Wire transfers from Bank of America: the basic steps
You can send a wire transfer from Bank of America through online banking, mobile app, phone, or in person at a branch. The fastest route is usually online or the app if you have the recipient's bank details ready. Bank of America processes domestic wires (within the US) the same business day if you send before the cutoff time, which is typically 2 p.m. Eastern time on weekdays. International wires take longer — usually one to three business days depending on the destination country and whether the receiving bank needs additional information.
Before you start, gather the recipient's full name, bank account number, and routing number (for domestic transfers) or SWIFT code and IBAN (for international transfers). If you don't have these details, ask the recipient directly or check their bank's website. Bank of America will ask you to confirm this information before the wire leaves, so accuracy matters — a wrong account number can send money to the wrong person, and recovery is difficult.
Key Takeaways
- Domestic wires from Bank of America process the same business day if sent before 2 p.m. Eastern time on weekdays; international wires typically take one to three business days.
- You need the recipient's full name, account number, and routing number for domestic transfers, or SWIFT code and IBAN for international transfers.
- Bank of America charges a fee for wire transfers — domestic wires cost around $15 and international wires around $45, though fees vary by account type.
- Once a wire leaves your account, you cannot cancel it; if you send money to the wrong account, contact Bank of America immediately but recovery is not may provide.
Sending a wire through Bank of America online banking
Log into your Bank of America online account and look for "Transfer Money" or "Wire Transfer" in the main menu. Click on "Wire Transfer" and select whether the transfer is domestic or international. The system will ask you to enter the recipient's information: full name, account number, routing number (domestic) or SWIFT code and IBAN (international), and the amount you want to send.
Bank of America will show you the fee before you confirm — domestic wires are typically $15 and international wires around $45, though some account types have different rates. Review all the details carefully, especially the recipient's name and account number. Once you click confirm, the wire is submitted. You'll receive a confirmation number immediately; save this for your records. The money leaves your account right away, even though it may take time to reach the recipient's bank.
Using the Bank of America mobile app
Open the Bank of America app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines). Select "Transfer Money" and then "Wire Transfer." Choose domestic or international, then enter the recipient's details the same way you would online. The app works identically to the website — you'll see the fee, confirm the details, and receive a confirmation number.
The app is useful if you're away from a computer, but make sure you're on a secure connection (your home WiFi or cellular data, not public WiFi). If you've sent wires to this recipient before, Bank of America may save their information, so you can select them from a list instead of typing everything again. This speeds up the process but also means you should double-check that you've selected the correct saved recipient.
Sending a wire by phone or at a branch
Call Bank of America at 1-800-869-3557 to send a wire over the phone. You'll need to verify your identity and provide the recipient's information. A representative will read back the details to confirm before processing. Phone wires take the same amount of time as online wires, but you lose the ability to review everything in writing before submitting.
You can also visit a Bank of America branch in person. Bring your ID and the recipient's information. A banker will help you fill out the wire transfer form and process it on the spot. In-person wires are useful if you're uncomfortable with online banking or if you need to wire a large amount and want to speak to someone directly. The processing time is the same as online or phone.
Fees and what they cover
Bank of America charges a flat fee for each wire transfer. Domestic wires (within the US) typically cost $15; international wires cost around $45. Some account types, such as premium checking or wealth management accounts, may have lower fees or waived wire fees — check your account details or call to confirm. The fee is deducted from your account at the time the wire is sent, so the total amount leaving your account is the transfer amount plus the fee.
The fee covers Bank of America's processing and transmission of the wire. It does not cover fees that the recipient's bank may charge on their end — some banks charge a fee to receive an incoming wire, and that comes out of the money the recipient gets. You cannot avoid this by paying the fee upfront; if the recipient's bank charges a fee, they will deduct it from the amount received.
What happens if you send money to the wrong account
Once a wire transfer leaves Bank of America, you cannot cancel it. The money is out of your account and on its way to the recipient's bank. If you realize you've made a mistake — wrong account number, wrong name, wrong amount — contact Bank of America immediately. Call the number on the back of your card or go to a branch. Provide your confirmation number and explain the error.
Bank of America can attempt to recall the wire, but success depends on whether the receiving bank has already processed it. If the money has already been deposited into the wrong account, the receiving bank may be able to reverse it, but only if the account holder cooperates. If the account holder refuses or cannot be reached, you may not recover the money. This is why confirming the recipient's details before sending is critical — a few seconds of verification can prevent a costly mistake.
Timing and cutoff times
Domestic wires sent before 2 p.m. Eastern time on a business day (Monday through Friday) will leave your account the same day. Wires sent after 2 p.m. or on weekends and holidays will be processed the next business day. The receiving bank typically receives the money within one business day of Bank of America sending it, though some banks post it the same day.
International wires take longer because they must pass through multiple banks and currency exchanges. Bank of America sends the wire the same day if you submit before 2 p.m. Eastern time, but the receiving bank in another country may take one to three additional business days to process it. Some countries have their own banking holidays, which can add delays. If you need the money to arrive by a specific date, send it several days early to account for delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?
No, you cannot cancel a wire transfer once it leaves Bank of America. If you realize you made a mistake immediately after sending, call Bank of America right away with your confirmation number. They can attempt to recall the wire, but success is not may provide — if the receiving bank has already processed the deposit, recovery depends on the account holder's cooperation.
What information do I need to send an international wire?
You need the recipient's full name, their bank's SWIFT code, the recipient's IBAN (International Bank Account Number), and the amount. Some countries also require an address or additional details. Ask the recipient for this information directly or check their bank's website. Bank of America will tell you if any information is missing before you submit.
Why is my wire taking longer than expected?
Domestic wires usually arrive within one business day, but delays can happen if the receiving bank is processing slowly or if there's a holiday. International wires routinely take two to three business days. If your wire has been in transit for longer than expected, contact Bank of America with your confirmation number — they can check the status with the receiving bank.
Do I pay the fee if the wire is rejected?
Bank of America's policy on rejected wires varies. If the wire is rejected because of incorrect information (wrong account number, closed account), the money returns to your account, but you may still be charged the wire fee. Call Bank of America to ask about their specific policy and whether the fee can be waived if the wire fails.
Can I send a wire to myself at another bank?
Yes, you can wire money from your Bank of America account to an account in your name at another bank. You'll need your own account number and routing number at the other bank. This is a common way to move money between banks and takes the same time as any other domestic wire.