Bank of America's wire transfer methods and what each one costs

Bank of America offers three ways to send money: a domestic wire transfer (within the US), an international wire transfer (outside the US), and a same-day transfer through Zelle if the recipient is also on Zelle. Domestic wires cost $15 per transfer. International wires cost $45 for standard delivery or $50 for expedited delivery. Zelle transfers are free but only work between enrolled users and cap out at $2,000 per transaction (though this limit can be higher for some account holders).

The method you choose depends on where the money is going, how fast it needs to arrive, and whether the recipient has a Bank of America account or uses Zelle. If you are sending money to someone outside the US or need the funds to arrive the same day, a wire transfer is your only option. If both you and the recipient use Zelle, that is the cheapest route.

Key Takeaways

  • Domestic wire transfers through Bank of America cost $15 and typically arrive within one business day; you will need the recipient's routing number, account number, and full name.
  • International wire transfers cost $45 to $50 depending on speed, and you will need the recipient's SWIFT code or IBAN in addition to their bank details.
  • Zelle transfers are free and arrive within minutes if both parties are enrolled, but they are limited to $2,000 per transaction for most accounts.
  • You can initiate a wire through the Bank of America website, mobile app, or by calling 1-800-869-3557, but you cannot cancel a wire once it has been sent.

How to send a domestic wire transfer

Log into your Bank of America account online or through the mobile app. Select "Transfer Money" and then choose "Wire Transfer." Enter the recipient's full name exactly as it appears on their bank account, their routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies their bank), and their account number. Double-check all details before submitting—wires cannot be reversed once sent.

The $15 fee will be deducted from your account when ready. The money typically arrives within one business day, though it can take longer if the receiving bank processes transfers on a delayed schedule. If you need the wire to arrive the same day, call 1-800-869-3557 before 2 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day to speak with a representative, though same-day processing is not may provide and may incur additional fees.

How to send an international wire transfer

International wires require more information because the money is crossing borders. Log into your Bank of America account and select "Wire Transfer," then choose the international option. You will need the recipient's full name, their bank account number, and either their bank's SWIFT code (an eight or eleven-character code that identifies banks worldwide) or their IBAN (International Bank Account Number, used primarily in Europe and some other regions).

You will also need to provide the recipient's bank name and address. The fee is $45 for standard delivery (three to five business days) or $50 for expedited delivery (one to two business days). The actual arrival time depends on the receiving country and bank—some countries have slower clearing processes. Ask the recipient's bank for their SWIFT code and IBAN before you initiate the transfer to avoid delays.

Using Zelle for faster, free transfers

Zelle is a peer-to-peer payment system that Bank of America customers can use to send money to other Zelle users when ready and for free. Both you and the recipient must be enrolled in Zelle, which you can do through the Bank of America app or website. The money arrives within minutes on business days and within a few hours on weekends.

Zelle transfers are capped at $2,000 per transaction for most accounts, though some customers have higher limits. You only need the recipient's email address or phone number—no routing numbers or account numbers required. Zelle is best for sending money to friends, family, or people you know well, since the transfers cannot be reversed if you send money to the wrong person.

What information you need before you start

For a domestic wire, gather the recipient's full name, routing number, and account number. The routing number is usually printed on the bottom left of a check, or the recipient can contact their bank directly. For an international wire, you will also need the SWIFT code or IBAN and the recipient's bank name and address.

For Zelle, you only need the recipient's email address or phone number, and they must already be enrolled in Zelle. If you are unsure whether someone uses Zelle, ask them directly or try sending a small test transfer—Zelle will tell you if the recipient is not enrolled.

What happens after you send the wire

Once you submit a wire transfer, the money leaves your account when ready and the fee is charged. You will receive a confirmation number—save this for your records. You cannot cancel or reverse a wire transfer after it has been sent, even if you made a mistake with the recipient's information.

If you realize you sent money to the wrong account, contact Bank of America when ready at 1-800-869-3557. They can attempt to contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the funds, but there is no may provide the money will come back. This is why double-checking all details before submitting is critical.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set up a recurring wire transfer?

Bank of America does not offer automatic recurring wire transfers through the standard wire system. You can set up recurring transfers through their bill pay feature if the recipient is a business that accepts that method, but for regular person-to-person wires, you will need to initiate each transfer manually.

What if the wire transfer fails?

If a wire fails, Bank of America will typically return the funds to your account within three to five business days. The bank will notify you of the failure and the reason—usually because the routing number or account number was incorrect. Contact 1-800-869-3557 to find out the specific reason and to confirm the money is being returned.

Is there a limit on how much I can wire?

Bank of America does not publish a single wire transfer limit that applies to all customers. Limits vary based on your account type and history. Contact the bank at 1-800-869-3557 or log into your account to see your specific limit, or attempt a transfer and the system will tell you if you have exceeded it.

Can I wire money from a savings account or only checking?

You can wire money from either a checking or savings account at Bank of America. The process is the same regardless of account type. The $15 domestic wire fee applies to both.