Wire transfers from Bank of America: the basic steps
To send a wire transfer from Bank of America, log into your online banking account or call 1-800-869-3557, provide the recipient's bank details (routing number, account number, and bank name), specify the amount, and confirm the transfer. The money leaves your account immediately, though it may take one to two business days to reach the recipient's bank. Wire transfers are irreversible once sent, so verify all details before you confirm.
You can also walk into any Bank of America branch with your ID and ask a teller to send a wire. This method works if you do not have online access or prefer to handle it in person. The teller will ask for the same information: where the money is going, how much, and whose account it is going into.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America wire transfers cost $15 for domestic transfers and $45 for international transfers as of the last update, though fees vary by account type.
- You need the recipient's full name, bank routing number, account number, and bank name before you start the transfer.
- Domestic wires typically arrive within one business day; international wires take three to five business days.
- Once you send a wire, you cannot cancel it, so double-check the recipient's account number and routing number before confirming.
Sending a wire through Bank of America online banking
Log into your Bank of America account at bankofamerica.com. Click "Transfers" in the left menu, then select "Wire Money." Choose whether you are sending a domestic wire (within the United States) or an international wire. Bank of America will ask you to enter the recipient's information: their full name, the bank name and routing number, and their account number.
Enter the amount you want to send and review all the details on the confirmation screen. Bank of America will show you the fee (currently $15 for domestic, $45 for international, though this varies by account type) and the total that will leave your account. If everything is correct, click "Confirm" to send the wire. You will receive a confirmation number immediately.
Sending a wire by phone or in person
Call Bank of America's wire transfer line at 1-800-869-3557 and speak with a representative. Have the recipient's information ready: their name, bank name, routing number, and account number. The representative will process the wire over the phone and give you a confirmation number.
If you prefer to handle it in person, visit your nearest Bank of America branch with your ID. Tell the teller you want to send a wire transfer. They will collect the same information and process it at the counter. In-person wires are useful if you do not have online access or want to verify the details with someone before sending.
What information you need before you start
Gather these details about the recipient before you begin: their full legal name (exactly as it appears on their bank account), the name of their bank, the bank's routing number, and their account number. If the wire is going to another country, you may also need the recipient's address and the bank's SWIFT code (an international identifier for banks).
The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the recipient's bank. You can find it on a check, on the bank's website, or by calling the bank directly. The account number is usually 10 to 12 digits. Verify both with the recipient or their bank before you send the wire—a mistake in either one can send your money to the wrong account, and Bank of America cannot reverse the transfer once it is sent.
Wire transfer fees and timing
Bank of America charges $15 for domestic wire transfers and $45 for international wire transfers. Some account types (such as premium checking or wealth management accounts) may have lower fees or waived fees. Check your account details or call 1-800-869-3557 to confirm the fee for your specific account.
Domestic wires typically arrive within one business day. International wires take three to five business days, depending on the recipient's country and bank. The money leaves your Bank of America account on the day you send it, but the recipient's bank controls when it appears in their account. Weekend and holiday delays are common for international transfers.
What to do if a wire transfer goes wrong
If you sent a wire to the wrong account or the recipient never received it, contact Bank of America immediately at 1-800-869-3557. Have your confirmation number ready. Bank of America can attempt to recall the wire if it has not been claimed by the recipient's bank, but success is not may provide. If the money went to the wrong account, the receiving bank may be able to reverse it, but this requires cooperation from that bank and can take weeks.
If the recipient's bank says they never received the wire, ask Bank of America to trace it. Bank of America will contact the recipient's bank and request a status update. This process can take five to ten business days. Keep your confirmation number and all documentation of the transfer in case you need to file a dispute or report fraud.
Canceling a wire transfer
You can only cancel a wire transfer if you contact Bank of America before the money has been sent to the recipient's bank. Once the wire has left Bank of America's system, it cannot be canceled. Call 1-800-869-3557 immediately if you need to stop a wire. Have your confirmation number ready.
If the wire has already been sent, you cannot cancel it through Bank of America. Your only option is to ask the recipient's bank to reverse it, which they may refuse to do. This is why verifying all details before you confirm is critical—wire transfers are designed to be fast and final, not reversible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send a wire transfer from my Bank of America savings account?
Yes, you can send a wire from either a checking or savings account. The process is the same, and the fee applies regardless of account type. Some savings accounts may have limits on the number of transfers you can make per month, so check your account terms.
What is the maximum amount I can wire?
Bank of America does not publish a single maximum wire amount. Limits vary by account type and your banking history. Call 1-800-869-3557 to ask about limits on your specific account, or attempt the transfer online and the system will tell you if you have exceeded your limit.
Do I need to tell the IRS or my bank if I wire a large amount of money?
Banks report wire transfers over $10,000 to the IRS as part of federal anti-money-laundering rules. This is automatic and does not mean you have done anything wrong. If you are sending a large wire for a legitimate reason (buying property, paying taxes, business expenses), you do not need to take any action.
How do I know if the wire was received?
Ask the recipient to confirm they received the money in their account. Bank of America's confirmation number only proves the wire left your account, not that it arrived. If the recipient does not see it after the expected number of business days, contact Bank of America to trace the transfer.
Can I wire money to a person's name instead of an account number?
No. Wire transfers require a specific account number and routing number. Sending to a name alone risks the money going to the wrong account. Always get the account number and routing number directly from the recipient or their bank.