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

Bank transfer is one of the safest options for sending money internationally or nationally. But even being the safest option, there are a lot of factors that influence them, which make the sender hesitate to choose them, and one of the most important factors is the wire transfer time. That’s why, when sending money abroad from the United States, one of the most common questions people ask is:
“How long will my international bank transfer take?”

The answer depends on your bank, the destination country, and the transfer method you choose.
To make things simpler, here’s a detailed look at how long international wire transfers usually take from four of the largest U.S. banks that are Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank, along with what affects these timelines.

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.

Also Read: how long does an international money transfer takes? services breakdown

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

Region	Average Time
North America / U.K. / EU	1–2 business days
Asia (India, Japan, Singapore)	2–3 business days
Africa / South America	3–5 business days

Final Thoughts

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.