re transferring a large amount of money internationally, your bank may need extra verification to confirm the purpose of the payment and the source of funds. These compliance checks can temporarily hold your transaction — especially if any detail doesn’t match or if documents are missing. Although it may feel like a delay, these security reviews help protect both senders and receivers from fraud and illegal activity.

 5. Receiving Bank Policies

Finally, the receiving bank’s internal process can also affect when the money is available.
Some foreign banks batch-process incoming wires once or twice per day, instead of in real time. Even if your U.S. bank has already sent the funds, the recipient might not see them until their bank completes the internal posting cycle. Example: If your transfer reaches the destination bank in the morning, the funds may still appear in the recipient’s account later that afternoon or even the next day.

 Average International Transfer Time by Region

Origin Country / Region	Average Transfer Time to India	Notes / What Affects Speed
UAE → India	1–2 business days	Fast corridor; usually no intermediary banks involved.
UK → India	1–2 business days	Direct banking relationships allow quicker processing.
Europe (EU) → India	2–4 business days	Time zone differences and intermediary banks may slow the transfer.
USA → India	3–5 business days	Longer international route; additional compliance and intermediary checks.
Australia → India	2–3 business days	Moderate speed; generally faster than USA but slower than UK/UAE transfers.

Conclusion:

For most customers, international money transfers from the top U.S. banks, Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank take between 1 and 3 business days.

To avoid delays, always:

• Send before the daily cut-off time.
• Double-check recipient details and SWIFT/BIC codes.
• Avoid weekends and holidays when possible.
  

If speed is your priority, digital money transfer platforms like Wise, Revolut, or Remitly may offer faster same-day or near-instant delivery for smaller amounts — though that’s a discussion for the next session.

Vaultrate: 

Vaultrate is a global comparison platform that helps users find the best and most cost-effective options for international money transfers. Instead of sending money directly, Vaultrate lets you compare rates, transfer times, and fees from top providers —all in one place. 

DISCLAIMER: his blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Transfer times, fees, and services may vary by provider and location. Always verify details with your bank or money transfer service before making any transaction.