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How Does a Wire Transfer with Xe Work?

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Xe Consumer

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

  1. Sign in to Xe and select your destination and amount.

  2. Add your recipient’s bank details and save them for later transfers.

  3. Choose Wire transfer as your payment method.

  4. Follow the funding instructions to send a wire from your bank to Xe, including the reference provided.

  5. 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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

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