How long does it take to wire money?

Bank wire transfers are typically available to the recipient within one business day, according to an About.com article. Money transfer agencies, such as Western Union, advertise options that can take anywhere from minutes to a couple of days.

Wiring money safely ensures receipt of the money because banks and transfer companies verify the funds prior to sending them, according to About.com. Fees for wiring money vary by the transferring organization that the sender uses and by the amount of money being wired; Walmart advertises a service involving the transfer of funds for as little as $4.50, while banks may charge over $40.