Wire transfers != ACH transfers Wire transfers are (almost) real-time and use Fedwire (domestic) and SWIFT (international) for communication in real-time. Usua

Wire transfers != ACH transfers Wire transfers are (almost) real-time and use Fedwire (domestic) and SWIFT (international) for communication in real-time. Usually banks charge hefty fees for this. ACH is a batch network that takes minimum of 2 business days and generally costs mush less - often free too if you go through the bank's site. The 2 are separate networks and regulated completely differently and hence different charges. Bottom line: if you want money transferred ASAP i.e. real-time/same-day it's likely to cost you. If you can wait for 2-3 days its likely to be free