You can deposit money into your Bank of America checking account from outside the US, but the method depends on where you are and what kind of deposit you're making

Bank of America offers several ways to move money into your checking account internationally. The most common routes are wire transfers from another bank, mobile check deposit if you have a physical check, and transfers from other Bank of America accounts you hold abroad. Each method has different costs, timing, and requirements. The fastest option is usually a wire transfer, which typically arrives within one to three business days. The cheapest option is often a transfer between your own accounts if you have Bank of America access in the country where you are.

What you cannot do from abroad is walk into a branch and hand over cash, or use Bank of America's in-branch ATM deposit machines. You also cannot use the mobile app's check deposit feature if you're outside the US, because the app uses location services to verify you're in the country. Understanding which method works for your situation saves you time and money.

Key Takeaways

  • Wire transfers from another bank are the most reliable way to deposit money into your Bank of America checking account from abroad, taking one to three business days and costing between $15 and $50 depending on the sending bank.
  • Mobile check deposit through the Bank of America app does not work outside the US because the app blocks deposits based on your location.
  • If you have a Bank of America account in the country where you are, you can transfer money between your own accounts at no cost, usually within one business day.
  • International wire transfers into Bank of America require your account number, routing number (021000021 for most US accounts), and the bank's SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N), which you can find on the Bank of America website.
  • Some countries allow you to deposit checks by mail, but this takes two to four weeks and requires you to endorse the check and include a deposit slip.

Wire transfers: the most direct method

A wire transfer moves money from a bank account in another country directly into your Bank of America checking account. You initiate the transfer from your bank abroad, not from Bank of America. You will need to provide your Bank of America account number, the routing number (021000021), and the bank's SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N). Some banks also ask for your full name and address as it appears on your Bank of America account.

Wire transfers typically arrive within one to three business days, though some banks process them faster. The cost varies by your sending bank, not by Bank of America—you may pay $15 to $50 or more, depending on whether your bank charges a flat fee or a percentage of the amount. Bank of America does not charge you to receive a wire transfer. Ask your bank abroad about their fee before you send, because some banks charge different amounts for domestic versus international wires.

One important detail: if the wire transfer includes a reference or memo line, use it to note your account number or name. This helps Bank of America match the incoming money to your account quickly, especially if the sending bank's name does not match your name exactly.

Mobile check deposit does not work outside the US

Bank of America's mobile app includes a check deposit feature that lets you photograph a check and deposit it without visiting a branch. This feature is blocked outside the United States. When you try to use it from abroad, the app detects your location and prevents the deposit. This is a security measure Bank of America uses to prevent fraud.

If you have a physical check and you are abroad, your options are to mail the check to Bank of America or wait until you return to the US. Mailing a check takes two to four weeks and requires you to endorse the back of the check, write your account number on the back, and include a deposit slip. You can request a deposit slip by calling Bank of America's customer service or by downloading one from their website. Mail the check to the address Bank of America provides for check deposits—this varies by region.

Transfers between your own Bank of America accounts

If you have more than one Bank of America account—for example, a checking account in the US and a savings account at a Bank of America branch abroad—you can transfer money between them at no cost. Log into the Bank of America app or website, select "Transfer Money," and choose the account you want to transfer from and the account you want to transfer to. The money usually arrives within one business day.

This method works only if both accounts are registered in your name and both are with Bank of America. If you have an account with a different bank abroad, you cannot use this method. Some countries do not have Bank of America branches, so this option may not be available to you depending on where you are.

International ACH transfers: slower but sometimes cheaper

An ACH transfer is an electronic transfer between bank accounts, similar to a domestic transfer but processed internationally. Not all banks abroad support international ACH, and Bank of America does not always accept them into checking accounts. Before you attempt an ACH transfer, contact Bank of America to confirm they will accept one into your specific account.

If your bank abroad does support international ACH and Bank of America accepts it, the transfer typically takes five to ten business days and may cost less than a wire transfer. You will need the same information as a wire transfer: your account number, routing number, and sometimes the SWIFT code. The main drawback is the longer timeline, so ACH works better if you are not in a hurry.

What information Bank of America needs from you

When someone sends you money via wire transfer or ACH, they will ask you for your Bank of America account details. Here is what to provide:

  • Account number: Your 10-digit checking account number, found on your debit card or in the app.
  • Routing number: 021000021 for most Bank of America US checking accounts. Confirm this is correct for your specific account by logging into the app or calling customer service.
  • SWIFT code: BOFAUS3N for Bank of America in the United States.
  • Full name and address: Exactly as they appear on your Bank of America account.

Double-check all of this information before you give it to the sending bank. A mistake in the account number or routing number can delay the transfer or send the money to the wrong account. If you are unsure, log into your Bank of America account and verify the details yourself rather than relying on memory.

Timing and what to expect

Wire transfers are fastest, arriving in one to three business days in most cases. International ACH transfers take five to ten business days. Check deposits by mail take two to four weeks. Transfers between your own Bank of America accounts take one business day.

Business days do not include weekends or US federal holidays. If you send a wire transfer on a Friday evening, it may not process until Monday, and it may not arrive in your account until Wednesday or Thursday. Bank of America processes incoming transfers during business hours, so a transfer that arrives late in the day may not show in your account until the next business day.

Once the money arrives in your account, it is available when ready. Bank of America does not place a hold on incoming wire transfers or ACH transfers the way they sometimes do with check deposits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit cash into my Bank of America account from abroad?

No. Bank of America does not accept cash deposits from outside the US. You must convert the cash to your local currency at a bank or exchange service, then transfer the money electronically. If you are in a country with Bank of America branches, you may be able to deposit cash into a local Bank of America account and then transfer it to your US account.

What happens if I send money to the wrong account number?

The money will go to the account number you provided, which may belong to someone else. Contact Bank of America when ready and explain the mistake. They can sometimes recover the funds, but this process takes time. The sending bank may also be able to help. Always verify the account number before you send.

Do I need to tell Bank of America I am receiving a wire transfer from abroad?

No, you do not need to notify them in advance. However, if you are receiving a large transfer, Bank of America may flag it for fraud review and temporarily hold the funds. If this happens, you can call customer service to explain the transfer and speed up the release.

Can I use PayPal or Wise to deposit money into my Bank of America account?

Yes, both PayPal and Wise allow you to transfer money to a US bank account, including Bank of America. You would transfer money from PayPal or Wise to your Bank of America account using your account number and routing number. This is not a deposit in the traditional sense—it is a transfer from another financial service into your Bank of America account. Fees and timing vary by service.

Is there a limit to how much I can deposit from abroad?

Bank of America does not publish a specific limit for incoming transfers. However, large transfers may trigger fraud detection and a temporary hold. If you are regularly receiving large amounts, contact Bank of America to let them know what to expect. This can prevent delays.