Wire Transfer & ACH Processing Time Calculator (2026)

Use the calculator below to estimate when your wire transfer or ACH payment will arrive — accounting for business days, Federal Reserve cut-off times, and bank processing schedules.

Wire Transfer Processing Times: Complete Guide

Domestic Wire Transfer (Fedwire)

Domestic wire transfers in the U.S. move through the Federal Reserve's Fedwire Funds Service. Fedwire operates on business days only, with the following schedule:

If your bank submits the wire to Fedwire before 6:00 PM ET on a business day, the receiving bank gets the funds that same day. Whether it posts to the recipient's account same-day or next business day depends on the receiving bank's internal processing.

ACH Standard Transfer (1–3 Business Days)

ACH transfers move in batches through NACHA (the National Automated Clearing House Association). Unlike Fedwire, ACH is not real-time — payments are collected, batched, and settled in windows throughout the day.

Standard ACH typically settles within 1–2 business days. Some banks hold ACH credits for an additional business day before making funds available — particularly for new payees or large amounts.

Same-Day ACH

Same-Day ACH was introduced by NACHA to speed up standard ACH. Key facts:

• Available for credits (payments out) and debits (payments in) under $1,000,000 per transaction
• Three same-day windows: 10:30 AM ET, 2:45 PM ET, and 4:45 PM ET
• Funds available by 5:00 PM ET on the same business day (for the first two windows)
• Both the sending and receiving bank must participate in Same-Day ACH
• Additional fee typically $0.25–$1.00 per transaction

International Wire Transfer (SWIFT)

International wires route through the SWIFT network via one or more correspondent banks. Processing time varies significantly:

Factors that cause delays: currency conversion, compliance screening (OFAC, AML checks), correspondent bank cut-off times, and destination country banking infrastructure.

What Are Business Days for Wire Transfers?

For U.S. wire transfers and ACH, business days are Monday–Friday, excluding Federal Reserve holidays. The Fed observes these holidays in 2026:

• New Year's Day — January 1
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day — January 19
• Presidents Day — February 16
• Memorial Day — May 25
• Juneteenth — June 19
• Independence Day — July 4 (observed July 3 if on Saturday, July 5 if on Sunday)
• Labor Day — September 7
• Columbus Day — October 12
• Veterans Day — November 11
• Thanksgiving Day — November 26
• Christmas Day — December 25

Wires initiated on these days will not be processed until the next business day.

FAQ: Wire Transfer Timing

How long does a wire transfer take?

Domestic wire transfers within the U.S. via Fedwire settle the same business day if submitted before your bank's cut-off (typically 3–5 PM ET). International wire transfers via SWIFT take 2–5 business days depending on the destination country and intermediary banks involved.

What time do wire transfers post to the account?

For domestic wires, receiving banks typically post incoming wires throughout the business day as they receive them from Fedwire. Most post by end of business day. ACH credits are usually available by the start of the next business day or by 5 PM ET for same-day ACH.

Do wire transfers go through on weekends?

No. Fedwire does not operate on weekends or Federal Reserve holidays. Wire transfers submitted on Friday after the cut-off, on Saturday, or on Sunday will not process until Monday (or the next business day if Monday is a Fed holiday).

What is the ACH same-day cut-off time?

The last same-day ACH submission window closes at 2:45 PM ET. Payments submitted before this deadline are typically available to the recipient by 5:00 PM ET the same business day, provided both banks participate in Same-Day ACH.

What routing number do I use for wire transfers?

Many banks use a different routing number for wire transfers vs. ACH and direct deposit. For example, Wells Fargo uses 121000248 for wires (different from their state ACH numbers), and Chase uses 021000021 for all domestic wires regardless of state. See our complete routing number guide for your bank's wire routing number.

Cut-off times and processing schedules are based on Federal Reserve and NACHA guidelines as of 2026. Individual bank cut-off times may vary. Always confirm timing with your bank for time-sensitive transactions. Also see: Routing number guide · BECU routing number · USAA routing number.