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If you’re a Wells Fargo customer, you can send money locally and internationally using wire transfers. You’ll also be able to receive wire payments to your account with most account types.  

It’s good to know that the exact services available - and the fees you’ll pay for them - can vary according to the account type you hold. This guide walks through the basics you need to know. We’ll also touch on an alternative for comparison - Wise - to help you decide whether sending money using a Wells Fargo international wire is right for you.

Wells Fargo Wire transfer fee

The fees used for wire transfers can vary according to the account type you have. You might find that your account offers a certain number of free domestic wires per month, for example. Some account types do not allow outgoing wire payments to be made at all, so check the smallprint for your specific account before proceeding.

Here are the standard Wells Fargo outgoing wire transfer fees:

Service type	Wells Fargo fee
Outgoing domestic wire	USD30
Repeat outgoing domestic wire	USD25
Outgoing international wire	Fee quoted when you arrange payment - you’ll pay a transfer fee and a markup on the exchange rate used

A note on the Wells Fargo exchange rate

If you want to arrange an international wire payment with Wells Fargo you’ll need to get a specific quote to show the fee and exchange rate which will be used. It’s good to know that the exchange rate provided by Wells Fargo will include a markup against the mid-market rate. That means the rate will be worse than the one you find using a Google search - which pushes up the overall price. Here’s what Wells Fargo says in their wire transfer terms and conditions:

“Wells Fargo makes money when it converts one currency to another currency for you. The exchange rate provided to you is set by Wells Fargo in its sole discretion, and it includes a markup over Wells Fargo’s cost of sourcing the relevant currency or currencies…..The exchange rate Wells Fargo provides to you may be different from exchange rates you see online, in publications, at other banks or other foreign exchange providers. Also, different customers may receive different exchange rates for transactions that are the same or similar.” 

Before you go ahead with your international wire transfer with Wells Fargo, compare the rate you’re offered against the mid-market rate to see the markup that has been added. You might find you can get a better deal overall by selecting a third party provider like Wise which uses the mid-market exchange rate, to set up your payment.

Wise is the smart way to send money all over the world, using the real exchange rate with no markup or margin - and just a low, transparent fee. 

Wells Fargo incoming wire fee

Different Wells Fargo accounts have different options for receiving wire payments. Some accounts do not allow wire transfers, while others offer fee waivers up to a certain number of incoming transfers per month. Check the details for your specific account type.

If you need to pay a Wells Fargo incoming wire fee, the standard charges are as follows:

• Incoming domestic wire - USD15
• Incoming international wire - USD16

How to wire transfer with Wells Fargo?

The easiest way to send a payment - either internationally or within the US - is using the Wells Fargo online banking service. Here are the steps you need to take:

• Sign into your account online and go to Transfer & Pay
• Enroll in online wire transfers
• Complete the details required including your recipient’s name and account information, the amount and currency you’re sending 
• Check the quote for fees and exchange rate if sending internationally
• Confirm the payment

If you have questions about making your payment, or want to talk to a staff member in person, you can also call into a local branch or contact customer services by phone.

Domestic transfers with Wells Fargo

If you bank with Wells Fargo and need to get money to someone within the US, you can send a wire, or use Wells Fargo’s partnership with Zelle[4]. It’s worth knowing that Zelle is the cheaper option for local payments direct to an account - there are no upfront fees from either Zelle or Wells Fargo, although you may pay data or mobile charges.

Wells Fargo international transfers

Aside from international wire payments, Wells Fargo also offers Express Send to certain countries. This service allows payments to accounts or for cash collection. There are fees to pay for this service, and you can expect exchange rate markups if you’re sending in a different currency. Compare the options available before you commit.

How long does a wire transfer with Wells Fargo take?

Local wires sent through Wells Fargo should arrive on the same business day, as long as they are submitted before the cutoff time. 

International wires will take a little longer. The exact length of time it will take to receive your international wire transfer will depend on the destination country and the processes in place at your recipient’s bank - Wells Fargo states an anticipated waiting time of 1 or 2 business days or more.

Wells Fargo cutoff times

To have your wire payment processed on the same day, you’ll need to submit it before 2pm Pacific Time. If you miss the cutoff, or submit your request on a non-working day, it will be processed on the next business day.

Wells Fargo customers can send wire payments to friends, family and businesses within the US and abroad. However, there are fees to pay - including exchange rate costs when sending a payment in a different currency. Make sure you understand the full range of costs before you choose a service - and compare a few options including third party providers like Wise, to make sure you get the best available deal.