Bank of America's international wire transfer basics

Bank of America handles international wire transfers through its standard wire transfer system, with fees and delivery times that depend on the destination country and the receiving bank. You'll need the recipient's full name, bank account number, and the receiving bank's SWIFT code (an eight or eleven-character identifier that routes money internationally). BofA charges an outgoing wire fee — the amount varies by account type and whether you're a customer or non-customer — plus any intermediary bank fees that may apply along the way.

The process itself is straightforward: you initiate the transfer online, by phone, or in person at a branch, provide the recipient details, confirm the amount and fees, and the bank sends the money. Delivery typically takes three to five business days for most countries, though some destinations take longer. BofA will give you a confirmation number and tracking reference when the transfer completes on their end; after that, the receiving bank controls the timeline.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America charges an outgoing wire fee for international transfers, and you'll also pay any intermediary bank fees charged by banks in the transfer chain.
  • You need the recipient's full name, account number, and the receiving bank's SWIFT code before you start the transfer.
  • International wires typically arrive in three to five business days, but some countries take longer depending on their banking infrastructure.
  • You can initiate a wire online through your BofA account, by calling customer service, or by visiting a branch in person.
  • Once BofA sends the money, you can track it using your confirmation number, but the receiving bank controls when the funds actually post to the recipient's account.

What information you need before starting

Gather the recipient's details before you log in or call. You'll need their full legal name exactly as it appears on their bank account, their account number, and their bank's SWIFT code. The SWIFT code is the critical piece — it's a standardized identifier that tells the banking system which bank to route the money to. You can find it on the recipient's bank statement, on their bank's website, or by asking them directly.

You'll also need to know the country where the money is going and the currency of the receiving account. If the recipient's account is in a different currency than US dollars, BofA will convert the money at their exchange rate and deduct the conversion cost from the amount sent. Ask the recipient what currency their account uses before you initiate the transfer, so you're not surprised by the final amount they receive.

Have your BofA account information ready as well. If you're sending from a checking or savings account, you'll need to confirm which one. If you're not a BofA customer, you can still send a wire, but you'll pay a higher fee and may need to visit a branch or call to complete it.

How to send the wire online, by phone, or in person

Online through BofA.com or the mobile app: Log into your account, navigate to the wire transfer section (usually under "Transfer Money"), select "International Wire," and enter the recipient's details. Review the fee, the exchange rate if applicable, and the estimated delivery date. Confirm the transfer, and you'll receive a confirmation number. This method is available 24/7 for existing customers.

By phone: Call Bank of America's wire transfer line at 1-800-869-3557 (for customers) or visit a branch for non-customers. A representative will walk you through the process, verify your identity, and confirm all the recipient details before sending. Phone transfers may take a few hours to process during business hours.

In person at a branch: Bring your ID and the recipient's information to any BofA branch. A banker will help you complete the wire, answer questions about fees and timing, and provide a receipt. This is the best option if you're unsure about any detail or if you're not a BofA customer.

Fees and exchange rates

Bank of America's outgoing international wire fee ranges depending on your account type and customer status. Customers with certain account tiers may have reduced or waived fees; non-customers pay a higher fee. The bank also charges for currency conversion if the receiving account is in a different currency than US dollars. BofA applies their own exchange rate, which typically includes a markup over the mid-market rate.

Beyond BofA's fees, you may also pay intermediary bank fees. If the receiving bank is not directly connected to BofA's network, the money passes through one or more correspondent banks, and each may deduct a fee. These fees are unpredictable and can range from $10 to $50 or more depending on the country and the banks involved. The recipient may also pay a receiving fee on their end, which their bank deducts from the amount that lands in their account.

Ask BofA for a quote before you send. They'll show you the exact fee, the exchange rate, and an estimate of what the recipient will receive. This transparency helps you decide whether the wire is worth the cost or whether an alternative method might be cheaper.

Tracking your wire and what happens after you send it

When you complete the transfer, BofA gives you a confirmation number and a reference number. Use these to track the wire on BofA's website or by calling customer service. BofA's tracking will show you when the money left their system, but it won't tell you exactly where it is in the receiving bank's process — that's controlled by the receiving bank and any intermediary banks in between.

The receiving bank typically posts the money to the recipient's account within three to five business days. Some countries have slower banking systems and may take a week or longer. The recipient should check their account or contact their bank if the money hasn't arrived within the timeframe BofA quoted you. If there's a delay, provide the recipient with your confirmation number so they can trace it on their end.

If the wire fails — for example, because the account number was wrong or the SWIFT code didn't match — BofA will contact you and may reverse the transfer. The money returns to your account, though it can take several days. Always double-check the recipient's details before confirming, because correcting a mistake after the fact is time-consuming.

When to use Bank of America versus other options

BofA is convenient if you already bank there and want to send money quickly without opening a new account. The online process is straightforward, and you can track the transfer through your existing account. However, BofA's fees and exchange rates are typically higher than specialized money transfer services like Wise, OFX, or Remitly, especially for larger amounts or frequent transfers.

If you're sending a large sum or sending regularly to the same person, compare BofA's total cost (fee plus exchange rate markup) against a dedicated international transfer service. Those services often have lower fees and better exchange rates, though they may take an extra day or two to deliver. For one-time, urgent transfers or if the recipient needs the money in a BofA account, BofA's wire is often the fastest option.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Bank of America international wire actually take?

Most wires arrive in three to five business days. Some countries with slower banking infrastructure take longer — up to a week or more. BofA will give you an estimate when you initiate the transfer. The receiving bank controls the final posting, so delays on their end are outside BofA's control.

Can I cancel or change a wire after I send it?

If you catch the mistake immediately — within minutes of sending — call BofA right away. Once the money leaves their system, cancellation is difficult and may not be possible. If the wire has already reached the receiving bank, you'll need to contact that bank and ask them to reverse it, which they may refuse to do.

What if the recipient's bank rejects the wire?

The receiving bank may reject the wire if the account number doesn't match, the SWIFT code is wrong, or the account is closed. When this happens, the money returns to your BofA account, though it can take several days. Contact the recipient to verify their details and resend with the correct information.

Does Bank of America offer better rates if I send money regularly?

BofA doesn't typically offer volume discounts on wire transfer fees or exchange rates. If you send money internationally on a regular basis, you may save money by switching to a specialized transfer service that offers lower fees or better rates for frequent senders.

Can I send an international wire from a joint account?

Yes, if you're an authorized user on the account, you can initiate the wire. Both account holders don't need to approve it unless your account agreement requires dual authorization for large transfers. Check your account terms or call BofA to confirm.