Wire transfer timing depends on the type and direction of the transfer
A domestic wire transfer sent through Bank of America typically arrives the same business day if you send it before the cutoff time, which is usually 2 p.m. Eastern Time on weekdays. International wire transfers take longer — usually three to five business days, though some can take up to ten days depending on the receiving country and bank.
The speed difference exists because domestic transfers move through a faster U.S. system called the Federal Reserve wire network, while international transfers must pass through multiple banks in different countries, each with their own processing times and time zones.
Weekends and bank holidays add delay. If you send a wire on Friday afternoon or over a weekend, it will not process until the next business day. The receiving bank's processing speed also matters — even if Bank of America sends the money quickly, the receiving institution may take an additional day or two to credit the account.
Key Takeaways
- Domestic wires sent before 2 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day usually arrive the same day.
- International wires typically take three to five business days, depending on the destination country and receiving bank.
- Wires sent after the cutoff time or on weekends will not process until the next business day.
- The receiving bank's processing speed can add one to two additional days even after Bank of America sends the transfer.
- You can check the status of your wire through Bank of America's online banking or by calling customer service.
Same-day domestic transfers and the 2 p.m. cutoff
Bank of America processes domestic wire transfers that arrive before 2 p.m. Eastern Time on business days and sends them to the Federal Reserve the same day. The Federal Reserve then routes the money to the receiving bank, which typically credits the account by end of business that day.
If you send a wire after 2 p.m. Eastern Time, it enters the queue for the next business day. This means a wire sent at 3 p.m. on Monday will not leave Bank of America until Tuesday morning, even though it will still likely arrive at the receiving bank the same day (Tuesday).
The receiving bank's hours also matter. If the receiving institution is on the West Coast and processes wires only until 5 p.m. Pacific Time, a wire that arrives at 4 p.m. Pacific will be credited that day. One that arrives at 6 p.m. Pacific may not be credited until the next morning.
International wire transfers and multi-country routing
International wires take longer because the money must travel through a chain of banks. Bank of America sends your wire to a correspondent bank in the destination country, which then sends it to the receiving bank. Each step involves verification, currency conversion if needed, and compliance checks.
The standard timeframe is three to five business days. A wire sent to Canada or Mexico may arrive in two to three days. A wire to Europe typically takes three to five days. Wires to Asia, Africa, or the Middle East can take five to ten days depending on the banking infrastructure and whether the receiving bank has a direct relationship with Bank of America or requires an intermediary.
You will need the recipient's full name, bank account number, bank name, and the bank's SWIFT code or routing information. Missing or incorrect details will cause the receiving bank to reject or delay the transfer while they contact you for clarification.
What happens when you send a wire on a weekend or holiday
Bank of America does not process wires on Saturdays, Sundays, or federal banking holidays. A wire sent on Friday at 1 p.m. will leave the same day. A wire sent on Friday at 3 p.m. or anytime Saturday will not process until Monday morning.
This matters most for international transfers. A wire sent on Friday afternoon destined for Europe will not leave Bank of America until Monday, meaning it arrives at the receiving bank on Tuesday or Wednesday at the earliest — two full days later than if you had sent it Thursday afternoon.
If you need a wire to arrive by a specific date, count backward from that date and account for weekends. If the money must arrive on Monday, send it no later than Thursday at 2 p.m. Eastern Time.
Tracking your wire and what to do if it is delayed
You can check the status of a domestic wire through Bank of America's online banking portal or mobile app. Log in, go to the wire transfer section, and look for the transfer you sent. It will show as pending, sent, or delivered.
For international wires, Bank of America provides a tracking number called a reference number when you send the transfer. Keep this number — if the wire does not arrive within the expected timeframe, you will need it to file a trace request.
If a domestic wire does not arrive within one business day, contact Bank of America's wire transfer department. If an international wire does not arrive within the timeframe stated at the time you sent it, call Bank of America and provide the reference number. They can submit a trace to the receiving bank to locate the funds. This process can take several additional days.
Fees and costs for wire transfers
Bank of America charges a fee for outgoing domestic wire transfers and a different fee for outgoing international wire transfers. The fee for a domestic wire is typically between $15 and $30 depending on whether you are a checking or savings account holder and your account tier. International wire fees are usually $45 to $50.
Some Bank of America accounts waive wire transfer fees if you maintain a minimum balance or have direct deposit set up. Check your account terms or call customer service to confirm whether your account qualifies for a waiver.
The receiving bank may also charge a fee to receive the wire, though this is less common for domestic transfers. International receiving fees are more common and can range from $10 to $25. These fees are deducted from the amount the recipient receives, not added to what you send.
Alternatives to wire transfers if you need faster or cheaper options
If speed is your main concern and the recipient has a Bank of America account, a same-day transfer through Zelle (which Bank of America offers through its online banking) can move money when ready or within minutes. Zelle transfers are free and do not have the same daily limits as wires, though individual banks set their own caps.
If cost is the concern, an ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House) is free or very low cost and takes one to three business days. ACH is slower than a wire but works well for planned payments like rent or bills where you have a few days' notice.
For international transfers, services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) or OFX often charge lower fees than bank wires and offer better exchange rates if currency conversion is involved. These services can take one to three business days depending on the destination country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?
Domestic wires cannot be cancelled once they leave Bank of America, which happens within minutes of you sending them. International wires may be cancellable within a short window (usually one to two hours) if you contact Bank of America when ready. After that window closes, the wire is in the banking system and cannot be stopped. If the wire was sent to the wrong account, you will need to contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the funds.
Why is my wire taking longer than expected?
Delays usually happen because of incorrect recipient information, compliance holds, or the receiving bank's processing backlog. Bank of America may also place a hold if the wire amount is unusually large or if your account has unusual activity. Call Bank of America with your reference number and ask them to check the status and reason for the delay.
Do I need to tell the receiving bank I am sending a wire?
You do not have to, but it is a good idea. If the receiving bank does not recognize the incoming wire or the account number does not match their records exactly, they may reject it or hold it pending verification. A quick call to the recipient to confirm they are expecting the transfer prevents this problem.
What is the difference between a wire transfer and an ACH transfer?
A wire transfer is faster (same day for domestic) and more expensive ($15 to $50), and it cannot be reversed once sent. An ACH transfer is slower (one to three days), free or very cheap, and can be disputed or reversed within a window. Use wires for urgent or large transfers; use ACH for routine payments where you have time.
Can I send a wire transfer from my savings account?
Yes, Bank of America allows wire transfers from both checking and savings accounts. The fee may differ between account types, and some savings accounts have limits on the number of transfers you can make per month. Check your account terms or call customer service to confirm your account's wire transfer rules.