When should you use wire transfer and how do they operate?
There are lots of ways to send money. You can make a digital transaction via bank, use the post to send the cash with an envelope, and so on. However, wiring money is easy and convenient, and you may find that it’s your favorite way to use. Still, there are some things that you should know before attempting such a transaction.
Wire transfers provide you with a way to send money electronically to another person or entity. Furthermore, it’s possible to wire money between banks in the U.S. and non-bank money transfer providers or even international financial institutions.
If you need to move larger amounts of money or are waiting for a large payment, you may prefer a wire transfer. However, take into notice that this process takes different amounts of time on various occasions, and you may have to pay a fee to send or receive a wire transfer.
A wire transfer is an electronic transaction. You can make it through your bank or a non-bank transfer provider, for example, Western Union. When you wire money, you’re giving the bank or transfer provider permission and authority to move funds from your account to someone else’s, and they use an electronic payment network to do that.
It can be a fast way to move money or receive it. Besides, when wiring money to an individual or a business, no physical currency changes hands. Wire transfers may be completed in a matter of hours, but sometimes it can take a few days for them to process. The amount of time depends on the financial institution.
Wire transfers are ideal for situations in which large amounts of money need to pay. For instance, if you’re buying a house, your attorney may ask you to wire your down payment to their account. However, you can also use it to move smaller amounts of money.
How can you wire the money?
A wire transfer differs from an Automated Clearing House transfer. You can use the latter to pay bills or to move money between accounts at different banks that have already been linked.
However, the process of wiring money is fairly easy and straightforward. Here are several important things to consider:
- Wire transfer fees;
- Limits on the amount of the money person can transfer;
- The processing times;
- Transaction limits on the number of transfers person can send per day.
Both banks and non-bank money wire providers often charge fees to receive and send wire transfers. International wire transfer fees are typically higher than the domestic. Besides, banks may limit the amount of money you can send per transfer and the number of wire transfers you can make in a certain time frame.
Pay attention to every step in the process
You should choose a wire transfer provider, which meets your needs and limits. If you already have a checking account or other accounts at a specific financial institution, then that bank may be an obvious choice. However, the various bank’s policies for wire transfers are different. In some cases, you may be able to initiate a transfer online, but sometimes you may be required to wire the money in person by visiting a branch.
The second step is to provide information. Make sure that everything is right. Check and double-check to avoid errors. There are certain pieces of information transfer provider, or the bank will need to complete the transaction. Among them are your ID’s copy, transfer recipient’s name and address, your funding source, transfer recipient’s bank name, and address, bank account number, and routing number for the recipient.
You should also carefully review the Terms and Conditions of wiring before submitting the transaction. After paying fees, if everything is in order, you will have to wait a few hours or days for it to process.