How to Send a Wire Transfer Through Bank of America

Wire transfers through Bank of America move money out of your account to another bank within hours

A wire transfer is a direct electronic movement of funds from your Bank of America account to another bank account, anywhere in the United States or internationally. The money leaves your account the same day you send it (if you initiate before the bank's cutoff time, usually 2 p.m. Eastern) and arrives at the receiving bank within hours for domestic transfers, or one to three business days for international ones. Bank of America charges a fee for this service — currently $15 for domestic wires and $45 for international wires, though these amounts can change.

You initiate a wire through Bank of America's online banking platform, mobile app, or by calling the wire transfer phone line or visiting a branch in person. The bank will ask you for the receiving account holder's name, account number, and routing number (for domestic transfers) or SWIFT code and IBAN (for international transfers). Once you confirm the details and authorize the transfer, the money is committed — you cannot cancel it after a few minutes have passed.

Key Takeaways

Domestic wire transfers through Bank of America cost $15 and typically arrive the same business day if sent before 2 p.m. Eastern; international wires cost $45 and take one to three business days.
You need the recipient's full name, account number, and routing number for domestic transfers, or SWIFT code and IBAN for international transfers.
Wire transfers cannot be reversed after a few minutes, so verify all recipient details before confirming.
You can send a wire online, through the mobile app, by phone, or in person at a Bank of America branch.

Sending a domestic wire transfer online or through the mobile app

Log into your Bank of America online account or open the mobile app and navigate to the Transfers section. Select "Wire Transfer" or "Send Money" and choose "Domestic Wire" if the option appears. Enter the recipient's full name exactly as it appears on their bank account, their account number, and their bank's routing number. Bank of America will show you a preview of the transfer amount and the $15 fee before you confirm.

Review the details carefully — the recipient's name and account number especially, since these cannot be changed once the wire is sent. Confirm the transfer, and Bank of America will generate a confirmation number. Save or screenshot this number; you will need it if you need to track the wire or contact the bank about it later. The money leaves your account when ready, and the receiving bank typically receives it within a few hours on the same business day.

Sending an international wire transfer

International wires require additional information. In the online banking platform or app, select "International Wire Transfer." You will need the recipient's full name, their account number, and their bank's SWIFT code (an eight or eleven-character code that identifies banks worldwide) and IBAN (International Bank Account Number, which varies in length by country). Some countries use different account identifiers — your bank will tell you which one is required.

Bank of America will also ask whether the receiving bank should deduct the $45 wire fee from the transfer amount or whether you want to pay the fee separately from your account. If you choose to have the fee deducted from the transfer, the recipient receives less money than you sent. If you pay the fee separately, the full amount you specify reaches the recipient, but your account is charged an additional $45. International wires typically arrive in one to three business days, depending on the receiving country and bank.

Sending a wire by phone or in person

If you prefer not to use online banking, you can initiate a wire by calling Bank of America's wire transfer line at 1-800-869-3557. Have the recipient's information ready — name, account number, and routing number (or SWIFT and IBAN for international transfers). The representative will walk you through the process, confirm the details with you, and process the transfer. You will receive a confirmation number over the phone.

You can also visit a Bank of America branch in person and ask a representative to send a wire for you. Bring a valid ID and have the recipient's banking information available. The branch representative will verify your identity, confirm the transfer details, and process the wire. In-person wires are useful if you are uncomfortable with online banking or if you need to send a large amount and want to speak with someone directly.

What information you need before you start

Gather the recipient's details before you log in or call. For a domestic wire, you need their full legal name (as it appears on their bank account), their account number, and their bank's routing number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the bank; you can find it on a check or by asking the recipient's bank directly.

For an international wire, you need the recipient's full name, account number, their bank's SWIFT code, and their IBAN. The SWIFT code is usually available on the bank's website or by calling the bank. The IBAN is the standardized account number format used outside the United States; it includes the country code and can be 15 to 34 characters long. Ask the recipient for both pieces of information if you are unsure — providing incorrect SWIFT or IBAN codes can cause the wire to be rejected or delayed.

Timing and cutoff times

Bank of America processes domestic wires sent before 2 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day the same day. If you send a wire after 2 p.m. or on a weekend or holiday, it will be processed the next business day. The receiving bank typically posts the funds to the recipient's account within a few hours of receiving it, though some banks take until the next business day to make the money available.

International wires follow a different timeline. Bank of America sends the wire the same business day if you initiate it before 2 p.m. Eastern, but the wire then travels through one or more intermediary banks before reaching the final destination. This process typically takes one to three business days, depending on the receiving country and whether the receiving bank uses the same payment network. Some countries have slower processing times than others.

Canceling or stopping a wire transfer

Once you confirm a wire transfer, you have only a few minutes to cancel it — usually before the bank actually sends it to the receiving bank's network. If you realize when ready after confirming that you made a mistake, call Bank of America's wire transfer line at 1-800-869-3557 right away and provide your confirmation number. The representative will attempt to stop the wire, but if it has already been sent, it cannot be recalled.

If a wire has already reached the receiving bank and you need to recover the funds, you will have to contact the receiving bank directly and ask them to return the money. This is not always possible, especially if the recipient has already withdrawn the funds or if the receiving bank's policies do not allow reversals. This is why verifying all details before confirming is critical — once a wire leaves Bank of America, you have very limited options to undo it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Bank of America wire transfer take?

Domestic wires typically arrive the same business day if sent before 2 p.m. Eastern. International wires take one to three business days after Bank of America sends them, depending on the receiving country and intermediary banks involved.

Can I send a wire transfer from a savings account or only from checking?

You can send a wire from either a checking or savings account at Bank of America. The process is the same regardless of account type.

What happens if I enter the wrong account number?

If the account number does not match the recipient's name at the receiving bank, the wire may be rejected and returned to your Bank of America account, or it may be sent to the wrong person. This is why verifying the account number with the recipient before sending is essential. Once sent, you cannot retrieve a wire sent to the wrong account without the receiving bank's cooperation.

Is there a maximum amount I can wire?

Bank of America does not publish a single maximum wire amount for all customers. Limits vary based on your account type, account history, and the bank's fraud prevention policies. Contact Bank of America directly or check your online banking settings to see your specific limit.

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

It is a good idea to notify the recipient before you send a wire so they know to expect it and can confirm they provided you with the correct account information. This also gives them a chance to alert their bank if they are expecting a large transfer.

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.