How to Send Money With a Bank of America Wire Transfer

Wire transfers at Bank of America: the basic steps

A wire transfer moves money from your Bank of America account to another bank account, usually within one business day. You can start a wire transfer through the Bank of America website, mobile app, or by calling 1-800-869-3557. You will need the recipient's full name, account number, routing number, and the amount you want to send.

Bank of America charges a fee for domestic wire transfers (typically $15 for online transfers and $20 for phone transfers, though fees vary by account type) and a higher fee for international transfers. The money leaves your account when ready once you confirm the transfer, so double-check all details before you submit.

Wire transfers are permanent — you cannot cancel one after it has been sent to the receiving bank. If you make a mistake with the account number or routing number, the money may go to the wrong account, and recovering it is difficult and slow.

Key Takeaways

• You can send a domestic wire transfer through the Bank of America website, app, or phone line, and the money typically arrives within one business day.
• Domestic wire transfers cost $15 online or $20 by phone; international transfers cost more and require additional information about the recipient's bank.
• You must provide the recipient's full name, account number, routing number, and the transfer amount before you submit.
• Wire transfers cannot be reversed after the receiving bank accepts them, so verify all recipient details before you confirm.
• If you are sending money internationally, you may need the recipient's SWIFT code or IBAN instead of a routing number.

Sending a wire transfer through the Bank of America website or app

Log into your Bank of America account online or open the mobile app. Select "Transfer Money" or "Send Money" (the exact label depends on which platform you are using). Choose "Wire Transfer" from the menu of transfer types.

Enter the recipient's information: their full name, the receiving bank's name, the account number, and the routing number. For domestic transfers within the United States, the routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the receiving bank. You can find a routing number on a check from that bank, or you can search for it on the receiving bank's website.

Enter the amount you want to send and review all details on the confirmation screen. Bank of America will show you the fee and the expected delivery date. Once you confirm, the transfer is submitted and cannot be stopped.

Sending a wire transfer by phone

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, routing number, and the amount. The representative will ask security questions to verify your identity before processing the transfer.

Phone transfers cost $20 for domestic wires, compared to $15 online. The representative will read back all the details to you before submitting, so listen carefully and correct any errors before they confirm.

International wire transfers from Bank of America

International wire transfers require more information than domestic transfers. In addition to the recipient's name and account number, you will need the SWIFT code (a code that identifies banks outside the United States) or the IBAN (International Bank Account Number, used in Europe and some other regions). You may also need the recipient's bank's address.

International wire transfer fees are higher than domestic fees and vary depending on the country. Bank of America typically charges $45 for outgoing international wires, though the exact amount depends on the destination country and your account type. The receiving bank may also charge a fee, which is usually deducted from the amount the recipient receives.

International transfers typically take three to five business days, longer than domestic transfers. Exchange rates also explore if you are sending money in a currency other than US dollars, and Bank of America sets its own exchange rate, which may differ from the market rate.

What information you need before you start

Gather all required information before you begin the wire transfer. For domestic transfers, you need the recipient's full name (exactly as it appears on their account), their account number, and their bank's routing number. Mismatched names or incorrect account numbers are the most common reasons wire transfers go to the wrong place.

For international transfers, you need the recipient's full name, account number, SWIFT code or IBAN, and the recipient's bank name and address. Ask the recipient to provide this information directly rather than guessing — a wrong SWIFT code or IBAN can send the money to the wrong bank or country.

Write down the amount you want to send and keep a record of the confirmation number Bank of America provides after you submit the transfer. You will need this number if you ever need to contact Bank of America about the transfer.

Common mistakes that delay or misdirect wire transfers

The most frequent error is a mismatched name — if the name on the wire transfer does not match the name on the receiving account exactly, some banks will reject the transfer or hold it for review. Ask the recipient how their name appears on their account and use that exact spelling and format.

Incorrect routing numbers or account numbers send money to the wrong account. Double-check both numbers against a recent check or statement from the recipient's bank. A single wrong digit can route the money elsewhere.

For international transfers, an incorrect SWIFT code or IBAN can send money to the wrong country or bank. SWIFT codes and IBANs are case-insensitive, but they must be exact. If you are unsure, ask the recipient to confirm the code before you submit.

Sending money on a weekend or holiday delays the transfer because banks do not process wires outside business hours. If you send a wire on Friday evening, it will not leave your account until Monday morning.

What happens after you submit a wire transfer

Bank of America deducts the transfer amount and the fee from your account when ready. The money then moves through the banking system to the receiving bank. Domestic transfers typically arrive within one business day; international transfers take longer, usually three to five business days.

You can check the status of your wire transfer by logging into your Bank of America account and viewing your transaction history. The transaction will show as "pending" until the receiving bank accepts it, then as "completed." If there is a problem, Bank of America will contact you.

Once the receiving bank accepts the transfer, it is final. You cannot reverse it or recall the money. If the transfer went to the wrong account due to an error on your part, you will need to contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the funds — they are not required to do so, and the process can take weeks or months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Bank of America wire transfer take?

Domestic wire transfers usually arrive within one business day. International transfers typically take three to five business days. Transfers submitted on weekends or holidays are processed the next business day.

Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?

No. Once Bank of America submits the wire transfer to the receiving bank, you cannot cancel it. If you need to stop a transfer, contact Bank of America when ready — they may be able to stop it before it reaches the receiving bank, but this is not may provide.

What is the difference between a wire transfer and an ACH transfer?

A wire transfer moves money within one business day and costs a fee. An ACH transfer takes three to five business days and is usually free. Use a wire transfer when you need money to arrive quickly; use ACH for routine payments that are not urgent.

What should I do if the wire transfer went to the wrong account?

Contact Bank of America when ready with your confirmation number. They will attempt to recover the funds, but success is not may provide. You may also need to contact the receiving bank directly and ask them to return the money.

Do I need a Bank of America checking account to send a wire transfer?

Yes. You must have an active Bank of America account with sufficient funds to cover the transfer amount and the fee. You cannot send a wire transfer from a savings account alone — the funds must come from a checking account or money market account.