How to Send Money From Your Bank of America Account

Wire transfers from Bank of America: the basic process

A wire transfer is when Bank of America moves money directly from your account to someone else's account at another bank. The money usually arrives the same day or next business day. You start the transfer yourself through your Bank of America account — either online, by phone, or in person at a branch — and you need the recipient's bank details before you begin.

Bank of America charges a fee for domestic wire transfers (money sent within the United States) and a different, usually higher fee for international wire transfers (money sent outside the United States). The fee comes out of your account at the time you send the transfer. You should know the fee amount before you confirm the transfer, so you can decide whether to proceed.

Key Takeaways

You can wire money through Bank of America's website, mobile app, by phone, or in person at a branch, and the method you choose depends on whether you are sending money domestically or internationally.
Before you start, you need the recipient's full name, their bank's routing number, their account number, and the amount you want to send.
Domestic wire transfers typically arrive the same business day if you send them before the bank's cutoff time, usually around 2 p.m. Eastern Time on weekdays.
Bank of America charges a fee for each wire transfer, and the amount varies depending on whether the transfer is domestic or international.
Once you send a wire transfer, you cannot cancel it if the money has already left your account, so double-check all details before you confirm.

What information you need before you start

Gather these details before you log in or call Bank of America. If any detail is wrong, the money may go to the wrong account or be delayed while the bank tries to sort it out.

For a domestic wire transfer, you need: the recipient's full name exactly as it appears on their bank account, their bank's routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies their bank), their account number, and the amount you want to send. You may also need their bank's name and address, depending on which method you use.

For an international wire transfer, you need all of the above plus the recipient's country, their address, and often a SWIFT code or IBAN (an international account identifier). Some countries require additional information. If you are unsure what information is needed for a specific country, call Bank of America before you start — they can tell you what the receiving bank requires.

Sending a wire transfer online or through the mobile app

Log into your Bank of America account on the website or open the mobile app. Look for "Transfer money" or "Wire transfer" — the exact wording varies depending on which version you are using. Select the account you want to send money from.

Choose whether you are sending money domestically or internationally. If this is the first time you are sending money to this recipient, you will need to add them as a new payee. Enter their name, bank details, and address as required. Bank of America will show you the fee amount before you confirm. Review all the details — especially the recipient's name and account number — then confirm the transfer.

The transfer usually processes when ready, and you will see it in your transaction history. You should receive a confirmation number. Save this number in case you need to contact the bank about the transfer later.

Sending a wire transfer by phone

Call Bank of America's customer service line at 1-800-432-1000. Have your account number and the recipient's information ready. A representative will walk you through the wire transfer process, confirm the fee, and process the transfer while you are on the phone.

The representative will read back all the details to you before finalizing the transfer. This is your chance to catch any errors. Once you confirm, the transfer is sent and cannot be reversed if the money has already left your account.

Sending a wire transfer in person at a branch

Visit a Bank of America branch with your ID and the recipient's information. Tell the teller you want to send a wire transfer. They will fill out the wire transfer form with you, show you the fee, and process the transfer. This method is useful if you prefer to handle the transfer face-to-face or if you have questions the teller can answer in real time.

Bring a written copy of the recipient's bank details if you have one, so there is less chance of a mistake. The teller will give you a receipt with a confirmation number.

How long the transfer takes and what happens next

Domestic wire transfers sent before the bank's cutoff time — usually around 2 p.m. Eastern Time on weekdays — arrive the same business day. Transfers sent after the cutoff or on weekends or holidays process on the next business day. International wire transfers typically take one to three business days, depending on the receiving country and bank.

You can track the status of your transfer in your Bank of America account. If the transfer does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact Bank of America with your confirmation number. They can check with the receiving bank to see where the money is.

What to do if something goes wrong

If you realize you made a mistake before the money leaves your account, contact Bank of America when ready. If the transfer has already processed, the bank may not be able to reverse it. Some mistakes — like a wrong account number — may cause the money to be returned to your account after the receiving bank rejects it, but this can take several days or weeks.

If the recipient never received the money and the receiving bank confirms it was not deposited there, contact Bank of America with your confirmation number. They can investigate and may be able to recover the funds, though this process takes time. This is why double-checking all details before you confirm is so important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?

If you contact Bank of America when ready after sending the transfer and before it has left their system, they may be able to stop it. Once the money has left Bank of America's account, cancellation is not possible. Call 1-800-432-1000 right away if you need to cancel.

What is the difference between a wire transfer and an ACH transfer?

A wire transfer moves money the same day or next business day and costs a fee. An ACH transfer is slower (usually three to five business days) but is free or costs less. Bank of America offers both options; ACH is better for non-urgent transfers, and wire transfers are better when you need money to arrive quickly.

Do I need to tell the recipient I am sending them a wire transfer?

It is a good idea to tell them the amount and the date you are sending it, so they know to expect it and can watch for it in their account. Give them your name and the reference information you included so they can match the incoming transfer to you.

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

The money will go to that account instead of the intended recipient's account. The receiving bank may reject it and return it to you, but this is not may provide. Contact Bank of America when ready with your confirmation number so they can try to recover the funds.

Are there limits on how much I can wire?

Bank of America sets daily and monthly wire transfer limits that vary by account type. Log into your account or call 1-800-432-1000 to find out your specific limits. You may be able to request a higher limit.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.