Wire money at Bank of America in person, online, or by phone
You can send a wire transfer through Bank of America three ways: walk into a branch with the recipient's details, use the online banking portal, or call the wire transfer line. In-person wires are processed the same business day if you arrive before the branch closes. Online wires through the BofA website or mobile app also move same-day if submitted before the cutoff time, which is typically 2 p.m. Eastern time on weekdays. Phone wires take slightly longer because a representative must verify your identity and the transfer details before sending.
The recipient needs a bank account number, routing number, and the name of their bank. If the wire is going to another country, you will also need the recipient's SWIFT code or IBAN (International Bank Account Number). Bank of America charges a domestic wire fee of around $15 and an international wire fee of around $45, though these amounts can vary by account type. Some premium accounts waive wire fees entirely.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America processes domestic wires the same business day if you submit them before 2 p.m. Eastern time on a weekday.
- You can initiate a wire in person at any branch, through online banking, or by calling 1-800-869-3557 for the wire transfer department.
- Domestic wires cost around $15 and international wires cost around $45, though fees vary by account type and some accounts waive them.
- The recipient's bank account number, routing number, and bank name are required; international wires also need a SWIFT code or IBAN.
- Once a wire leaves your account, it cannot be stopped or reversed, so verify all recipient details before confirming the transfer.
Wire money online through Bank of America's website or app
Log into your Bank of America online banking account or open the mobile app. Select "Transfer Money" or "Wire Funds" from the menu. Choose the account you want to send from, then select "Wire Transfer" as the transfer type. Enter the recipient's full name, bank account number, routing number, and the name and location of their bank. For domestic wires, this is all you need. For international wires, you will also enter the recipient's SWIFT code or IBAN.
Enter the amount you want to send and review all details carefully—especially the account number and routing number, since wires cannot be reversed once sent. Confirm the transfer. Bank of America will show you a confirmation number and the expected delivery date. Domestic wires typically arrive within one business day; international wires take three to five business days depending on the receiving bank's processing speed.
Wire money in person at a Bank of America branch
Bring a valid photo ID and the recipient's banking information to any Bank of America branch. Tell the teller you want to send a wire transfer. Provide the recipient's full name, account number, routing number, and bank name. The teller will enter this information into the system, show you the details on screen, and ask you to confirm everything is correct. You will also need to provide the amount you want to send and authorize the wire with your signature.
The teller will give you a receipt with a confirmation number and expected delivery date. Keep this receipt. In-person wires are processed immediately if you arrive before the branch closes, so the money leaves your account the same day. If you arrive after the branch closes or on a weekend, the wire will be processed the next business day.
Wire money by phone through Bank of America
Call the Bank of America wire transfer line at 1-800-869-3557. A representative will verify your identity by asking security questions or requesting information from your account. Once verified, provide the recipient's full name, account number, routing number, and bank name. For international wires, also provide the SWIFT code or IBAN. Tell the representative the amount you want to send.
The representative will read back all the details to you and ask you to confirm everything is correct before processing the wire. You will receive a confirmation number over the phone. Write it down. The wire will be processed the same business day if you call before 2 p.m. Eastern time on a weekday. If you call after hours or on a weekend, the wire will be processed the next business day.
What information you need before wiring money
Gather the recipient's details before you start the wire. You will need their full legal name exactly as it appears on their bank account, their bank account number, and the routing number of their bank. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the bank. If you do not have the routing number, you can search for it on the Federal Reserve's routing number database or ask the recipient's bank directly.
For domestic wires within the United States, this information is sufficient. For international wires, you will also need the recipient's SWIFT code (an eight or eleven-character code that identifies their bank internationally) or their IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which is a longer alphanumeric code used in Europe and some other regions. Ask the recipient which one their bank uses. Some banks use both. Including the wrong code will delay the wire or cause it to be rejected.
Wire transfer fees and timing at Bank of America
Bank of America charges approximately $15 for domestic wire transfers and approximately $45 for international wire transfers. These fees are deducted from your account when the wire is sent. Some account types, such as certain premium or wealth management accounts, may have wire fees waived. Check your account terms or call customer service to confirm whether your account includes free wires.
Domestic wires sent before 2 p.m. Eastern time on a business day arrive the same day or the next business day, depending on the receiving bank's processing schedule. International wires take three to five business days because they pass through multiple banks and currency conversion systems. Weekends and holidays do not count as business days, so a wire sent on Friday afternoon will not arrive until Monday or later. Once a wire is sent, you cannot stop it or reverse it, so make sure all details are correct before you confirm.
What to do if a wire transfer goes wrong
If a wire does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact Bank of America immediately. Call 1-800-869-3557 and provide your confirmation number. A representative can check the status of the wire and tell you whether it has been sent, is pending, or has been rejected. If the wire was rejected, the money will be returned to your account within one to three business days, and the representative can tell you why it was rejected—usually because of an incorrect account number or routing number.
If the wire was sent but the recipient's bank did not receive it, Bank of America can file a trace request with the receiving bank to locate the funds. This process takes five to seven business days. If the funds are found, they will be released to the recipient. If they cannot be located, the money will be returned to your Bank of America account. If you sent money to the wrong person or account by mistake, contact Bank of America right away, though recovery is not may provide since wires are generally irreversible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?
No. Once a wire leaves your Bank of America account, it cannot be stopped or reversed. This is why you must verify all recipient details—especially the account number and routing number—before confirming the transfer. If you realize you made a mistake immediately after sending, call 1-800-869-3557 right away, but recovery is not may provide.
How long does a wire transfer take at Bank of America?
Domestic wires sent before 2 p.m. Eastern time on a weekday arrive the same day or next business day. International wires take three to five business days. Weekends and holidays do not count as business days, so timing depends on when you send the wire and the receiving bank's processing speed.
What is the difference between a wire transfer and an ACH transfer?
A wire transfer moves money directly from one bank account to another and arrives within one to five business days. An ACH transfer is slower (three to five business days for most transfers) but costs less or nothing. Wire transfers are irreversible; ACH transfers can sometimes be stopped if you contact your bank quickly enough.
Do I need a Bank of America account to receive a wire transfer?
No. The recipient needs a bank account at any U.S. bank (or international bank for international wires), but it does not have to be Bank of America. You only need to know their account number, routing number, and bank name to send them money.
What happens if I enter the wrong routing number?
The wire may be rejected by the receiving bank, or it may be sent to the wrong bank account. If rejected, the money returns to your Bank of America account within one to three business days. If sent to the wrong account, contact Bank of America immediately to file a trace request, though recovery is not may provide.