Wire transfers from Bank of America take one to two business days and cost between $0 and $45 depending on whether you're sending money domestically or internationally
Bank of America offers three ways to send a wire transfer: through their website, mobile app, or by calling their wire transfer line. Domestic wires (money staying within the US) typically arrive the next business day and cost $0 if you're a Preferred Rewards member or $15 for standard accounts. International wires take one to two business days and cost $45. You'll need the recipient's full name, account number, and routing number for domestic transfers, or their SWIFT code and international bank details for money going abroad.
The process is fastest online or through the app—you can initiate a wire in minutes if you have all the recipient information ready. Phone transfers take longer because you'll speak to a representative, but this route works if you're uncomfortable with digital banking or need to verify details before sending.
Key Takeaways
- Domestic wire transfers from Bank of America cost $15 for most customers ($0 for Preferred Rewards members) and arrive within one business day.
- International wire transfers cost $45 and require the recipient's SWIFT code, bank name, and international account details.
- You can send a wire through the Bank of America website, mobile app, or by calling 1-800-869-3557 to speak with a representative.
- Wire transfers are permanent once sent—Bank of America cannot reverse them, so verify the recipient's information before confirming.
How to send a domestic wire transfer online or through the app
Log into your Bank of America account on their website or open the mobile app. Navigate to the "Transfer & Pay" or "Transfers" section—the exact name varies slightly between the website and app. Select "Wire Transfer" from the menu. Enter the recipient's full name, routing number, and account number. Double-check these details against any document the recipient provided, because wires cannot be reversed once they leave your account.
Enter the amount you want to send and add any reference information (like an invoice number or payment purpose) in the memo field. Review the total cost—$15 will be deducted from your account along with the transfer amount. Confirm the transfer, and Bank of America will send it immediately. The money typically arrives in the recipient's account by the next business day, though some banks process wires on a delayed schedule.
How to send an international wire transfer
International wires require more information than domestic transfers. You'll need the recipient's SWIFT code (an eight or eleven-character code that identifies their bank), their full name, account number, and the name and country of their bank. Some international transfers also require an IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which your recipient can provide if their bank uses one.
Start the transfer the same way as a domestic wire—through the website or app—but select "International Wire Transfer" instead. Enter all the recipient's banking details exactly as they provided them. Misspelled names or incorrect SWIFT codes can cause the wire to be rejected or delayed. Bank of America charges $45 for international wires. The money typically arrives within one to two business days, though some international banks process incoming wires more slowly.
Sending a wire transfer by phone
Call Bank of America's wire transfer line at 1-800-869-3557. A representative will verify your identity by asking for your account number, Social Security number, or other identifying information. Tell them the recipient's name, account number, and routing number (for domestic) or SWIFT code and international details (for international transfers). The representative will read back the information to confirm it's correct before processing the wire.
Phone transfers take longer than online transfers because the representative must manually enter your information into their system. The wire will still arrive within one to two business days. This method works best if you're uncomfortable using the website or app, or if you want a representative to double-check the recipient's details before the money leaves your account.
What information you need before sending a wire
| Transfer Type | Information Required |
|---|---|
| Domestic wire | Recipient's full name, account number, routing number |
| International wire | Recipient's full name, account number, SWIFT code, bank name, country |
Ask the recipient to provide this information in writing or through a secure message—do not rely on verbal instructions, because a single digit wrong in an account number or routing number will send the money to the wrong place. If the recipient is unsure of their routing number, they can find it on a check or by asking their bank directly. For international transfers, the recipient's bank can provide the SWIFT code and any other details Bank of America needs.
Never send a wire based on instructions from an email or text message, even if it appears to come from someone you know. Scammers often intercept email and pose as business contacts or family members to redirect wire transfers. If you're unsure whether a wire request is legitimate, call the person directly using a phone number you know is correct.
Wire transfer fees and timing
Bank of America's wire transfer fees depend on your account type and whether the wire is domestic or international. Domestic wires cost $15 for most customers, but $0 if you have a Preferred Rewards membership (which requires maintaining a minimum balance or having a mortgage with Bank of America). International wires cost $45 regardless of account type. These fees are deducted from your account along with the transfer amount.
Domestic wires typically arrive within one business day if you send them before the bank's cutoff time, usually 2 p.m. Eastern Time on weekdays. Wires sent after the cutoff or on weekends are processed the next business day. International wires take one to two business days to reach the recipient's bank, though the recipient's bank may take additional time to post the money to their account. Bank of America does not control how quickly the receiving bank processes the wire.
What happens if a wire transfer goes wrong
If you realize you made a mistake immediately after sending a wire, call Bank of America right away at 1-800-869-3557. If the wire has not yet left their system, a representative may be able to cancel it. Once the wire has been sent, Bank of America cannot reverse it or recover the money—the wire is permanent and the receiving bank controls whether to return it.
If the money was sent to the wrong account number or routing number, contact Bank of America and provide them with the details of the incorrect wire. They can attempt to contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the funds, but this is not may provide. The receiving bank is under no obligation to send the money back, and recovery can take weeks or months. This is why verifying the recipient's information before confirming the wire is critical.
If you believe a wire transfer was sent fraudulently or without your permission, report it to Bank of America immediately. They will investigate and may be able to recover the funds if the wire has not yet been processed by the receiving bank. Fraudulent wire transfers are covered under different rules than other types of fraud, so report it as soon as you notice it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?
Only if you call Bank of America immediately and the wire has not yet left their system—usually within minutes of sending it. Once the wire has been transmitted to the receiving bank, it cannot be reversed. Bank of America can ask the receiving bank to return the funds, but they are not required to do so.
How do I know if a wire transfer arrived?
The recipient's bank will deposit the money into their account and send them a notification. You can check your Bank of America account to confirm the wire was sent—it will appear as a deduction from your balance. If the recipient says they did not receive the money after two business days, ask them to contact their bank to confirm the wire arrived.
Is there a limit to how much I can wire transfer?
Bank of America does not publish a specific wire transfer limit, but your account may have daily or monthly limits based on your account type and history. Call 1-800-869-3557 to ask about limits on your account, or check your account settings online to see if a limit is displayed.
Do I need to tell Bank of America before sending a large wire transfer?
You do not need permission, but Bank of America may flag unusually large transfers for fraud review. If your wire is delayed or rejected, it may be because the bank is verifying the transaction. Call them to confirm the wire is legitimate and they can process it.
What's the difference between a wire transfer and an ACH transfer?
Wire transfers are faster (one to two business days) and more expensive ($15 to $45), while ACH transfers are slower (three to five business days) and usually free. Use a wire transfer when you need money to arrive quickly or when sending to someone outside the US. Use ACH for routine bills and transfers between your own accounts.