Wire transfers at Bank of America: the basic steps
To send a wire transfer at Bank of America, you log into your online banking account, select "Transfer Money," choose "Wire Transfer," enter the recipient's name and bank details, confirm the amount and fee, and submit. The transfer typically leaves your account the same business day if submitted before the bank's cutoff time—usually 2 p.m. Eastern Time for domestic wires and earlier for international ones. You'll receive a confirmation number immediately.
You can also walk into any Bank of America branch and ask a teller to send a wire transfer in person. Bring your account information, the recipient's full name and banking details, and a valid ID. The teller will fill out the wire transfer form with you, collect the fee, and process it on the spot. This method works if you don't have online access or prefer to handle it face-to-face.
Phone wire transfers are also available: call the Bank of America customer service number on the back of your debit or credit card, or call 1-800-869-3557 for general customer service. A representative will walk you through the details and process the transfer, though you may need to verify your identity with security questions or a PIN.
Key Takeaways
- Online wire transfers at Bank of America process the same business day if submitted before 2 p.m. Eastern Time for domestic transfers.
- You need the recipient's full name, bank routing number, account number, and bank name to complete any wire transfer.
- Bank of America charges a fee for wire transfers—domestic wires typically cost $15 and international wires $45, though fees vary by account type.
- Once a wire transfer is sent, it cannot be stopped or reversed, so verify all recipient details before confirming.
- International wire transfers may take one to three business days to arrive, depending on the destination country and receiving bank.
What information you need before you start
Gather the recipient's banking details before you begin. You'll need their full legal name exactly as it appears on their bank account, their bank account number, and their bank's routing number. For international transfers, you'll also need the bank's SWIFT code (an eight or eleven-character code that identifies the bank worldwide) and sometimes an IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which is used in Europe and many other countries.
If you're sending money to someone at a large bank, you can usually find the routing number on the bank's website or by calling them directly. Ask the recipient to double-check their account number with you—a single digit wrong will send the money to the wrong account, and recovery is difficult. For international transfers, ask the recipient to provide the SWIFT code themselves rather than looking it up, since banks sometimes use multiple codes.
Have your Bank of America account information ready as well. You'll need to know which account the money is coming from if you have multiple accounts. The online system will show you your available balance before you submit, so you can confirm you have enough funds to cover both the transfer amount and the wire fee.
Domestic wire transfers versus international wire transfers
Domestic wire transfers stay within the United States and typically arrive the same business day or the next business day. Bank of America charges $15 for a domestic wire transfer from a checking or savings account. The transfer leaves your account immediately after you submit it, but the receiving bank may take a few hours to post it to the recipient's account.
International wire transfers go to banks outside the United States and take longer—usually one to three business days depending on the destination country and the receiving bank's processing speed. Bank of America charges $45 for a standard international wire transfer. Some countries have slower banking systems or require additional verification steps, which can add time. If you're sending to a country with currency controls or sanctions restrictions, the transfer may be delayed or rejected.
International transfers also involve currency conversion if you're sending U.S. dollars to an account that holds a different currency. Bank of America will convert the dollars at its exchange rate, which includes a markup. You'll see the conversion rate and the amount the recipient will receive in their local currency before you confirm the transfer. If you want to lock in a specific exchange rate or send money more cheaply internationally, consider whether a service like Wise or OFX might be cheaper for your specific destination.
Wire transfer fees and what they cover
Bank of America's wire transfer fee is $15 for domestic transfers and $45 for international transfers as of the most recent update, though fees can change and may vary depending on your account type. Some premium accounts or accounts with high balances may have lower fees or waived wire transfers—check your account terms or ask a teller. The fee is deducted from your account when you submit the transfer, so your available balance must cover both the transfer amount and the fee.
The fee covers Bank of America's processing and verification of the transfer. It does not cover fees that the receiving bank may charge on their end. Some banks charge the recipient a fee to receive an incoming wire transfer, typically $10 to $15. If the recipient is expecting a specific amount, let them know that their bank may deduct a fee from what they receive.
If you cancel a wire transfer before it's sent, Bank of America may refund the fee, but once the transfer is submitted and leaves the bank, the fee is non-refundable. Check your account terms or call customer service to confirm the cancellation policy for your specific account type.
When the wire transfer doesn't arrive on time
If a domestic wire transfer doesn't arrive within one business day, contact Bank of America customer service with your confirmation number. They can trace the wire and confirm whether it left your account and where it is in the receiving bank's system. Provide the recipient's bank name, account number, and routing number so the bank can search their incoming transfers.
International wire transfers can take up to three business days, so wait at least three business days before contacting the bank if the money hasn't arrived. When you do call, have the same information ready: your confirmation number, the recipient's bank details, and the exact amount sent. Bank of America can contact the receiving bank to locate the transfer, though this process can take several days.
If the wire was sent to the wrong account by mistake—wrong account number or routing number—contact Bank of America immediately. They can attempt to recall the transfer, 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 against the recipient or their bank. This is why verifying all details before submitting is critical.
How to cancel or stop a wire transfer
You can cancel a wire transfer only if you contact Bank of America before it's processed and sent out of the bank. For online transfers, call customer service immediately after submitting—the window is usually just a few minutes to an hour, depending on the time of day and how quickly the bank's system processes it. Have your confirmation number ready. If the transfer has already left the bank, cancellation is not possible.
For wire transfers submitted in person at a branch, ask the teller immediately if the transfer can be stopped. If you submitted it online and realize the mistake within minutes, call the branch where you bank or call the main customer service line and explain the situation. The sooner you call, the better your chances.
Once a wire transfer has been sent to the receiving bank, you cannot stop it through Bank of America. At that point, you would need to contact the receiving bank directly and ask them to reverse it, which they are not obligated to do. This is why wire transfers are considered final—treat them as irreversible once you hit submit.
Wire transfer limits and daily maximums
Bank of America does not publish a single wire transfer limit that applies to all customers. Limits depend on your account type, how long you've had the account, your account history, and your relationship with the bank. New accounts typically have lower limits than established accounts. Premium accounts may have higher limits.
If you're trying to send a large wire transfer and it's rejected, call Bank of America customer service to ask what your current limit is and whether it can be increased. They may ask you to verify the purpose of the transfer or provide documentation, especially for amounts over $10,000. Transfers over $10,000 trigger federal reporting requirements, but this does not prevent the transfer—it just means the bank files a Currency Transaction Report (CTR) with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
If you need to send more than your limit allows, you can split the transfer into multiple wire transfers on different days, though each one will incur a separate fee. Alternatively, ask whether Bank of America can temporarily increase your limit for a one-time transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send a wire transfer on a weekend or holiday?
No. Wire transfers only process on business days when the banking system is open. If you submit a wire transfer on a Friday after 2 p.m., Saturday, Sunday, or a federal holiday, it will process on the next business day. The cutoff time for same-day processing is typically 2 p.m. Eastern Time on weekdays.
What happens if I send a wire transfer to the wrong account number?
The money will go to whatever account has that routing number and account number, which may belong to someone else. Contact Bank of America immediately with your confirmation number and ask them to attempt a recall. If the receiving bank has already released the funds to the account holder, recovery is difficult and may require police involvement or a civil lawsuit.
Do I need to tell the recipient I'm sending a wire transfer?
Yes. Let them know the amount, the date you're sending it, and approximately when it should arrive. This way they can watch for it and let you know if it doesn't show up. Provide them with your confirmation number so they can help trace it if needed.
Can I send a wire transfer from someone else's Bank of America account?
No. You can only send a wire transfer from an account in your own name. If you need to send money on behalf of someone else, they must initiate the transfer themselves or give you power of attorney over their account.
Is a wire transfer the same as an ACH transfer?
No. Wire transfers are faster and more expensive—they typically arrive the same day or next day and cost $15 to $45. ACH transfers are slower and cheaper—they typically take three to five business days and often cost nothing. Use a wire transfer when speed matters; use ACH for routine bills and transfers that can wait a few days.