What is a Wire Transfer Request?

A wire transfer request is a form that is used to manage transfers of cash via the use of a wire transfer service. Forms of this type can be used to conduct both domestic and foreign wire transfers, and may vary in exact structure. That structure may be based on factors such as the source of the funds that are transferred, the intended destination, and any governmental regulations regarding foreign and domestic wire transfers with the two locations involved. While the particulars of a wire transfer request may differ between providers, there are a few essential pieces of information that are typically required.

When initiating a wire transfer request, the sender must often provide identification. This is especially true in situations where the funds for the request will be withdrawn from a bank account. Along with some type of government-issued identification, the sender must also provide his or her full name, permanent address, the date the transfer is to take place, and the routing number and bank account number for the account that will be used to fund the transfer. Bank information for the sender is not generally required if the wire transfer is funded using cash. Some wire transfer services will also require a telephone number, so that the sender can be notified of any delays or other issues with the transfer.

Along with requiring information on the sender, it is also necessary to provide information regarding the recipient. When the intended destination is a bank account, the wire transfer request will usually require the name of the recipient as it appears on that bank account, the routing number for the financial institution, and the number for the checking or savings account that is slated to receive the funds. Depending on whether the recipient is an individual or a business, the wire service may also provide options for notification of the execution of the transaction, as well as confirmation that the recipient institution has accepted the wire transfer request. When the recipient is an individual and is accepting the transfer at a non-bank facility, he or she must normally present some type of personal identification along with a wire transfer request number. That number is issued to the sender at the time the request is taken and scheduled for processing, and forwarded to the recipient by the sender.

Most businesses that provide wire transfer services also utilize a series of internal codes to track the progress of each wire transfer request that is processed. Often, those internal codes are also present on the hard copy of the request that is provided to the sender. This makes it possible for the sender to readily identify the specific request if a question or concern arises at a later date.