Wire money through Bank of America online, by phone, or in person
Bank of America lets you send money domestically (within the US) and internationally through wire transfer. You can initiate a wire online through your account, call the wire transfer line, or walk into a branch. Domestic wires typically arrive the same business day if sent before the cutoff time, usually 2 p.m. in your local time zone. International wires take longer — usually three to five business days — because they move through multiple banks and currency conversion systems.
The cost depends on the wire type. Domestic wires cost $15 for online transfers and $20 for phone or in-person transfers. International wires cost $45 for online transfers and $50 for phone or in-person transfers. These fees are deducted from your account when you send the wire.
Key Takeaways
- Domestic wires sent online before 2 p.m. your local time usually arrive the same business day; international wires take three to five 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.
- Online wires cost $15 domestically and $45 internationally; phone or branch wires cost $5 more in each category.
- Bank of America holds new accounts for up to 10 business days before allowing wire transfers, and limits first-time international wires to $2,500 unless you call to increase the limit.
Sending a domestic wire online
Log into your Bank of America account and go to the Transfers section. Select "Wire Money" and choose "Domestic Wire." Enter the recipient's full name, account number, and routing number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the bank where the recipient's account is held; you can find it on a check or ask the recipient's bank directly.
Enter the amount you want to send and add a reference or memo if you want the recipient to know what the money is for. Review all details carefully — once a wire is sent, it cannot be recalled. Confirm the transfer, and Bank of America will deduct the $15 fee plus the wire amount from your account. You will receive a confirmation number when ready; save this for your records.
Sending an international wire online
Go to Transfers > Wire Money and select "International Wire." You will need the recipient's full name, account number, and the bank's SWIFT code (an eight or eleven-character code that identifies the bank internationally). Some countries also require an IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which is a longer alphanumeric code. Ask the recipient or their bank for both codes before you start.
Enter the amount in US dollars. Bank of America will show you the exchange rate and any fees the receiving bank may charge — these are separate from Bank of America's $45 fee and will be deducted from the amount the recipient receives. If this is your first international wire or you are sending more than $2,500, Bank of America may block the transfer and ask you to call 1-800-869-3557 to verify. This call usually takes a few minutes and is a fraud prevention step.
Sending a wire by phone or in person
Call the Bank of America wire transfer line at 1-800-869-3557 to send a wire by phone. Have the recipient's information ready — full name, account number, and routing number for domestic wires, or SWIFT code and IBAN for international wires. The representative will confirm all details with you and process the wire. Phone wires cost $20 domestically and $50 internationally.
You can also visit a Bank of America branch in person. Bring a photo ID and the recipient's information. A teller will help you complete the wire form and process the transfer. In-person wires cost the same as phone wires. This option is useful if you are uncomfortable with online banking or need to send a large amount and want to speak with someone directly.
Restrictions and holds on new accounts
Bank of America places a hold on wire transfer privileges for new accounts. If you opened your account fewer than 10 business days ago, you cannot send wires online or by phone. You must visit a branch in person, and a teller can process the wire after verifying your identity. This hold exists to prevent fraud on newly opened accounts.
International wires have an additional limit: the first time you send an international wire, Bank of America caps the amount at $2,500 unless you call to request a higher limit. Subsequent international wires follow your account's standard limits, which vary by account type and history. If you need to send more than $2,500 on your first international wire, call 1-800-869-3557 before you attempt the transfer online.
What happens after you send a wire
Once you send a domestic wire, Bank of America deducts the money and fee from your account when ready. The recipient's bank receives the wire the same business day if you sent it before the cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. your local time). The receiving bank then deposits the money into the recipient's account, which usually happens within a few hours but can take until the next business day depending on the receiving bank's processing schedule.
International wires take longer because they pass through multiple banks and currency conversion systems. The wire typically arrives at the receiving bank within three to five business days. Some countries have slower banking systems, so wires to certain regions may take longer. Bank of America will give you a confirmation number when you send the wire; use this number to track the transfer or contact Bank of America if the recipient does not receive the money within the expected timeframe.
Canceling or recalling a wire
Once a wire is sent, Bank of America cannot recall it. The money leaves your account when ready and goes to the receiving bank. If you sent the wire to the wrong account or the recipient did not receive it, you have limited options. Contact Bank of America when ready at 1-800-869-3557 with your confirmation number. The bank can attempt to contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the funds, but this is not may provide and can take weeks.
For domestic wires, the receiving bank may be able to reverse the transfer if you contact them quickly. For international wires, reversal is much harder because the money may have already been converted to another currency or withdrawn. The best protection is to verify all recipient information carefully before you confirm the transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send a wire on a weekend or holiday?
Bank of America processes wires only on business days. If you send a wire on a weekend or holiday, it will be processed on the next business day. The cutoff time (usually 2 p.m.) applies only to business days. Plan ahead if you need the money to arrive by a specific date.
What if the recipient's bank rejects the wire?
If the receiving bank rejects the wire because of incorrect information or account issues, the money returns to your Bank of America account within five to seven business days. Bank of America will notify you when the wire is rejected. You can then correct the recipient's information and send the wire again.
Do I need to tell the recipient I am sending a wire?
It is a good idea to contact the recipient before you send the wire so they know to expect it and can watch for it in their account. Include a reference or memo in the wire so the recipient knows where the money came from. Without this information, the recipient may not know who sent the money.
Is there a limit to how much I can wire?
Bank of America does not publish a single wire limit that applies to all accounts. Limits vary by account type, how long you have had the account, and your account history. Call 1-800-869-3557 to find out your specific limit, or ask a teller at your branch.
Can I wire money from a savings account?
Yes, you can send wires from most Bank of America savings accounts. However, some savings accounts have restrictions on the number of transfers you can make per month. Check your account terms or call the bank to confirm that wire transfers are allowed on your specific account.