Wire transfers from Bank of America: the basic steps

To send a wire transfer from Bank of America, you log into your account online or through the mobile app, select "Transfer Money," choose "Wire Transfer," enter the recipient's bank details and routing number, confirm the amount and delivery date, 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; save it.

The recipient's bank receives the money within one to two business days for domestic transfers, or three to five business days for international wires, depending on the receiving country and whether the bank uses SWIFT or other intermediary networks. Bank of America charges a fee for outgoing wires: $15 for domestic transfers and $45 for international transfers as of the most recent update, though fees can change.

Key Takeaways

  • Wire transfers from Bank of America require the recipient's full name, bank account number, routing number (for domestic) or SWIFT code (for international), and the amount you want to send.
  • Domestic wires typically arrive within one to two business days; international wires take three to five business days depending on the destination country.
  • Bank of America charges $15 for domestic wire transfers and $45 for international ones, deducted from your account at the time of transfer.
  • You can initiate a wire through online banking, the mobile app, or by calling Bank of America directly, but you cannot reverse a wire once it has been sent.
  • If you do not have the recipient's routing number or SWIFT code, you can call Bank of America's wire transfer line and they will look it up for you.

What information you need before you start

Gather the recipient's details before you log in. For a domestic wire, you need their full legal name (exactly as it appears on their account), their bank account number, and their bank's routing number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the receiving bank; you can find it on a check, by calling the recipient's bank, or by searching the American Bankers Association routing number database online.

For an international wire, you need the recipient's full name, their account number, and their bank's SWIFT code (also called a BIC code). Some countries also require an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) instead of or in addition to the account number. Ask the recipient or their bank which details are required for their country. If you provide incorrect information, the wire may be delayed, rejected, or sent to the wrong account—and reversing it is difficult or impossible.

Sending a wire through online banking or the mobile app

Log into your Bank of America account at bankofamerica.com or open the mobile app. On the home screen, select "Transfer Money" or look for a "Transfers" tab. Choose "Wire Transfer" from the menu. You will be asked whether this is a domestic or international wire; select the correct option.

Enter the recipient's information in the fields provided. For a new recipient, you will need to add them to your contacts first—Bank of America will ask for their name, bank name, account number, and routing number (or SWIFT code for international). Review the information carefully; any error will delay or misdirect the transfer. Enter the amount you want to send and select the delivery date. For same-day delivery, submit before 2 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day. Confirm the details, review the fee, and submit. Bank of America will display a confirmation number; write it down or take a screenshot.

Sending a wire by phone or in person

If you prefer not to use online banking, call Bank of America's wire transfer line at 1-800-869-3557. Have your account number, the recipient's information, and the amount ready. A representative will walk you through the process, look up routing numbers or SWIFT codes if needed, and process the wire over the phone. This method takes longer than online submission but can be useful if you have questions or need help locating the recipient's bank details.

You can also visit a Bank of America branch in person and ask a teller to send a wire for you. Bring your ID and the recipient's information. In-person wires are processed the same day if submitted before the branch's cutoff time, which varies by location. Call ahead to confirm your branch's hours and wire cutoff time.

Timing: when the money arrives and when it leaves your account

The money leaves your Bank of America account immediately after you submit the wire, even if the recipient's bank has not yet received it. You will see the debit in your account within hours. The recipient's bank receives domestic wires within one to two business days; international wires typically take three to five business days, though some countries take longer. Weekends and holidays extend these timelines.

If you submit a wire after the cutoff time (2 p.m. Eastern for domestic, earlier for international), it will be processed the next business day. If you submit on a Friday after cutoff, the wire will not leave Bank of America until Monday, and the recipient will not receive it until Tuesday or Wednesday at the earliest. Plan ahead if the money needs to arrive by a specific date.

What to do if a wire transfer goes wrong

If the recipient says they never received the money, contact Bank of America immediately with your confirmation number. Bank of America can trace the wire and determine whether it was delivered to the receiving bank. If the receiving bank received it but the recipient's account was not credited, the problem is on the receiving bank's side, and the recipient will need to contact their bank to investigate.

If Bank of America sent the wire to the wrong account because you provided incorrect information, recovery is difficult. The receiving bank may be able to reverse the transfer if you contact them quickly, but they are not required to do so. If the recipient's bank refuses to reverse it, you may have no recourse. This is why verifying the recipient's details before submitting is critical.

Bank of America cannot reverse a wire once it has been sent. If you realize you made a mistake immediately after submitting, call the wire transfer line right away—if the wire has not yet left the bank, they may be able to cancel it. Once it has been transmitted to the receiving bank, cancellation is not possible.

Wire transfer fees and alternatives

Bank of America charges $15 for domestic wire transfers and $45 for international wires. These fees are deducted from your account at the time of transfer. Some Bank of America accounts (such as certain premium checking or wealth management accounts) may have reduced or waived wire fees; check your account terms or call to confirm.

If you are sending money frequently or to multiple recipients, consider alternatives. ACH transfers (Automated Clearing House) are free or low-cost and work for most domestic payments, but they take three to five business days. Peer-to-peer payment apps like Zelle, PayPal, or Venmo are instant or nearly instant for small amounts and have no fee if both parties use the same platform. For international transfers, services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) often charge lower fees than banks and offer better exchange rates. Wire transfers are best for large amounts, urgent payments, or situations where the recipient needs funds quickly and cannot use other methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?

Not once it has left Bank of America's system. If you realize the mistake within minutes of submitting, call the wire transfer line immediately at 1-800-869-3557 and ask if the wire can be recalled. If it has already been transmitted to the receiving bank, cancellation is not possible. This is why reviewing all details before submitting is essential.

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

Wire transfers are faster (one to two business days for domestic) and more expensive ($15 at Bank of America), and the money leaves your account immediately. ACH transfers are slower (three to five business days) and usually free or low-cost, and the money does not leave your account until the transfer clears. Use wires for urgent or large payments; use ACH for routine bills and transfers where timing is flexible.

Do I need to tell the recipient I am sending a wire?

It is a good idea to notify them beforehand so they know to expect the money and can watch for it. Provide them with the amount and the approximate arrival date. If they do not receive it within the expected timeframe, they can contact their bank to investigate.

What happens if I send a wire to the wrong account number?

The wire will be delivered to the account number you provided, even if it belongs to the wrong person or institution. Recovery depends on whether the receiving bank will reverse the transfer, which is not may provide. Always verify the recipient's account number and routing number before submitting.

Can I send a wire transfer from a savings account?

Yes, Bank of America allows wire transfers from both checking and savings accounts. The process is the same, and the fee applies regardless of account type.