Bank of America wire transfers: the basics

Bank of America lets you send domestic wire transfers (within the US) and international wire transfers through online banking, mobile app, phone, or in person at a branch. The process is the same whether you're sending money to another person or a business — you'll need the recipient's bank account number, routing number, and bank name. For international transfers, you'll also need the recipient's SWIFT code or IBAN.

Bank of America charges a fee for wire transfers. Domestic wires typically cost between $15 and $30, depending on whether you send the wire online or through a representative. International wires cost more — usually $45 or higher. These fees come out of your account at the time you send the transfer. The money itself arrives the same business day for domestic transfers (if sent before the cutoff time, usually 2 p.m. ET) and within one to three business days for international transfers.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America charges $15 to $30 for domestic wire transfers and $45 or more for international transfers, with fees deducted from your account when you send.
  • You can initiate a wire through online banking, the mobile app, by phone at 1-800-869-3557, or at a branch, and domestic wires sent before 2 p.m. ET arrive the same business day.
  • You will need the recipient's account number, routing number, and bank name for domestic transfers, plus SWIFT code or IBAN for international transfers.
  • Once a wire is sent, Bank of America cannot stop or reverse it, so verify all recipient details before confirming the transfer.

Sending a wire through Bank of America online or mobile app

Log into your Bank of America online banking account or open the mobile app and look for the "Transfer Money" or "Wire Transfer" option — the exact label varies by app version. Select "Send Money" and choose "Wire Transfer" from the menu. Enter the recipient's full name, bank name, account number, and routing number. For international transfers, you'll enter the SWIFT code or IBAN instead of the routing number.

Review the transfer details carefully, including the amount and all recipient information. Bank of America will show you the fee and the total amount that will leave your account. Confirm the transfer, and you'll receive a confirmation number. Save this number — you'll need it if you ever have to contact Bank of America about the wire. Domestic wires sent before 2 p.m. ET on a business day will arrive the same day; those sent after that time or on weekends will arrive the next business day.

Sending a wire by phone or at a branch

Call Bank of America at 1-800-869-3557 to send a wire transfer over the phone. Have the recipient's information ready: full name, bank name, account number, and routing number (or SWIFT code and IBAN for international transfers). A representative will walk you through the process, confirm the amount and fee, and process the wire. Phone transfers typically cost more than online transfers — usually $25 to $30 for domestic wires.

You can also visit a Bank of America branch in person to send a wire. Bring a valid ID and the recipient's banking information. A teller will help you complete the wire transfer form and process the transaction. In-person wires may take slightly longer to process than online wires, but they arrive on the same timeline — same business day for domestic transfers sent before the branch cutoff time.

What information you need before you start

For a domestic wire, gather the recipient's full name exactly as it appears on their bank account, their bank name, their account number, and their bank's routing number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the bank. You can find it on a check, by calling the recipient's bank, or by searching online.

For an international wire, you'll need the recipient's full name, their bank name, their account number or IBAN (International Bank Account Number), and their bank's SWIFT code (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication). Some banks use IBAN instead of account numbers; ask the recipient which one their bank requires. You may also need the recipient's address and the bank's address, depending on the destination country.

Wire transfer fees and timing

Bank of America's domestic wire transfer fee is $15 if you send online and $25 to $30 if you send by phone or in person. International wire transfer fees start at $45 and can be higher depending on the destination country and whether the transfer goes through a correspondent bank (an intermediary bank that helps route the money). The fee is deducted from your account at the time you send the wire.

Domestic wires sent before 2 p.m. ET on a business day arrive the same day. Wires sent after 2 p.m. or on weekends and holidays arrive the next business day. International wires typically take one to three business days, though some destinations may take longer. The receiving bank controls the final delivery time once the wire arrives at their institution.

Canceling or stopping a wire transfer

Once you send a wire transfer through Bank of America, you cannot cancel or reverse it. Wire transfers are final — the money leaves your account immediately and goes to the recipient's bank. This is why it's critical to verify all recipient details before you confirm the transfer. Double-check the account number, routing number, and recipient name. A single digit wrong in the account number can send your money to the wrong person.

If you realize you made a mistake after sending the wire, contact Bank of America immediately at 1-800-869-3557 with your confirmation number. The bank can attempt to recall the wire, but success depends on whether the receiving bank has already released the funds. If the money has been withdrawn, recovery becomes much harder and may require legal action. Prevention is far more effective than recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Bank of America wire transfer take?

Domestic wires sent before 2 p.m. ET on a business day arrive the same day. Wires sent after 2 p.m. or on weekends arrive the next business day. International wires typically take one to three business days, depending on the destination country and whether the transfer routes through a correspondent bank.

Can I send a wire transfer from a savings account?

Yes, you can send a wire transfer from either a checking or savings account at Bank of America. The process is the same, and the fee applies regardless of account type. The money is deducted from whichever account you select when you initiate the transfer.

What's the maximum amount I can wire?

Bank of America does not publish a single maximum wire transfer amount. Limits depend on your account history, account type, and the bank's fraud prevention policies. Contact Bank of America at 1-800-869-3557 to learn the wire limit on your specific account.

Do I need to tell my bank before sending a large wire transfer?

You don't have to, but it's a good idea. Large or unusual transfers can trigger fraud alerts that temporarily hold the wire. Calling ahead gives the bank a heads-up and can prevent delays. For international wires, some banks require advance notice.

What if the recipient's bank rejects the wire?

If the receiving bank rejects the wire due to incorrect account information or other issues, the money returns to your Bank of America account within three to five business days. You'll see a credit back to your account, and Bank of America will notify you of the rejection. You can then correct the recipient's information and resend the wire.