Wire transfers to Bank of America work through the Federal Reserve system, and you can send money from another bank or from a Bank of America account itself

A wire transfer is an electronic movement of money from one bank account to another, usually completed the same business day. To send money to someone's Bank of America account, you need their account number, routing number, and the name on the account exactly as it appears at the bank. You can start a wire transfer from your own bank's website, mobile app, or by visiting a branch in person.

The person receiving the money does not need to do anything — the funds arrive in their Bank of America account automatically once the transfer clears. Wire transfers are one of the fastest ways to move money between banks, though they cost money to send (typically $15 to $30, depending on your bank) and cannot be reversed once sent.

Key Takeaways

  • You need the recipient's full account number, Bank of America routing number (usually 026009593 for domestic transfers), and their name exactly as it appears on their account.
  • Wire transfers are sent from your own bank account, not through Bank of America, so you initiate the transfer where your money is held.
  • Domestic wire transfers typically arrive the same business day, while international wires take one to three business days.
  • Once a wire transfer is sent, it cannot be stopped or reversed, so verify all details before confirming.

What information you need before starting

Gather these details before you begin the wire transfer. You will need the recipient's full legal name exactly as it appears on their Bank of America account — if their account says "Robert James Smith" and you enter "Bob Smith," the transfer may be rejected or delayed. You also need their account number, which is the unique identifier for their specific account at Bank of America.

The routing number tells the Federal Reserve which bank to send the money to. For Bank of America domestic wire transfers, the routing number is usually 026009593, but confirm this with the recipient or on Bank of America's website, as routing numbers can vary by location. If you are sending money internationally, you will also need the recipient's SWIFT code (an international bank identifier) and possibly their IBAN (International Bank Account Number), depending on the country.

How to send a wire transfer from your own bank

Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for "Wire Transfer," "Send Money," or "Payments" in the menu. Most banks put this under a section called "Transfers" or "Move Money." Click that option and select "Send to another bank" or "External transfer." You will be asked to enter the recipient's information: their name, account number, and the routing number for Bank of America.

Enter the amount you want to send and review all the details carefully before submitting. Your bank will show you the fee (usually charged to your account) and the expected delivery date. Once you confirm, the transfer is sent to the Federal Reserve, which routes it to Bank of America. Most domestic wire transfers arrive within a few hours to one business day. Your bank will give you a confirmation number — save this in case you need to track the transfer later.

Sending a wire transfer from a Bank of America account

If you have a Bank of America account yourself, you can send a wire transfer directly through their website or app. Log in, go to "Transfers," and select "Wire Transfer" or "Send Money." Choose whether you are sending a domestic or international wire. For a domestic wire to another Bank of America account, you may be able to use the recipient's account number alone, though Bank of America will still ask for their name and may ask for their routing number.

Enter the amount and review the details. Bank of America will display the wire fee (typically $15 for domestic transfers) and confirm the expected delivery time. Approve the transfer, and Bank of America will send it through the Federal Reserve system. You will receive a confirmation number by email or in your account history.

What happens after you send the wire

Once the wire transfer is sent, it enters the Federal Reserve's system and cannot be stopped or reversed. The money leaves your account when ready, even if it has not yet arrived in the recipient's account. If you made a mistake — such as entering the wrong account number — the transfer may be rejected and returned to you, but this can take several business days.

The recipient will see the money in their Bank of America account once the transfer clears. For domestic transfers, this usually happens the same business day or the next morning. International transfers take longer, typically one to three business days, depending on the receiving country and their banking system. The recipient does not need to do anything to receive the money — it arrives automatically.

Wire transfer fees and costs

Wire transfer fees vary by bank. If you are sending from your own bank account, your bank charges the fee, which typically ranges from $15 to $30 for a domestic wire. Some banks charge less for online wires and more for wires sent in person or by phone. Bank of America charges around $15 for domestic outgoing wires and $45 for international wires, though these amounts can change.

The fee is usually deducted from your account when you send the transfer. Some banks offer free wire transfers if you maintain a high account balance or have a premium account type, so check with your bank about any exceptions. The recipient does not pay a fee to receive the money — the cost is only on the sender's side.

Alternatives if you cannot use a wire transfer

If wire transfer fees are too high or you need more time, consider other options. ACH transfers (Automated Clearing House) are free or very low cost and work between most U.S. banks, but they take three to five business days. You can set up an ACH transfer through your bank's website the same way you would a wire transfer, but select "ACH" or "Standard Transfer" instead of "Wire."

If you need to send money quickly without a wire transfer, you can also use a peer-to-peer payment app like Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App, though these have daily limits and may take a day or two to reach a bank account. For very large amounts or international transfers, some people use money transfer services like Western Union, though these typically charge higher fees than wire transfers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?

No. Once a wire transfer is sent, it cannot be stopped or reversed. The money leaves your account when ready and enters the Federal Reserve system. If you made an error, contact your bank right away — they may be able to contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the funds, but this is not may provide and can take days.

How long does a wire transfer to Bank of America take?

Domestic wire transfers usually arrive the same business day or by the next morning. International wires take one to three business days depending on the receiving country. Timing also depends on what time of day you send the transfer — wires sent after business hours may not process until the next day.

What if I enter the wrong account number?

If the account number does not exist or belongs to a different person, the Federal Reserve may reject the transfer and return it to your account, though this can take several business days. If the account number is valid but belongs to the wrong person, the money may arrive in their account, and recovering it becomes difficult. Always verify the account number with the recipient before sending.

Do I need the recipient's routing number if I am sending to Bank of America?

You should include it to be safe, even though Bank of America's routing number is standard. Some banks' systems require it, and including it ensures the transfer goes to the correct bank. The domestic Bank of America routing number is usually 026009593, but confirm with the recipient or Bank of America's website.

Is there a limit to how much I can wire transfer?

Most banks set daily or monthly wire transfer limits for security reasons. Your limit might be $5,000, $10,000, or higher depending on your account type and bank. Check your bank's website or call them to find out your specific limit. You can usually request a higher limit, though approval may take a few days.