How to send a wire transfer at Bank of America

Bank of America lets you send domestic and international wire transfers through online banking, the mobile app, or by calling their wire transfer line. You'll need the recipient's bank account number, routing number, and bank name for domestic transfers, or their SWIFT code and IBAN for international ones. The process takes a few minutes to set up, and the bank charges a fee — currently $15 for domestic wires and $45 for international wires, though these amounts can change.

The fastest route is usually online banking or the mobile app if you're sending to a bank account you've wired to before. If you're sending to a new recipient or prefer to speak with someone, calling the wire transfer line at 1-800-869-3557 works, though you may wait on hold during business hours.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America charges $15 for domestic wire transfers and $45 for international ones, deducted from your account at the time you send.
  • You can initiate a wire through online banking, the mobile app, or by phone, and the method you choose affects how quickly it processes.
  • Domestic wires typically arrive the same business day if sent before the bank's cutoff time, usually around 2 p.m. Eastern time.
  • International wires take one to three business days depending on the receiving country and bank, and the recipient's bank may charge an additional fee.
  • Once you send a wire, you cannot cancel it if the receiving bank has already processed it, so verify all details before confirming.

Sending a domestic wire through online banking

Log into your Bank of America online account and look for "Transfer Money" or "Wire Funds" in the main menu. Select "Send Money" and then choose "Wire Transfer." The system will ask whether you're sending domestically or internationally — select domestic.

Enter the recipient's full name, bank account number, and the nine-digit routing number of their bank. Bank of America will ask you to confirm the routing number matches the bank name you entered. If you're unsure of the routing number, you can search it on the Federal Reserve's routing number database or ask the recipient's bank directly. Enter the amount you want to send and review all details before clicking confirm. The $15 fee will be deducted from your account immediately.

The wire typically arrives in the recipient's account the same business day if you send it before 2 p.m. Eastern time on a weekday. Wires sent after that time or on weekends process the next business day.

Sending an international wire through online banking

The process is similar to domestic wires, but you'll need different information about the recipient's bank. Start in "Transfer Money" and select "Wire Transfer," then choose international. You'll need the recipient's SWIFT code (an eight or eleven-character code that identifies their bank worldwide) and their IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which replaces the routing number and account number combination used in the U.S.

If you don't have the SWIFT code or IBAN, ask the recipient to provide them from their bank statement or banking app — most banks display this information in the account details section. Enter the recipient's full name exactly as it appears on their bank account, the amount in U.S. dollars, and the country where the bank is located. Bank of America will show you the exchange rate and the $45 wire fee before you confirm.

International wires typically take one to three business days to arrive, depending on the receiving country and whether the receiving bank processes wires on weekends. Some countries' banking systems are slower than others. The recipient's bank may also charge a fee to receive the wire, which they will deduct from the amount that arrives.

Sending a wire through the Bank of America mobile app

Open the app and tap "Transfer" at the bottom of the screen. Select "Send Money" and then "Wire Transfer." The app walks you through the same steps as online banking — choosing domestic or international, entering recipient details, and confirming the amount and fee.

The mobile app is often faster if you're on the go, and you can photograph the recipient's check or bank statement to capture their account and routing numbers rather than typing them manually. This reduces the chance of entering a number incorrectly. Wires sent through the app process at the same speed as those sent through online banking.

Sending a wire by phone

Call Bank of America's wire transfer line at 1-800-869-3557 during business hours (typically 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday). A representative will ask for your account number, the recipient's information, and the amount you want to send. They'll confirm all details with you before processing the wire.

Phone wires take slightly longer to process than online or app wires because the representative has to enter the information manually, but they still typically arrive the same business day for domestic transfers. This method is useful if you're unsure about the recipient's routing number or SWIFT code — the representative can sometimes look it up for you or walk you through finding it.

What to do if you need to cancel or change a wire

Once you send a wire, you cannot cancel it if the receiving bank has already processed it. The best you can do is contact Bank of America immediately and ask them to attempt a recall. This works only if the wire hasn't cleared at the receiving end, which is rare for domestic wires sent before 2 p.m. Eastern time.

For domestic wires, call 1-800-869-3557 right away. For international wires, the recall process is slower and less likely to succeed because the wire has already left the U.S. banking system. Bank of America will charge you a fee to attempt a recall, usually $15 to $25.

The lesson: verify the recipient's account number, routing number, and name before you confirm. A wire sent to the wrong account number is gone, even if it went to the right bank.

Wire transfer fees and timing at Bank of America

Bank of America charges $15 for each domestic wire transfer and $45 for each international wire transfer. These fees are deducted from your account at the time you send the wire, not when it arrives. Some Bank of America accounts waive wire fees — check your account terms or call the bank to confirm whether your account qualifies.

Domestic wires sent before 2 p.m. Eastern time on a business day arrive the same day. Wires sent after 2 p.m. or on weekends arrive the next business day. International wires take one to three business days depending on the receiving country. The receiving bank may also charge a fee, which is typically deducted from the amount the recipient receives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send a wire transfer to a credit card or PayPal account?

No. Wire transfers only go to bank accounts. If you need to send money to someone without a bank account, you may be able to use a money transfer service like Western Union or MoneyGram, though these have higher fees and are slower than wires.

What happens if I enter the wrong routing number?

The wire may go to the wrong bank or be rejected. If it's rejected, the money returns to your Bank of America account within a few business days. If it goes to the wrong bank, you'll need to contact that bank and ask them to return the funds, which can take weeks. Always verify the routing number before sending.

Do I need to tell the recipient I'm sending a wire?

It's a good idea to let them know the amount and approximate arrival time so they're expecting it and can watch for it. Many recipients don't see a wire arrive immediately and may worry it was lost. A quick text or email prevents confusion.

Can I set up a recurring wire transfer?

Bank of America does not offer automatic recurring wire transfers through online banking or the app. You have to initiate each wire manually. If you need to send the same amount to the same recipient regularly, you may want to ask your bank about setting up a standing order or automatic transfer instead, which is cheaper and faster.

What's the difference between a wire transfer and an ACH transfer?

A wire transfer moves money the same business day (or next day) and costs $15 to $45. An ACH transfer takes three to five business days and is usually free. Use a wire when you need money to arrive quickly or when sending to someone outside the U.S. Use ACH for routine payments within the U.S. when you have time to wait.