Wire transfers from Bank of America move money out of your account within hours, not days
A wire transfer sends money directly from your Bank of America account to another bank account, anywhere in the US or internationally. The money leaves your account the same day you send it (if you send it before the bank's cutoff time, usually 2 p.m. Eastern on business days). The receiving bank gets it the next business day for domestic transfers, or within 1 to 5 business days for international ones.
You can send a wire through Bank of America's website, mobile app, or by calling the wire transfer line. You'll need the recipient's bank account number, routing number, and bank name. For international wires, you'll also need the SWIFT code or IBAN. Bank of America charges a fee for each wire—currently $15 for domestic wires and $45 for international wires, though these amounts can change.
Key Takeaways
- Domestic wire transfers from Bank of America leave your account the same business day if sent before 2 p.m. Eastern, and arrive at the receiving bank the next business day.
- You need the recipient's account number, routing number, and bank name for a domestic wire, plus SWIFT code or IBAN for international transfers.
- Bank of America charges $15 for domestic wires and $45 for international wires as of the most recent fee schedule.
- Once a wire is sent, you cannot cancel it, so verify all recipient details before you confirm the transfer.
Sending a wire through the Bank of America website
Log into your Bank of America online account and go to the Transfers tab. Select "Wire Transfer" and choose the account you want to send money from. Enter the recipient's name, bank name, account number, and routing number. For international wires, you'll enter the SWIFT code instead of a routing number, or the IBAN if the bank uses that system.
Review the amount, the fee, and all recipient details. Bank of America will show you the total that will leave your account (the amount plus the fee). Once you confirm, the wire is sent when ready if it's before the cutoff time. You'll get a confirmation number on screen and by email.
Sending a wire through the Bank of America mobile app
Open the Bank of America app, tap the menu icon, and select "Transfer Money." Choose "Wire Transfer" and pick the account to send from. Enter the recipient information the same way you would on the website—name, bank, account number, and routing number (or SWIFT code for international).
The app will ask you to review the details and confirm with your PIN or biometric authentication. Once confirmed, the wire is sent. You'll see the confirmation number in the app and receive an email receipt.
Sending a wire by phone
Call the Bank of America wire transfer line at 1-800-869-3557. A representative will ask for the account you're sending from, the amount, and the recipient's information. Have the recipient's bank name, account number, and routing number (or SWIFT code) ready before you call.
The representative will read back all the details to you before sending the wire. You'll receive a confirmation number over the phone and by email. This method takes longer than online or mobile, so call early in the business day if you need the wire sent the same day.
What happens after you send the wire
The money leaves your Bank of America account when ready after you confirm the transfer. You cannot cancel a wire once it's sent, so if you made a mistake with the recipient's account number or bank details, contact Bank of America right away—they may be able to contact the receiving bank and attempt to retrieve the funds, but this is not may provide.
For domestic wires, the receiving bank typically gets the money the next business day. For international wires, it can take 1 to 5 business days depending on the destination country and the receiving bank's processing speed. You can track the wire's status through your Bank of America account under the Transfers section.
Information you need before you start
| Wire Type | Information Needed | Fee | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic (US) | Recipient name, bank name, account number, routing number | $15 | Next business day |
| International | Recipient name, bank name, account number, SWIFT code or IBAN | $45 | 1 to 5 business days |
If you don't have the recipient's routing number, you can search for it on the Federal Reserve's routing number database or ask the recipient's bank directly. For international wires, the SWIFT code is an 8 or 11-character code that identifies the bank. If the bank uses IBAN (common in Europe and some other regions), that's a longer alphanumeric code that includes the country and account details.
Common reasons a wire might be delayed or rejected
A wire can be delayed or sent back if the account number doesn't match the recipient's name at the receiving bank, if the routing number is wrong, or if the receiving bank's system is down. Bank of America will notify you if a wire is rejected, and the money will return to your account within 5 to 10 business days.
International wires are more likely to be delayed because they pass through multiple banks (called correspondent banks) before reaching the final destination. If a wire is delayed, contact Bank of America with your confirmation number and ask them to trace it. They can contact the receiving bank and find out where the money is in the system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send a wire transfer on a weekend or holiday?
No. Wire transfers only process on business days. If you send a wire on a weekend or holiday, it will be processed the next business day. The cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. Eastern) only applies to business days.
What's the maximum amount I can wire?
Bank of America does not publish a single maximum wire amount. Limits depend on your account type and history. Call the wire transfer line or log into your account to see your limit, or contact a Bank of America representative to request a higher limit if you need to send more.
Can I cancel a wire after I send it?
Once a wire is confirmed and sent, you cannot cancel it through normal means. Contact Bank of America when ready with your confirmation number if you need to try to stop it. They may be able to contact the receiving bank, but success is not may provide, especially if the money has already been deposited.
Do I need to tell the recipient's bank that money is coming?
No. The wire will arrive at the receiving bank with the recipient's account number, so the bank will deposit it automatically. However, it's a good idea to tell the recipient that you're sending a wire so they know to expect it and can confirm it arrived.
What's the difference between a wire transfer and an ACH transfer?
A wire transfer is faster (same day to next day) but costs $15 or more. An ACH transfer is slower (3 to 5 business days) but is free or costs $1. Use a wire when you need money to move quickly; use ACH for routine payments where timing is not urgent.