Bank of America wire transfer basics
Bank of America lets you send domestic and international wire transfers through online banking, mobile app, phone, or in person at a branch. Domestic wires (within the U.S.) typically arrive the same business day if sent before the cutoff time, usually 2 p.m. Eastern. International wires take longer — usually three to five business days — because they move through correspondent banks in other countries.
You'll need the recipient's name, account number, and routing number for domestic transfers. International transfers require additional information: the recipient's bank name, address, and SWIFT code (a code that identifies banks worldwide). Bank of America charges a fee for wire transfers; domestic wires typically cost $15 to $30, and international wires cost more, though the exact amount depends on your account type and whether you're a preferred customer.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America processes domestic wires the same business day if you send before 2 p.m. Eastern, but international wires take three to five business days.
- You need the recipient's routing number and account number for domestic transfers, plus their bank's SWIFT code for international transfers.
- Domestic wire fees range from $15 to $30 depending on your account type; international wires cost more.
- You can initiate a wire through online banking, the mobile app, by phone, or at a branch, but you cannot cancel a wire after it leaves Bank of America's system.
How to send a domestic wire through online banking or mobile app
Log into your Bank of America online account or open the mobile app and navigate to the Transfers section. Select "Send Money" or "Wire Transfer" (the exact label varies by app version). Enter the recipient's full name, routing number, and account number. Double-check these details — a wrong routing or account number means the money goes to the wrong bank or account, and recovery is difficult.
Enter the amount you want to send and review the fee that will be deducted from your account. Confirm the transfer. Bank of America will show you a confirmation number; save this number in case you need to track the wire or contact customer service. The money typically leaves your account immediately, though the recipient may not see it until the next business day.
Sending an international wire from Bank of America
International wires require more information than domestic ones. In addition to the recipient's name and account number, you'll need their bank's name, address, and SWIFT code. Some transfers also require an IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which is used in Europe and some other regions. Ask the recipient for these details before you start the transfer.
The process is similar to a domestic wire: log in, select wire transfer, and enter all required information. Bank of America may ask you the purpose of the transfer (personal, business, education, etc.). International wires cost more than domestic ones — fees vary but often run $35 to $50 or higher. The money typically arrives in three to five business days, though some countries take longer.
Sending a wire by phone or at a branch
If you prefer not to use online banking, you can call Bank of America's wire transfer line at 1-800-869-3557 (the number may vary by region; check your statement or the bank's website). Have the recipient's information ready, including routing number and account number for domestic transfers or SWIFT code for international ones. A representative will walk you through the process and process the wire over the phone.
You can also visit a Bank of America branch in person. Bring a photo ID and the recipient's information. A teller will help you complete the wire transfer. In-person wires may take slightly longer to process than online wires, but they offer the advantage of speaking directly with someone if you have questions.
Wire transfer fees and timing
Bank of America's wire transfer fees depend on your account type and whether the wire is domestic or international. Standard domestic wires cost around $15 to $30; international wires typically cost $35 to $50 or more. Some premium accounts (like Preferred Rewards accounts) may have lower fees or fee waivers. Check your account details or call the bank to confirm the exact fee before you send.
Domestic wires sent before 2 p.m. Eastern on a business day usually arrive the same day. Wires sent after 2 p.m. or on weekends or holidays are processed the next business day. International wires take longer because they pass through multiple banks. The receiving bank's processing time also affects when the recipient sees the money — some banks credit transfers immediately, while others take an additional day.
What to do if you need to cancel or recall a wire
Once a wire leaves Bank of America's system, you cannot cancel it. If you sent a wire and realize you made a mistake — wrong amount, wrong recipient, or duplicate transfer — contact Bank of America immediately. Call 1-800-869-3557 and explain the situation. The bank can attempt to recall the wire, but success depends on whether the receiving bank has already released the funds.
If the receiving bank has already credited the money to the recipient's account, Bank of America cannot retrieve it. You would need to contact the recipient directly and ask them to return the funds. This is why it's critical to verify all recipient information before sending a wire — especially the routing number and account number, which determine where the money goes.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
The most common wire transfer mistake is entering an incorrect routing number or account number. These errors send money to the wrong bank or account, and recovery is slow and uncertain. Before you send, ask the recipient to confirm their routing and account numbers in writing. For international wires, verify the SWIFT code and IBAN on the recipient's bank statement or website, not just from what they tell you verbally.
Another frequent error is sending a wire on a weekend or holiday, then expecting it to arrive the same day. Bank of America only processes wires on business days. If you send a wire on Friday at 3 p.m., it won't leave until Monday. Similarly, some people send duplicate wires by accident — they initiate a transfer, don't see it immediately, and send it again. Always wait at least one business day and check your account before resending.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Bank of America wire transfer take?
Domestic wires sent before 2 p.m. Eastern on a business day arrive the same day. Wires sent after 2 p.m., on weekends, or on holidays are processed the next business day. International wires typically take three to five business days because they move through multiple banks in different countries.
Can I send a wire transfer from my Bank of America savings account?
Yes, you can send wires from most Bank of America checking and savings accounts. Some account types may have restrictions or require you to call the bank instead of using online banking. Check your account details or call 1-800-869-3557 to confirm your account supports wire transfers.
What information do I need to send an international wire?
You need the recipient's full name, account number, bank name, bank address, and SWIFT code. Some countries also require an IBAN. Ask the recipient to provide this information from their bank statement or their bank's website to ensure accuracy.
What happens if I send a wire to the wrong account number?
The money goes to the account associated with that routing and account number, which may belong to someone else. Contact Bank of America immediately at 1-800-869-3557 and ask them to attempt a recall. If the receiving bank has already released the funds, you'll need to contact the recipient directly and ask them to return the money.
Can I set up automatic wire transfers with Bank of America?
Bank of America does not offer automatic recurring wire transfers. You must initiate each wire transfer individually through online banking, the mobile app, phone, or in person. If you need to send regular payments, consider setting up a standing order or automatic transfer through a bill pay service instead.