Wire transfer timing depends on the type and destination

A domestic wire transfer through Bank of America typically arrives the same business day if you send it before the cutoff time, usually 2 p.m. Eastern Time on a weekday. If you send after that time or on a weekend or holiday, the transfer enters the queue for the next business day and arrives the following day.

An international wire transfer takes longer—usually 1 to 5 business days depending on the destination country, the receiving bank's processing speed, and whether the transfer needs to route through intermediary banks. Some countries with well-established banking corridors (Canada, UK, Western Europe) tend toward the faster end; others may take the full 5 days or longer.

The clock starts when Bank of America actually processes your request, not when you initiate it online or at a branch. That processing happens during business hours only, so timing matters.

Key Takeaways

  • Domestic wires sent before 2 p.m. ET on a business day arrive the same day; anything after that or on weekends arrives the next business day.
  • International wires take 1 to 5 business days and may pass through multiple banks before reaching the recipient's account.
  • Bank of America charges a fee for outgoing wires—currently $15 for domestic and $45 for international, though these amounts can change.
  • Once a wire leaves Bank of America, you cannot cancel or reverse it, so verify the recipient's account details before you send.
  • If a wire does not arrive on time, contact Bank of America with your confirmation number and the recipient's bank details to trace it.

Same-day domestic wires: the 2 p.m. cutoff

Bank of America processes domestic wire transfers during standard business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. If you submit your wire before 2 p.m. ET on a business day, it typically leaves Bank of America's system that same day and arrives at the receiving bank by end of business. The receiving bank then credits the recipient's account, usually within hours but sometimes the next morning depending on their own processing schedule.

If you send after 2 p.m. ET, on a Friday afternoon, or on a weekend or holiday, your wire does not process until the next business day. A wire sent at 3 p.m. on Friday will not leave Bank of America until Monday morning and will not arrive at the destination until Monday or Tuesday. This is true even if you use the mobile app or online banking—the cutoff is firm.

Bank of America observes federal holidays, so wires do not process on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and a few others. A wire submitted on a holiday sits in the queue until the next business day.

International wire transfers: routing and intermediary banks

International wires are slower because they often travel through multiple banks. Bank of America sends your wire to a correspondent bank in the destination country, which then routes it to the receiving bank. Each handoff adds time. A wire to Canada or the UK might take 1 to 2 business days; a wire to Asia, Africa, or South America often takes 3 to 5 business days.

The receiving bank's location and processing speed also matter. Some banks process incoming international wires immediately; others batch them and process once daily. You have no control over this, and Bank of America cannot speed it up on the receiving end.

Currency conversion, if needed, can add another day or two. If you are sending US dollars to an account that holds euros or another currency, the receiving bank may need to convert the funds, which sometimes happens after the wire arrives rather than before.

How to send a wire through Bank of America

You can initiate a wire through Bank of America's online banking platform, mobile app, or by calling 1-800-869-3557 to speak with a representative. Online and app transfers are fastest because they process immediately during business hours; phone transfers may take slightly longer if the line is busy.

You will need the recipient's full name, account number, routing number (for domestic wires), and bank name and address. For international wires, you may also need the SWIFT code or IBAN, depending on the destination country. Have this information ready before you start, because incomplete details will delay or reject the transfer.

Bank of America charges $15 for a domestic outgoing wire and $45 for an international outgoing wire. These fees are deducted from your account when the wire is sent, not when it arrives. Incoming wires to your Bank of America account are free.

What to do if a wire does not arrive on time

If a domestic wire does not arrive within one business day or an international wire does not arrive within the timeframe you were given, contact Bank of America immediately. Have your wire confirmation number ready—this is the reference number Bank of America gave you when you sent the transfer. You will also need the recipient's bank name, account number, and the exact amount sent.

Bank of America can trace the wire through the banking system to see where it is. Sometimes a wire is delayed at an intermediary bank or the receiving bank, not at Bank of America. If the receiving bank is holding it, Bank of America can contact them on your behalf to ask for expedited processing.

If the wire was sent to the wrong account by mistake, the situation is more complicated. Bank of America cannot reverse a wire once it has left their system. You would need to contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the funds, which they may or may not do depending on their policies and whether the account holder cooperates.

Canceling a wire before it processes

You can cancel a wire only if it has not yet been processed and sent out of Bank of America's system. If you submitted it before 2 p.m. ET on a business day and immediately realize the mistake, call Bank of America right away at 1-800-869-3557. If the wire has already left their system, cancellation is not possible.

Once a wire is in transit or has arrived at the receiving bank, it cannot be recalled or reversed. This is why it is critical to double-check the recipient's account details before you send. Verify the account number digit by digit, especially if you are sending a large amount or to an unfamiliar account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send a wire on a Saturday or Sunday?

No. Bank of America does not process wires on weekends or federal holidays. A wire submitted Saturday morning will not leave Bank of America until Monday morning. If Monday is a holiday, it will not process until Tuesday.

Why did my wire take longer than expected?

Delays usually happen at the receiving bank, not at Bank of America. The receiving bank may batch incoming wires and process them once daily, or they may be experiencing high volume. International wires may also be delayed by currency conversion or intermediary bank processing. Contact Bank of America with your confirmation number to trace the wire.

Is there a limit on how much I can wire?

Bank of America does not publish a single wire limit; it depends on your account type and history. Large wires may trigger fraud review, which can add a day or two to processing. Call 1-800-869-3557 to ask about limits on your specific account before sending a large wire.

Do I pay a fee if the wire does not arrive?

Yes. Bank of America charges the wire fee ($15 domestic, $45 international) when the wire is sent, regardless of whether it arrives on time or at all. If the wire is lost or delayed due to Bank of America's error, you may be able to dispute the fee, but you will need to contact them directly.

What is the difference between a wire transfer and an ACH transfer?

A wire transfer is faster (same day domestic) but costs a fee and cannot be reversed. An ACH transfer is slower (1 to 3 business days) but is free and can be reversed within a certain window. Use a wire for urgent, large, or time-sensitive transfers; use ACH for routine bills and smaller amounts.