Bank of America wire transfers work through their online banking platform, phone line, or in person at a branch
You can initiate a wire transfer from Bank of America in three ways: log into your online account and use the wire transfer tool, call their wire transfer line at 1-800-869-3557, or walk into a branch with the recipient's banking details. The process takes about 10 minutes if you have the information ready. Bank of America charges a fee for outgoing domestic wires (currently $15 for online, $20 by phone) and higher fees for international wires, which vary by destination country.
The money leaves your account the same day if you send it before the bank's cutoff time, usually 2 p.m. Eastern time on business days. Wires sent after that time or on weekends process the next business day. The recipient's bank receives the funds within hours of processing, though some banks take until the next business day to make the money available in the recipient's account.
Key Takeaways
- You need the recipient's full name, bank name, routing number, and account number to send a domestic wire; international wires also require a SWIFT code.
- Domestic wires cost $15 online or $20 by phone; international wire fees start at $45 and vary by country.
- Wires sent before 2 p.m. Eastern time on a business day leave your account the same day.
- Once a wire leaves Bank of America, you cannot cancel it, so verify all recipient details before confirming.
What information you need before you start
For a domestic wire, gather the recipient's full legal name, the name of their bank, 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, ask the recipient, or search the Federal Reserve's routing number database online.
For an international wire, you also need the recipient's bank's SWIFT code (an eight- or eleven-character code that identifies banks globally) and sometimes an IBAN (International Bank Account Number), depending on the country. Ask the recipient or their bank for these details—getting them wrong means the wire may be delayed or sent to the wrong account.
Sending a wire through Bank of America online
Log into your Bank of America online account and select "Transfer Money" or "Wire Funds" from the menu. Choose whether you are sending a domestic or international wire. Enter the recipient's name, bank details, and the amount you want to send. Review all the information carefully—this is your last chance to catch errors.
Confirm the wire and the fee will be deducted from your account along with the transfer amount. You will receive a confirmation number immediately; save this for your records. The wire processes according to the cutoff time: before 2 p.m. Eastern time on a business day means same-day processing.
Sending a wire by phone or at a branch
Call 1-800-869-3557 to reach Bank of America's wire transfer line. Have the recipient's information ready and be prepared to verify your identity. The representative will walk you through the wire details, confirm the fee, and process the transfer. You will receive a confirmation number at the end of the call.
At a branch, bring a photo ID and the recipient's banking information. A teller will enter the details into the system, show you the confirmation screen, and process the wire. Fees are the same as online or phone ($15 domestic, $20 by phone, higher for international). Branch staff can also help you locate a routing number or SWIFT code if you do not have it.
Fees and timing for different wire types
Bank of America charges different fees depending on how you send the wire and where it is going. Domestic wires cost $15 if you send them online or $20 if you call the wire transfer line. International wires start at $45 online or $50 by phone, and the exact fee depends on the destination country and whether the wire passes through intermediary banks. Bank of America will show you the total fee before you confirm the transfer.
Timing also varies by wire type. A domestic wire sent before 2 p.m. Eastern time on a business day leaves your account the same day and arrives at the recipient's bank within hours, though some banks do not make the funds available until the next business day. International wires take 1 to 3 business days depending on the destination and the banks involved. If you need money to arrive by a specific date, ask Bank of America whether that timeline is realistic for your destination.
What happens if you make a mistake
Once Bank of America sends a wire, you cannot cancel it or reverse it. If you sent money to the wrong account number or bank, contact Bank of America immediately—the sooner you report the error, the better the chance they can recover the funds. Provide your confirmation number and all details about the wire.
Bank of America will attempt to recall the wire, but success depends on whether the receiving bank has already released the funds. If the money was sent to another Bank of America customer, recovery is faster. If it went to a different bank or a third party, the process is slower and recovery is not may provide. Do not assume the money will come back; treat a misdirected wire as potentially lost until the bank confirms recovery.
Fraud protection and security when wiring money
Wires are high-risk because they cannot be reversed. Scammers often impersonate businesses or family members to trick people into sending wire transfers. Before you wire money, verify the request through a separate communication channel—call the person or business directly using a phone number you know is legitimate, not one provided in an email or text.
Bank of America monitors accounts for suspicious wire activity and may block a wire if it looks unusual. If the bank calls to confirm, answer honestly and do not feel pressured to rush. Legitimate businesses and family members will wait for you to verify. Never wire money to someone you have not met in person or to an account in a different country than the recipient claims to be in.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a wire transfer take from Bank of America?
Domestic wires sent before 2 p.m. Eastern time on a business day arrive the same day. Wires sent after that time or on weekends process the next business day. International wires take 1–3 business days depending on the destination country and whether intermediary banks are involved.
Can I wire money from a savings account or only checking?
You can wire from either a checking or savings account at Bank of America. The process is the same regardless of account type. The fee and processing time do not change based on which account you use.
What if the recipient's bank does not accept wire transfers?
Most banks accept wire transfers, but some smaller institutions or credit unions may not. Ask the recipient to confirm their bank accepts wires before you send one. If they do not, consider an ACH transfer (slower but cheaper) or a cashier's check as an alternative.
Do I need to tell the recipient I am sending a wire?
Yes. Give the recipient your confirmation number and let them know the amount and approximate arrival time. This way they can watch for the deposit and contact their bank if it does not arrive as expected. It also prevents confusion if they receive an unexpected wire.
What is the maximum amount I can wire from Bank of America?
Bank of America does not publish a single maximum wire amount. Limits depend on your account history, account type, and the bank's fraud detection systems. If you try to wire a very large amount, the bank may place a temporary hold or ask you to verify the transaction. Contact your branch or call customer service to ask about limits on your specific account.