How to Make a Quick International Wire Transfer

You can transfer funds to an international bank using wire transfer.

An international wire transfer electronically transfers funds from one account to another in different countries. It is faster than sending a check or money order, and funds can usually be transferred either in the currency of the sender or the currency of the receiver.

Things You'll Need

• your bank account info
• the receiver's info

Instructions

1. Log on to the website of your bank, if you have online banking, or visit your local branch.

2. Complete the first part of the Wire Transfer Request with your personal information. This will include the number of the account to be debited, your name, your phone number and address. You may also be required to provide a form of ID, like a driver's license.

3. Fill in the amount you want to send. You can base it on U.S. currency, in which case your receiver will get the amount of foreign currency based on the conversion rate at the time of transfer, or you can send an amount in foreign currency, in which case your account will be charged the equivalent in U.S. dollars.

4. Complete the recipient's or beneficiary information. This will require the recipient's bank account number, and in Europe, may require an International Bank Account Number, or IBAN. You will also need to provide the recipient's name, address and phone number as well as the bank's name, address and routing number, or SWIFT/BIC, Bank Identifier Code, for European Union nations.

5. Authorize the transfer.

Tips & Warnings

• Banks usually charge a fee for wire transfers that they will normally debit from your account.

• Be certain you have all numbers absolutely correct. Inaccurate information could result in the intended recipient not receiving needed funds or funds going into the wrong account.

References

• Bank of America: FAQs: Wire Transfer, Swift and IBAN Numbers
• Europebanks.Info: IBAN Payments in Europe