How to Send Money Through Bank of America's Wire Transfer Service

What a Bank of America wire transfer is and how it works

A wire transfer is a way to send money directly from your Bank of America account to someone else's bank account, usually the same day or within one business day. The money moves electronically through the banking system, and once it leaves your account, you cannot cancel it. Wire transfers are faster than checks or ACH transfers (which take three to five business days), but they cost a fee — Bank of America charges between $15 and $30 per wire, depending on whether you send money within the United States or internationally.

Bank of America handles wires through its online banking platform, its mobile app, or by calling a representative. You will need the recipient's full name, their bank account number, and their bank's routing number. For international wires, you will also need the recipient's bank's SWIFT code or IBAN (International Bank Account Number). The money leaves your account when ready once you confirm the transfer.

Key Takeaways

• Wire transfers through Bank of America move money the same day or next business day and cost $15 to $30 per transfer depending on whether the wire is domestic or international.
• You can send a wire online, through the mobile app, or by phone, and you will need the recipient's bank account number and their bank's routing number.
• Once you confirm a wire transfer, the money leaves your account when ready and cannot be stopped, so verify all recipient details before you submit.
• Bank of America limits the amount you can wire per day and per transaction; these limits vary by account type and can be changed through online banking settings.

Sending a domestic wire through online banking

Log into your Bank of America account at bankofamerica.com. Click on the "Transfers" tab, then select "Wire Money." Choose "Domestic Wire" if you are sending money within the United States. Enter the recipient's full name exactly as it appears on their bank account, their account number, and their bank's routing number. You can find the routing number on the recipient's checks, or they can contact their bank directly.

Enter the amount you want to send and add a reference or memo if you want the recipient to know what the money is for (for example, "rent payment" or "loan repayment"). Review all the details carefully — the recipient's name, account number, and routing number must be correct, or the money may go to the wrong account. Click "Confirm" and then "Submit." Bank of America will show you a confirmation number. Save this number in case you need to track the wire later.

Sending an international wire

International wires follow the same basic steps but require additional information. Log into your Bank of America account, go to "Transfers," and select "Wire Money." This time, choose "International Wire." You will need the recipient's full name, their bank account number, and either their bank's SWIFT code or IBAN. The SWIFT code is an eight- or eleven-character code that identifies the bank; the IBAN is a longer account number used in Europe and some other regions.

Enter the amount and any reference information. Bank of America will show you the exchange rate and any fees before you submit. International wires typically take one to three business days and cost more than domestic wires — fees vary depending on the country. After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number and a reference code that the recipient can use to track the wire on their end.

Sending a wire through the Bank of America mobile app

Open the Bank of America mobile app and tap "Transfer Money." Select "Wire Money" and then choose "Domestic" or "International." Enter the recipient's information the same way you would online — full name, account number, and routing number (or SWIFT code for international transfers). Enter the amount and any reference information, then review all details before you tap "Confirm."

The app will ask you to verify the transfer using your security code or fingerprint, depending on your phone settings. Once verified, the wire is submitted and you will see a confirmation number on your screen. You can take a screenshot of this confirmation for your records.

Sending a wire by phone

Call Bank of America's customer service line at 1-800-933-6262 and tell the representative you want to send a wire transfer. Have the recipient's information ready: their full name, account number, and routing number (or SWIFT code for international wires). The representative will walk you through the process, confirm the details with you, and process the wire.

Phone wires may take slightly longer to process than online wires because the representative must enter the information manually. You will receive a confirmation number over the phone — write it down when ready. The representative can also answer questions about fees, exchange rates, or delivery times before you commit to the transfer.

Wire transfer limits and how to change them

Bank of America sets daily and per-transaction limits on wire transfers. These limits vary depending on your account type and your banking history. You can see your current limits by logging into online banking, going to "Settings," and selecting "Transfer Limits." If you need to send more than your limit allows, you can increase your limit through the same menu, though Bank of America may require you to wait a certain number of days before the new limit takes effect.

If you need to send a wire larger than your limit and cannot wait for the limit increase to process, call customer service at 1-800-933-6262. A representative may be able to process a one-time wire above your limit, depending on your account and history.

What to do if a wire transfer goes wrong

If you sent a wire to the wrong account or the recipient never received the money, contact Bank of America when ready. Call 1-800-933-6262 and have your confirmation number ready. The bank can attempt to recall the wire if it has not been delivered yet, but once the money reaches the recipient's bank, recovery becomes much harder and may require the recipient's cooperation.

If the wire was sent to the wrong bank account, the receiving bank may be able to reverse it, but this process can take weeks. This is why verifying the recipient's account number and routing number before you submit is so important — once the wire leaves your account, you have very limited options to stop it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Bank of America wire transfer take?

Domestic wires typically arrive the same day or the next business day. International wires usually take one to three business days, depending on the country and the receiving bank. Wires sent after business hours or on weekends will process on the next business day.

Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?

Not usually. Once you submit a wire transfer, it leaves your account when ready and cannot be stopped. If you realize you made a mistake right after sending it, call Bank of America when ready at 1-800-933-6262 — the bank may be able to recall it if it has not been delivered yet, but this is not may provide.

What information do I need to send a wire?

For a domestic wire, you need the recipient's full name, their bank account number, and their bank's routing number. For an international wire, you also need their bank's SWIFT code or IBAN. You can find routing numbers on checks or by asking the recipient's bank directly.

Does Bank of America charge a fee for wire transfers?

Yes. Domestic wires cost $15 to $30, and international wires typically cost more. The exact fee depends on your account type and the destination country. Bank of America will show you the fee before you submit the transfer.

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 transfer when you need money to arrive quickly; use ACH when you have time and want to avoid the fee.