Wire transfers at Bank of America: the basics

Bank of America lets you send domestic wire transfers (within the U.S.) and international wire transfers through online banking, mobile app, phone, or in person at a branch. You'll need the recipient's bank account number, routing number, and bank name for domestic transfers; international transfers also require the recipient's SWIFT code or IBAN. Bank of America charges a fee for each wire — domestic wires typically cost around $15, and international wires run higher, though exact amounts vary by account type and whether you use online or phone service.

The process takes minutes to set up, but the money doesn't move instantly. Domestic wires usually arrive the same business day if you send before the bank's cutoff time (typically 2 p.m. Eastern). International wires take longer — usually 1 to 5 business days depending on the receiving country and bank. Once you send a wire, you cannot cancel it, so double-check the account number and routing number before confirming.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America charges a fee for wire transfers — roughly $15 for domestic and more for international — deducted from your account when you send.
  • You need the recipient's account number, routing number, and bank name; international transfers also require a SWIFT code or IBAN.
  • Domestic wires sent before 2 p.m. Eastern usually arrive the same business day; international wires take 1 to 5 business days.
  • Once sent, a wire transfer cannot be stopped or reversed, so verify all recipient details before you confirm.
  • You can initiate a wire through online banking, the mobile app, phone, or in person at a branch.

Sending a domestic wire through online banking or the app

Log into your Bank of America online account or open the mobile app and look for "Transfer Money" or "Wire Transfer" in the menu. Select "Send Money" and choose "Domestic Wire Transfer." Enter the recipient's name, account number, routing number, and the bank name. Bank of America will ask you to confirm the amount and may show you the fee before you submit.

After you confirm, the bank generates a confirmation number. Save or screenshot this number — you'll need it if you ever need to reference the transaction with the bank. The money leaves your account immediately, but the receiving bank processes it on their schedule. If you send after the cutoff time or on a weekend, the wire enters the queue and processes the next business day.

Sending an international wire

International wires follow the same basic steps but require additional information. You'll need the recipient's SWIFT code (an 8 or 11-character code that identifies their bank worldwide) or their IBAN (International Bank Account Number), depending on the country. Bank of America's online system usually has a tool to look up SWIFT codes if you know the bank name and country.

International wires cost more than domestic ones and take longer to clear. The receiving bank may also charge a fee on their end, which comes out of the amount the recipient receives. Bank of America cannot control how fast the receiving bank processes the transfer, so if money doesn't arrive within the stated timeframe, the receiving bank is usually the source of the delay. You can contact Bank of America with your confirmation number to ask them to check the status, but they cannot speed up a wire already sent.

Sending a wire by phone or in person

Call Bank of America's customer service line (the number is on your debit card or bank statements) and ask to send a wire transfer. A representative will ask for the same information — recipient name, account number, routing number, and amount — and will read back the details to confirm before processing. Phone wires may cost slightly more than online wires at some banks, so ask about the fee before you authorize.

Walking into a branch to send a wire works the same way. Bring your ID and the recipient's banking details. A teller will enter the information, confirm it with you, and process the wire. In-person wires sometimes take longer because the teller has to enter the data manually, but you leave with a receipt and confirmation number in hand.

What information you need before you start

Gather these details before you log in or call. For domestic wires: the recipient's full name (exactly as it appears on their account), account number, routing number, and the name of their bank. For international wires: add the recipient's SWIFT code or IBAN, their address, and sometimes their date of birth — requirements vary by country and receiving bank.

If you don't have the routing number, ask the recipient or look it up on the receiving bank's website. The routing number is a nine-digit code specific to each bank branch. Using the wrong routing number means the wire goes to the wrong bank, and recovering it becomes difficult. Account numbers are usually 10 to 12 digits but vary by bank. If you're unsure, ask the recipient to confirm both numbers or provide a voided check, which shows both clearly.

Fees and what they cover

Bank of America's wire transfer fee is deducted from your account when you send. Domestic wires typically cost around $15 if you send online or through the app; phone or in-person wires may cost $20 or more. International wires are higher — often $40 to $50 or more depending on the destination country. Some Bank of America accounts (like certain premium checking accounts) waive wire fees or offer a limited number of free wires per month, so check your account terms.

The fee covers Bank of America's processing and the use of the wire network. It does not cover fees charged by the receiving bank, which may deduct an additional amount from the transfer. International wires especially often have receiving bank fees that reduce what the recipient gets. If you're sending money internationally and the recipient needs a specific amount, ask them what fees their bank charges and add that to your wire amount.

Fixing a wire transfer mistake

If you realize you made an error after sending, contact Bank of America immediately with your confirmation number. If the wire has not yet cleared at the receiving bank, the bank may be able to recall it or redirect it. This is not always possible — it depends on how far the wire has traveled through the banking system and whether the receiving bank cooperates.

If the wire has already been received, you cannot reverse it through Bank of America. You would have to contact the recipient and ask them to return the money, or contact the receiving bank directly to request a reversal (which they are not required to grant). This is why verifying all details before you confirm is critical. If you sent money to the wrong account, the situation becomes a civil matter between you and the recipient, not something the bank can fix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?

Not reliably. If you contact Bank of America within minutes of sending, before the wire enters the clearing system, they may be able to stop it. Once it has been transmitted, cancellation depends on whether the receiving bank has already processed it. Call immediately with your confirmation number if you need to try, but do not count on success.

Why does my wire transfer show as pending for days?

Domestic wires usually clear the same business day, but delays happen if you send after the cutoff time, on a weekend, or during a bank holiday. International wires routinely take 3 to 5 business days because they pass through multiple banks and clearing systems. If your wire is older than that, contact Bank of America with your confirmation number to ask them to trace it.

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

Wire transfers move money the same day (or within 1 to 5 days for international) and cost a fee. ACH transfers are slower (typically 1 to 3 business days) but are free or very cheap. Bank of America offers both; ACH is better for non-urgent transfers, while wires are for time-sensitive payments.

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

Yes. Give them a heads-up so they know to expect the money and can watch for it. Provide them with your name and the amount so they can match it to the incoming transfer. This also gives them a chance to confirm their account details are correct before you send.

Can I send a wire transfer from someone else's Bank of America account?

Only if you have authorized access to that account — meaning you are listed as an authorized user or have power of attorney. You cannot send a wire from an account you do not own or have permission to use. If you need to send money on someone else's behalf, they should initiate the wire themselves or formally authorize you to access their account.