How to Send a Wire Transfer From Your Bank of America Account

Wire transfers from Bank of America work through their online banking platform, phone line, or in person at a branch

Bank of America offers three ways to send a wire transfer: through their website or mobile app (BankAmericard Online or the Bank of America app), by calling their wire transfer line, or by visiting a branch in person. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need to send the money and whether you have the recipient's banking details ready. Most wire transfers sent before 2 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day will leave your account the same day.

You will need the recipient's full name, bank name, routing number, and account number. If the transfer is going to another country, you may also need the recipient's bank's SWIFT code or IBAN (International Bank Account Number). Bank of America charges a fee for outgoing wire transfers — the amount varies depending on whether the transfer is domestic or international, and whether you are sending it within the United States or abroad.

Key Takeaways

• Wire transfers sent before 2 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day typically leave your Bank of America account the same day.
• You need the recipient's full name, account number, routing number, and bank name before you start the transfer.
• Bank of America charges a fee for wire transfers; domestic and international transfers have different costs.
• You can send a wire through online banking, the mobile app, by phone, or in person at a branch.

Sending a wire transfer through Bank of America online banking

Log into your Bank of America account on their website or open the Bank of America mobile app. From the main menu, look for "Transfer Money" or "Wire Transfer" — the exact label depends on which platform you are using. Select the account you want to send money from.

Enter the recipient's information: their full name, bank name, routing number, and account number. For domestic transfers within the United States, the routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the recipient's bank. If you are sending money internationally, you will also need the SWIFT code (an eight or eleven-digit code) or the IBAN. Review the amount you are sending and confirm the fee Bank of America is charging. Once you submit the transfer, you will receive a confirmation number — save this for your records.

Sending a wire transfer by phone

Call Bank of America's wire transfer line at the number on the back of your debit card or in your account statements. You will need to verify your identity by providing your account number and other security information. Have the recipient's banking details ready before you call: their full name, account number, routing number, and bank name.

Tell the representative the amount you want to send and confirm the wire transfer fee. The representative will read back the recipient's information to you before processing the transfer. Ask for a confirmation number and write it down. Wire transfers sent by phone before 2 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day typically leave your account the same day.

Sending a wire transfer in person at a Bank of America branch

Visit a Bank of America branch with your ID and the recipient's banking information. Tell the teller you want to send a wire transfer and provide the account you want to send from. The teller will ask for the recipient's full name, account number, routing number, and bank name.

The teller will tell you the wire transfer fee and ask you to confirm the amount. After you approve, the teller will process the transfer and give you a receipt with a confirmation number. Transfers sent in person before the branch's cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. or later, depending on the branch) will typically leave your account the same day.

Wire transfer fees and timing

Bank of America charges different fees for domestic and international wire transfers. Domestic wire transfers (within the United States) have one fee amount, while international wire transfers have a higher fee. The exact amount varies and may depend on your account type and whether you are a Bank of America customer or sending from an account at another bank.

Wire transfers sent before 2 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day (Monday through Friday) typically leave your account the same day. Transfers sent after 2 p.m. or on weekends and holidays will usually process on the next business day. The recipient's bank may take an additional one to two business days to deposit the money into their account, depending on their location and the type of transfer.

What to do if you need to cancel or change a wire transfer

If you sent a wire transfer and need to stop it, contact Bank of America when ready — the sooner you call, the better your chances of stopping the transfer before it leaves your account. Call the number on the back of your debit card and tell the representative you want to cancel a wire transfer. Have your confirmation number ready.

Once a wire transfer has left your Bank of America account and reached the recipient's bank, it cannot be cancelled or reversed. If the transfer was sent to the wrong account or the wrong amount was sent, you will need to contact the recipient's bank directly to request the money back. This process can take weeks or longer and is not always successful.

International wire transfers from Bank of America

International wire transfers require additional information beyond a domestic transfer. You will need the recipient's SWIFT code (also called a BIC code) or their IBAN, depending on the country. The SWIFT code identifies the specific bank branch where the recipient's account is held. The IBAN is a standardized account number used in Europe and some other countries.

International wire transfers cost more than domestic transfers and may take longer to arrive — typically two to five business days depending on the destination country and the recipient's bank. Some countries have restrictions on wire transfers or require additional documentation. If you are unsure whether your transfer can be sent to a particular country, call Bank of America before you start the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Bank of America wire transfer take?

Domestic wire transfers sent before 2 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day typically leave your account the same day and arrive at the recipient's bank within one to two business days. International transfers usually take two to five business days depending on the destination country.

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

A wire transfer moves money directly from one bank to another and typically arrives within one to two business days. An ACH transfer is slower (usually three to five business days) but costs less or nothing. Bank of America offers both options; choose based on how quickly you need the money to arrive and how much you want to spend on the transfer.

Can I send a wire transfer from a Bank of America savings account?

Yes, you can send a wire transfer from most Bank of America savings accounts, checking accounts, and money market accounts. Some account types may have restrictions; if you are unsure, call Bank of America or check your account terms.

What happens if I enter the wrong account number?

If you enter an incorrect account number, the wire may go to the wrong person's account at the correct bank, or it may be rejected by the recipient's bank. Once the transfer leaves Bank of America, you cannot cancel it. Contact the recipient's bank when ready if you believe the money went to the wrong account.

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

No. You can send a wire transfer to any bank account in the United States or internationally, regardless of whether the recipient banks with Bank of America. You only need their account number, routing number (or SWIFT code for international transfers), and their full name.