Wire transfer not received?
If your wire transfer has not arrived, it may still be processing, delayed with an intermediary bank, under review, or held because of incorrect details.
If your wire transfer is not received, it may still be processing, delayed, or held by an intermediary bank. This guide explains why bank transfers go missing, how long they take, and what to do if your international wire transfer has not arrived.
Why your wire transfer is not received: common reasons
A wire transfer that has not been received is often still moving through the banking network. International transfers can be delayed by intermediary banks, compliance checks, weekends, holidays, currency conversion, or incorrect recipient details.
1. The transfer may still be processing
International wires commonly take 1–4 business days. If your transfer is still inside the expected window, it may not be missing — it may simply still be processing.
2. It may be held with an intermediary bank
Many international wires pass through intermediary banks. The sending bank may show the transfer as sent, but the money can still be waiting with a correspondent bank before it reaches the receiving bank.
3. It may be under compliance review
Banks may review transfers for anti-fraud, sanctions, anti-money laundering, or identity checks. Compliance reviews can extend a transfer by several business days, and complex reviews can take 7–20+ business days.
4. Details may be incorrect or incomplete
Incorrect IBANs, SWIFT/BIC codes, account numbers, recipient names, or bank addresses can delay a wire, cause it to be returned, or require manual correction before it can be credited.
What should I do if my wire transfer has not arrived?
First, confirm that the transfer is outside the expected arrival window for your route. Then check all recipient details. If the money is still not received, ask the sending bank for a SWIFT reference or payment trace.
Not Received Yet vs Overdue
| Not Received Yet | Overdue |
|---|---|
| Still within expected window | Past route estimate |
| May be with intermediary bank | Trace may be needed |
| Receiving bank may be processing | Bank follow-up becomes more urgent |
| Timing still explainable | Delay needs investigation |
A wire transfer that has not been received is not always overdue. Comparing the transfer against route-specific timing can help you decide whether to wait, check with the receiving bank, or ask the sending bank for a trace.
Check whether your transfer is overdue
TrackMyWire can estimate whether your transfer timing looks normal for your route, currency, banks, and date sent.
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FAQ
My bank says the wire was sent. Why has it not arrived?
The sending bank may have released the funds, but the transfer can still be with an intermediary bank, compliance team, currency conversion process, or receiving bank.
When should I ask for a wire trace?
Ask for a trace if the expected arrival window has passed and the recipient still has not received the funds.
Can a wire transfer be returned?
Yes. If details are incorrect or the receiving bank cannot credit the funds, the wire may be returned to the sender.