Wire transfers from Bank of America move money out of your account within hours, not days
A wire transfer pulls money directly from your Bank of America account and sends it to another bank account, usually the same day. Unlike checks or ACH transfers (which take one to three business days), wire transfers are fast and irreversible — once the money leaves your account, you cannot cancel it. Bank of America charges a fee for outgoing domestic wire transfers (currently $15 for online, $20 in branch), and international wires cost more.
You can start a wire transfer through Bank of America's website, mobile app, or by calling or visiting a branch. You will need the recipient's full name, account number, routing number, and bank name. For international transfers, you will also need the SWIFT code or IBAN. The transfer typically completes the same business day if you send it before the bank's cutoff time, which is usually 2 p.m. Eastern Time on weekdays.
Key Takeaways
- Wire transfers from Bank of America cost $15 online or $20 in branch for domestic transfers, and the money leaves your account the same day.
- You need the recipient's full name, account number, routing number, and their bank's name before you start.
- Transfers sent before 2 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day usually arrive the same day; after that cutoff, they process the next business day.
- Wire transfers cannot be reversed once sent, so confirm all recipient details before you submit.
- International wire transfers take longer and cost more, and require a SWIFT code or IBAN in addition to the account details.
How to send a wire transfer online through Bank of America
Log into your Bank of America account on the website or mobile app. From the main menu, select "Transfer Money" or "Payments" (the exact label varies by app version). Choose "Wire Transfer" from the options. Select the account you want to send money from.
Enter the recipient's information: full name, account number, routing number, and the name of their bank. Double-check the account number and routing number character by character — a single digit wrong will send the money to the wrong account, and you will have to contact the receiving bank to recover it. Enter the amount and a reference note (optional, but useful for your records). Review all details, then submit.
Bank of America will show you the fee ($15 for online domestic transfers) and ask you to confirm. Once you submit, the transfer is locked in and cannot be stopped. You will receive a confirmation number — save this for your records.
Wire transfers by phone or in a Bank of America branch
Call Bank of America's wire transfer line at 1-800-869-3557 (available 24/7) or visit a local branch during business hours. Have the recipient's information ready: full name, account number, routing number, and bank name. The representative will walk you through the transfer and confirm all details before processing.
In-branch transfers cost $20 (compared to $15 online). Phone transfers are treated as online transfers and cost $15. The timing is the same: if you call or visit before 2 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day, the transfer usually completes the same day.
International wire transfers and SWIFT codes
International wire transfers follow the same process but require additional information. Instead of a routing number, you will need the recipient's bank's SWIFT code (an eight- or eleven-character code that identifies the bank worldwide) or their IBAN (International Bank Account Number, used mainly in Europe and some other regions). Ask the recipient which one their bank uses.
International wires typically take two to four business days to arrive, depending on the receiving country and whether the receiving bank needs to route the money through a correspondent bank. Bank of America charges a flat fee for international transfers (currently $45 for most countries, though some destinations cost more) plus a currency conversion fee if you are sending money in a currency other than US dollars. The exchange rate Bank of America uses is usually higher than the mid-market rate, meaning you will receive less money than if you converted at the true market rate.
If cost is a concern, compare Bank of America's international wire fees to services like Wise (formerly TransferWise), which specializes in international transfers and often charges less, especially for larger amounts.
What to do if a wire transfer goes to the wrong account
If you notice the error immediately after sending, call Bank of America right away at 1-800-869-3557. The bank can sometimes stop a transfer if it has not yet been delivered, but this is rare — most transfers complete within hours. If the money has already arrived at the wrong bank, Bank of America will file a recall request with the receiving bank, asking them to return the funds.
The receiving bank is not required to honor a recall, especially if the money has already been moved or spent. Recovery can take weeks or months, and there is no may provide you will get the money back. This is why confirming the account number and routing number before you send is critical — it is your only real protection.
Wire transfer cutoff times and when money arrives
Bank of America processes wire transfers submitted before 2 p.m. Eastern Time on business days (Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays) the same day. Transfers submitted after 2 p.m. or on weekends and holidays are queued for the next business day.
Domestic wire transfers typically arrive within a few hours of processing, though some receiving banks take until the next business day to post the money to the recipient's account. International transfers take longer — usually two to four business days depending on the destination country and whether the receiving bank uses a correspondent bank to process the transfer.
If you are sending money for a time-sensitive payment (like a down payment or a deadline), send it early in the business day and confirm with the recipient that they have received it before you consider the obligation met.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?
Not reliably. Once a wire transfer leaves Bank of America, it is out of your control. Call the bank immediately if you need to try, but most domestic transfers complete within hours and cannot be stopped. If the money has already arrived at the receiving bank, you will have to ask that bank to return it, and they are not required to do so.
What is the difference between a wire transfer and an ACH transfer?
A wire transfer moves money the same day and costs $15 to $20 from Bank of America. An ACH transfer takes one to three business days and is free. Use a wire transfer when you need money to arrive urgently or when you are sending a large amount. Use ACH for routine bills and transfers that are not time-sensitive.
Do I need a SWIFT code for a domestic wire transfer?
No. Domestic transfers use the routing number only. SWIFT codes are for international transfers. If you are sending money to another US bank account, you need only the routing number and account number.
What happens if the recipient's bank rejects the wire transfer?
If the receiving bank rejects the transfer (usually because the account number or routing number is invalid), the money returns to your Bank of America account within a few business days. Bank of America will notify you, and the fee is typically not refunded. You can then resend the transfer with corrected information.
Can I set up a recurring wire transfer?
Bank of America does not offer automatic recurring wire transfers through its standard platform. You can set up a recurring ACH transfer for free, or you can manually send a wire transfer each time you need to. For regular international payments, some businesses use services like Wise or Payoneer, which offer lower fees and can be set to repeat.