
How Does a Wire Transfer with Xe Work?
15 October 2025 — 7 min read
Key takeaways
Xe lets you send international money transfers using several funding methods, including wire transfers, so you can choose what fits your situation.
Wire transfers are most often used for larger or time-sensitive transfers when you want bank-to-bank certainty and clear tracking.
The Xe flow is simple: create an account, add your recipient, choose how to pay, confirm, and track your transfer in real time.
If you are moving a meaningful amount of money across borders, you want the process to be clear, secure, and predictable. Xe is built for exactly that. You can fund a transfer by wire transfer, ACH transfer, debit, or credit card depending on your country and currency. Wires are popular for larger transfers because they move money account to account with strong verification and an easy paper trail.
This guide shows how a wire transfer with Xe works, what details you will need, and tips to avoid delays. When you are ready, you can compare providers, review transfers speeds and fees, and start your transfer.
About Xe and wire transfers
Xe is a global money transfer service that helps people and businesses send money around the world. You choose the destination country and currency, see the total cost upfront, and can track progress from your phone or computer.
Funding options you might see in your country
Wire transfer from your bank account
ACH Transfer
Debit or credit card for smaller, urgent amounts
Each option has trade-offs around convenience, cost, and timing. Wire transfers are often preferred for larger transfers because they are initiated from your bank, provide strong proof of payment, and are widely accepted for things like deposits, tuition, and invoices.
Tip: If you already have the recipient’s bank details and want an account-to-account path, wire is a strong choice. If you need to move something smaller today, card or ACH can be convenient.
Wire transfer process with Xe
The basic flow is the same across countries, with small differences depending on local rules.
1) Create your Xe account
Sign up online or in the app. Verification happens quickly. You can start by exploring routes and fees without sending right away.
2) Enter your transfer details
Choose where you are sending money, the currencies, and the amount.
3) Add your recipient
You will enter:
Recipient full name as it appears on their bank account
Recipient bank name and address
Account details, which could be an IBAN for many European accounts or a local format in other countries
The SWIFT/BIC for international routing when required
Not sure about a code? Use our SWIFT code lookup (https://www.xe.com/swift-codes/) or the IBAN calculator (https://www.xe.com/ibancalculator/) to confirm formats.
4) Choose wire transfer as your payment method
If wire is available for your route, select it. Xe will provide the funding instructions. You will send funds from your bank to Xe using those instructions. This step is where many customers feel most comfortable for larger amounts, since it keeps the movement bank-to-bank.
5) Review and send
Double-check names, numbers, and addresses. A single character error can cause delays or returns. Confirm when everything looks right.
6) Track your transfer
You can follow your transfer’s status in real time. If anything else is needed, Xe will let you know so you can keep things moving.
What you need for a wire transfer with Xe
Gather these details before you start to save time.
For the recipient
Full name exactly as registered on their account
Physical address (some banks require this)
Bank name and address
Account number or IBAN depending on the country
SWIFT/BIC when needed for international routing
Payment reference or purpose code if your destination requires it
Tip: Copy and paste account strings like IBANs and SWIFT/BIC codes from a trusted source to avoid typos.
Pre-send checklist
Use this table to check your details at a glance before you send.
Step | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
Recipient name | Matches bank record exactly | Banks may verify names |
Account details | IBAN or local account number is correct | Incorrect digits cause returns |
SWIFT/BIC | Matches the recipient’s bank | Routes international transfers |
Address fields | Recipient and bank addresses present if needed | Some corridors require them |
Purpose/reference | The memo or code your destination expects | Helps the recipient reconcile |
Wire funding ref | The reference Xe asks you to include | Speeds up matching on arrival |
Funding methods compared
You do not need to be an expert on payment systems. It helps to know the general shape of your choices inside Xe.
Funding method | Best for | What customers like | Things to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
Wire transfer | Larger amounts, formal payments | Bank-to-bank certainty, strong proof of payment | You initiate the wire from your bank after Xe gives instructions |
Bank transfer | Everyday transfers | Convenient, set up online | Processing depends on local banking hours |
Debit or credit card | Smaller, urgent amounts | Fast to initiate | Card fees may apply, limits are usually lower |
If you are sending a large deposit or paying a supplier, wire transfer is often the most straightforward choice. If you are supporting family with a smaller amount, a bank debit or card might be the best mix of convenience and speed.
How long will my wire-funded transfer take?
Timing depends on the banks and countries involved. Wire funding typically moves quickly during business hours, and Xe processes your transfer once funds arrive and any required checks are complete. Your transfer timeline in the app will show each step, and you can view expected arrival ranges before you confirm. For a sense of typical timing by route, see transfer speeds.
What does it cost to use a wire with Xe?
Costs vary by route, currency, and funding method. Xe shows the full picture upfront before you commit, including any fees and the total your recipient should receive. For an overview, review transfer fees and compare providers to see how Xe stacks up.
Avoiding delays and returns
Most delays are preventable. Try these quick checks:
Match the account name exactly. Use the recipient’s legal name tied to the account.
Copy and paste IBANs and SWIFT/BIC codes to avoid mistyping.
Use a physical address for the recipient if your corridor expects it.
Include the funding reference Xe provides when you send the wire from your bank.
Keep your confirmation until funds arrive, then share the receipt with your recipient.
Example: setting up a wire-funded transfer in minutes
Sign in to Xe and select your destination and amount.
Add your recipient’s bank details and save them for later transfers.
Choose Wire transfer as your payment method.
Follow the funding instructions to send a wire from your bank to Xe, including the reference provided.
Return to Xe and confirm. Track the status until your recipient’s bank confirms credit.
When to choose a wire transfer
Choose wire transfer when:
You are sending a larger amount that benefits from bank-to-bank settlement.
Your recipient or institution specifically requests a wire.
You want clear documentation for things like a rental deposit, tuition, or an invoice.
If your priority is everyday support for family or a quick repeat payment, a different funding method may be easier. Xe will show the available options for your country and route so you can pick what fits.
FAQ
Is a wire with Xe safe?
Yes. Xe is a regulated money transfer provider. We follow strict security and compliance processes, and you can track your transfer at each step.Do I need a SWIFT/BIC and an IBAN?
In many international transfers, yes. Some corridors use a local account format. The setup flow tells you which fields you need. If you are unsure, use our SWIFT lookup or the IBAN calculator.Can I change or cancel after I send?
Once a transfer is in progress it can be difficult to change. Contact support as soon as you notice an error. We will do our best to help.What if my bank asks for more information when I try to wire funds to Xe?
Provide the funding details exactly as shown in your Xe instructions. If your bank needs clarification, share your Xe reference and ask them to include it in the payment.How do I know the money arrived?
You can see status updates in your Xe account and receive notifications. Your recipient can also confirm with their bank.
Conclusion and how Xe can help
You now have a clear picture of how a wire-funded transfer with Xe works. Wires are a strong choice for larger transfers and formal payments because they move money account to account with predictable tracking. Xe brings this together with a simple online experience, clear pricing, and broad currency coverage.
The content within this blog post is not intended for use as financial advice. This content is for informational purposes only.
Smarter money transfers
Xe combines bank-beating rates, secure transfers, and global reach to make moving money across borders fast, easy, and affordable.


17 October 2025 — 5 min read

16 October 2025 — 7 min read

10 June 2025 — 6 min read

4 June 2025 — 6 min read

22 May 2025 — 5 min read

