Wire transfers from Bank of America work through their online banking portal, mobile app, or by phone, and the money usually reaches the recipient's bank within one business day
A wire transfer moves money directly from your Bank of America account to another bank account, anywhere in the US or internationally. Bank of America charges a fee for this service — domestic wires typically cost $15, and international wires run $45 or more, depending on the destination country. The money leaves your account when ready, but the receiving bank may take up to one business day to post it.
You will need specific information about the recipient before you start: their full name, the receiving bank's name, the account number, and the routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies the receiving bank). For international transfers, you may also need the recipient's address and a SWIFT code instead of a routing number. Have this information ready before you log in.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America charges $15 for domestic wire transfers and $45 or more for international ones, and the fee comes out of your account at the time you send.
- You can initiate a wire transfer online, through the mobile app, or by calling 1-800-869-3557, and each method requires the recipient's account number and the receiving bank's routing number.
- Domestic wires typically arrive within one business day; international wires may take three to five business days depending on the destination country.
- Once a wire transfer leaves your account, you cannot cancel it, so verify all recipient details before you confirm the transfer.
- If you make a mistake with the account number or routing number, the money may be sent to the wrong account, and recovery is difficult and not may provide.
Sending a wire transfer through Bank of America online banking
Log into your Bank of America account at bankofamerica.com using your username and password. From the main dashboard, look for the "Transfers" or "Move money" section — the exact label varies depending on your account type. Select "Wire transfer" from the menu.
Enter the recipient's information in the form: their full name, the receiving bank's name, the account number, and the routing number. Double-check each field against the information you received from the recipient. Bank of America will show you the wire fee before you confirm. Review the amount one more time, then click to authorize the transfer. You will receive a confirmation number when ready.
Bank of America will debit your account right away. The receiving bank typically posts the money within one business day for domestic transfers. If the receiving bank is outside the US, allow three to five business days. You can check the status of your wire in the "Transfers" section of your online banking account.
Using the Bank of America mobile app to wire money
Open the Bank of America mobile app and tap "Transfers" at the bottom of the screen. Select "Wire transfer" and choose the account you want to send from. Enter the recipient's name, account number, and the receiving bank's routing number.
For international transfers, the app will ask for additional details: the recipient's address, the receiving bank's SWIFT code (instead of a routing number), and sometimes the purpose of the transfer. Fill in all required fields. Review the wire fee and the total amount before you confirm. Tap to authorize, and you will receive a confirmation number on your screen.
Wiring money by phone with Bank of America
Call Bank of America at 1-800-869-3557 and tell the representative you want to send a wire transfer. Have the recipient's information ready: their full name, account number, the receiving bank's name, and the routing number. The representative will ask you to verify your identity, usually by providing your Social Security number or account PIN.
The representative will read back the recipient's details and the amount before processing the wire. Confirm that everything is correct. The wire fee will be charged to your account, and the transfer will be sent when ready. The representative will give you a confirmation number — write it down.
What information you need before you start
| For domestic US transfers, you need: | For international transfers, you also need: |
|---|---|
| Recipient's full name | Recipient's street address |
| Receiving bank's name | SWIFT code (instead of routing number) |
| Account number | Sometimes the purpose of the transfer |
| Routing number (9 digits) |
Ask the recipient to provide this information in writing or in a message you can reference while you fill out the wire form. Do not rely on memory. A single wrong digit in the account number or routing number will send the money to the wrong account, and Bank of America cannot always recover it.
If the recipient is outside the US, you will need their SWIFT code instead of a routing number. A SWIFT code is an eight or eleven-character code that identifies the bank internationally. You can ask the recipient for this code, or search for it on the receiving bank's website. Some international transfers also require an IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which is a longer code that includes the account number and country information.
Why wire transfers cannot be reversed
Once Bank of America processes your wire transfer, the money is gone from your account and on its way to the receiving bank. You cannot cancel it, pause it, or get it back through Bank of America's customer service. This is different from a debit card charge or an ACH transfer, which can sometimes be disputed or reversed.
If you realize you made a mistake — wrong account number, wrong amount, or wrong recipient — contact Bank of America when ready. Call 1-800-869-3557 and explain the error. The bank can try to contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the money, but the receiving bank is not required to do so. If the receiving bank has already posted the money to an account, recovery becomes much harder and may require legal action.
This is why verifying every detail before you confirm is critical. Read the account number and routing number character by character. Have the recipient confirm the information back to you if possible.
Wire transfer fees and timing
Bank of America charges $15 for domestic wire transfers (money sent to another US bank account). International wire transfers cost $45 for most countries, though some destinations may have higher fees. The fee is deducted from your account at the time you send the wire, so the total amount leaving your account is the transfer amount plus the fee.
Domestic wires typically arrive within one business day. If you send a wire on a Friday after 5 p.m. ET, it may not process until Monday, and the receiving bank may not post it until Tuesday. International wires take longer — usually three to five business days — because they pass through multiple banks and currency exchanges. The exact timing depends on the destination country and the receiving bank's processing speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?
No. Once Bank of America processes the wire, you cannot cancel it through the bank. If you made a mistake, call 1-800-869-3557 when ready and ask the bank to contact the receiving bank to request the money back. The receiving bank may or may not comply, and recovery is not may provide.
What if I send money to the wrong account number?
The money will go to whatever account the routing number and account number point to. If that account belongs to someone else, you will need to contact that person or their bank and ask them to return the money. Bank of America can try to help, but they cannot force the other bank to reverse the transfer. This is why verifying the account number before you confirm is essential.
How long does a wire transfer take?
Domestic wires usually arrive within one business day. International wires typically take three to five business days. The exact timing depends on when you send the wire (weekends and holidays delay processing) and how fast the receiving bank posts the money to the recipient's account.
Is there a limit on how much I can wire?
Bank of America does not publish a single wire transfer limit that applies to all customers. Limits vary based on your account type, account history, and the bank's fraud prevention rules. Call 1-800-869-3557 or log into your online banking account to see your limit, or contact a branch directly.
Do I need to tell the bank what the money is for?
For domestic transfers, no. For international transfers, Bank of America may ask for the purpose of the transfer as part of their compliance with federal banking rules. Be honest and straightforward in your answer.