What Bank of America's Wire Transfer Service Does
Bank of America wire transfers move money from your account to another account at a different bank, usually within one business day. The money leaves your account when ready when you send it, but the receiving bank may take up to one business day to post it. Wire transfers are one-way — once sent, the money cannot be recalled without the receiving bank's cooperation.
Bank of America handles two types of wires: domestic wires (within the United States) and international wires (to accounts outside the US). Domestic wires typically arrive the same business day or next business day. International wires take longer because they pass through correspondent banks in other countries, usually three to five business days depending on the destination.
You can send a wire from Bank of America through online banking, mobile app, phone, or in person at a branch. The method you choose affects how quickly the wire is processed and what information you need to provide.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America wire transfers move money out of your account when ready but may take one to five business days to arrive at the receiving bank, depending on whether the wire is domestic or international.
- You need the recipient's full name, account number, routing number (for domestic wires), and bank name at minimum; international wires require additional information like SWIFT codes.
- Bank of America charges a fee for outgoing wires — typically $15 for domestic wires and $45 for international wires, though fees vary by account type.
- Once a wire is sent, you cannot cancel it unless the receiving bank has not yet processed it, which usually means within a few hours of sending.
- Incoming wires to your Bank of America account are free and typically post within one business day for domestic transfers.
What Information You Need to Send a Wire
For a domestic wire, you need the recipient's full name, account number, the routing number of their bank, and the bank's name and address. Bank of America's system will ask for all of this before processing. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the specific bank branch where the account is held.
For an international wire, the requirements are more detailed. You need the recipient's full name, account number, the name and address of their bank, and the bank's SWIFT code (an eight or eleven-character code that identifies banks internationally). Some countries also require an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) instead of or in addition to the account number. If you are unsure what information the receiving bank needs, ask them directly — providing incomplete information is the most common reason international wires are delayed.
Bank of America will not process a wire if the recipient's name does not match the account holder's name on file at the receiving bank, even if the account number is correct. This is a fraud prevention measure, and mismatches can cause the wire to be rejected or held for investigation.
How Long Wires Take and When They Post
Domestic wires sent before 2 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day usually arrive at the receiving bank the same day. Wires sent after 2 p.m. or on weekends and holidays are processed the next business day. The receiving bank then posts the money to the recipient's account, which typically happens within one business day but can take longer if the receiving bank is processing a high volume of transfers.
International wires take longer because they move through multiple banks. A wire sent to Europe, for example, leaves Bank of America the same day but passes through a correspondent bank in New York, then to the recipient's bank in the destination country. This process usually takes three to five business days. Wires to some countries take longer due to local banking practices or additional compliance checks.
Bank of America does not may provide a specific arrival time for wires. If a wire does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact Bank of America with your wire confirmation number (provided when you send the wire) and ask them to trace it. They can contact the receiving bank to confirm whether the wire was received and posted.
Wire Transfer Fees at Bank of America
Bank of America charges $15 for outgoing domestic wires and $45 for outgoing international wires. Some account types, such as certain premium checking or wealth management accounts, may have lower fees or a limited number of free wires per month — check your account terms or call Bank of America to confirm what applies to you.
The fee is deducted from your account when you send the wire, not when it arrives. If your account does not have enough money to cover both the wire amount and the fee, the wire will not be sent.
Incoming wires to your Bank of America account are free. You do not pay anything to receive a wire transfer.
Sending a Wire Through Bank of America Online or Mobile App
To send a wire online, log into your Bank of America account, navigate to the Transfers section, and select "Wire Transfer." You will be asked whether the wire is domestic or international, then prompted to enter the recipient's information. For a new recipient, you will need to add them to your payee list first. Bank of America will review the information and show you the fee before you confirm.
Once you confirm, the wire is sent when ready. Bank of America provides a confirmation number — save this number in case you need to trace the wire later. The money leaves your account right away, even if the receiving bank has not yet posted it.
The mobile app follows the same process but on a smaller screen. Some people find it easier to send wires on a computer where they can see all the fields at once, but the app works the same way.
Sending a Wire by Phone or at a Branch
You can call Bank of America's wire transfer line to send a wire. Have the recipient's information ready, including their full name, account number, routing number (or SWIFT code for international wires), and bank details. A Bank of America representative will walk you through the process and confirm the information before sending.
Sending a wire in person at a Bank of America branch works the same way. Bring a photo ID and the recipient's information. A teller will fill out the wire form with you, confirm the details, and process the transfer. In-person wires may take slightly longer to process than online wires because they have to be entered into the system by a teller, but they still leave your account the same day.
Phone and in-person wires are useful if you are uncomfortable with online banking or if you need help with the process. They cost the same as online wires.
What Happens If a Wire Goes Wrong
If you send a wire to the wrong account number, the receiving bank will usually reject it and return it to Bank of America. The returned wire is then credited back to your account, which can take several business days. You will not be charged a fee for a rejected wire in most cases, but check your account to confirm.
If a wire is sent to the correct account number but the wrong bank, it will be posted to that account and you will not be able to recover it without the account holder's cooperation. This is why it is critical to double-check the routing number and account number before sending.
If you need to cancel a wire, contact Bank of America when ready with your confirmation number. Cancellation is only possible if the receiving bank has not yet processed the wire, which usually means within a few hours of sending. If the receiving bank has already posted the money, cancellation is not possible — you would need to contact the recipient and ask them to send the money back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?
Only if the receiving bank has not yet processed it, which is usually within a few hours. Contact Bank of America when ready with your confirmation number and ask them to attempt a recall. If the money has already been posted to the recipient's account, you cannot cancel it — you would need to contact the recipient directly.
Why is my wire taking longer than expected?
Domestic wires usually arrive within one business day, but delays happen if the receiving bank is processing a high volume of transfers or if there is a mismatch in the recipient's name or account information. International wires regularly take three to five business days. Contact Bank of America with your confirmation number and ask them to trace the wire.
Do I need to tell the recipient I am sending them a wire?
It is a good idea to tell them the wire is coming so they know to expect it and can confirm when it arrives. Provide them with the wire amount and the date you sent it. Do not share your confirmation number with anyone — it is for your records only.
What is the difference between a wire transfer and an ACH transfer?
A wire transfer moves money the same day or next business day and costs a fee. An ACH transfer takes three to five business days and is usually free. Use a wire when you need money to arrive quickly; use ACH for routine payments where timing is less urgent.
Can I send a wire to a savings account or only a checking account?
You can send a wire to either a savings account or a checking account. The account type does not matter — what matters is that you have the correct account number and routing number for the account where you want the money to go.