How to Wire Transfer Money From Bank of America
How to Send a Wire Transfer From Your Bank of America Account
You can send a wire transfer from Bank of America through Online Banking, the mobile app, or by visiting a branch in person. The fastest route is usually Online Banking if you have the recipient's bank details ready. Bank of America charges a fee for outgoing domestic wire transfers (currently $15 for online and $20 at a branch, though fees vary by account type and may change). International wire transfers cost more and take longer — typically $45 for online transfers and $50 at a branch.
Wire transfers are permanent once sent, so you cannot cancel or reverse them after the bank processes the request. This makes it critical to verify the recipient's account number and routing number before you submit. If you make a mistake, you will need to contact the recipient's bank and request they return the funds, which they are not required to do.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America lets you send wire transfers online, through the mobile app, or at a branch, with online being the fastest option.
- You will need the recipient's full name, bank name, account number, and routing number for a domestic wire transfer.
- Domestic wire transfers typically arrive the same business day if sent before the bank's cutoff time, usually around 2 p.m. Eastern Time.
- Bank of America charges $15 for online domestic wires and $20 at a branch; international wires cost $45 online or $50 in person.
- Once a wire transfer is sent and processed, you cannot cancel it, so double-check all recipient details before submitting.
Sending a Wire Transfer Through Online Banking
Log into your Bank of America Online Banking account and select the account you want to send money from. Look for the "Transfer & Pay" or "Transfers" section in the main menu. Click on "Wire Transfer" or "Send Money" and choose "Domestic Wire" for transfers within the United States or "International Wire" for transfers outside the U.S.
Enter the recipient's information exactly as it appears on their bank account. You will need their full name, the name of their bank, their account number, and their bank's routing number. For international wires, you may also need the recipient's address and the bank's SWIFT code. Review all details carefully before submitting — misspelled names or incorrect account numbers will cause the transfer to fail or go to the wrong person.
Enter the amount you want to send and choose the date you want the transfer to process. If you select "today," the transfer will go out the same business day if submitted before the cutoff time. Bank of America will show you the fee amount before you confirm. After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number — save this for your records.
Sending a Wire Transfer Through the Mobile App
Open the Bank of America mobile app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines). Select "Transfer & Pay" and then "Wire Transfer." Choose the account you are sending from and whether the transfer is domestic or international.
Enter the recipient's details the same way you would in Online Banking. The app will ask you to confirm the information before processing. You can schedule the transfer for today or a future date. After submission, the app will display a confirmation number that you can screenshot or email to yourself.
Sending a Wire Transfer at a Bank of America Branch
Visit any Bank of America branch during business hours with your account information and the recipient's banking details. Tell the teller you want to send a wire transfer. Bring a photo ID and be prepared to provide the recipient's full name, account number, routing number, and bank name.
The teller will fill out the wire transfer form with you and confirm all details before processing. You will pay the wire transfer fee at this time ($20 for domestic, $50 for international). The teller will give you a receipt with a confirmation number. Transfers sent at a branch before the bank's cutoff time will typically process the same business day.
What Information You Need Before You Send
For a domestic wire transfer, gather the recipient's full name, their bank name, their account number, and their bank's routing number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the bank. You can find it on a check, on the bank's website, or by calling the bank directly.
For an international wire transfer, you will also need the recipient's address, the bank's SWIFT code (an eight or eleven-character code that identifies banks internationally), and sometimes the IBAN (International Bank Account Number). Ask the recipient for these details rather than guessing — a wrong SWIFT code will cause the transfer to fail or be delayed.
Write down all information and double-check it against what the recipient gave you. A single digit wrong in an account number can send money to the wrong account. If you are unsure about any detail, contact the recipient's bank or ask the recipient to confirm in writing before you submit the transfer.
How Long a Wire Transfer Takes
Domestic wire transfers sent through Bank of America Online Banking or the app before the cutoff time (usually around 2 p.m. Eastern Time) will reach the recipient's bank the same business day. The recipient's bank may take an additional business day to post the funds to their account, depending on their bank's processing schedule.
International wire transfers take longer — typically three to five business days, though some may take up to ten days depending on the destination country and the recipient's bank. Bank of America will provide an estimated delivery date when you submit the transfer. If a transfer does not arrive within the timeframe given, contact Bank of America with your confirmation number.
What to Do If You Made a Mistake
If you realize you sent money to the wrong account or entered incorrect information, contact Bank of America when ready. Call the phone number on the back of your debit card or visit a branch. Have your confirmation number ready. Bank of America may be able to stop the transfer if it has not yet been processed, but this is only possible within a narrow window — usually within minutes of sending.
If the transfer has already been processed, you will need to contact the recipient's bank and request they return the funds. Provide them with the wire transfer confirmation number and explain the error. The recipient's bank is not required to return the money, and recovery can take weeks or may not happen at all. This is why verifying all details before sending is so important.
Wire Transfer Fees and Limits
Bank of America charges $15 for domestic wire transfers sent online or through the mobile app, and $20 for transfers sent at a branch. International wire transfers cost $45 online or through the app, and $50 at a branch. Some Bank of America account types (such as certain premium or business accounts) may have different fees or waived wire transfer fees — check your account details or call the bank to confirm.
Bank of America does not publicly state a maximum wire transfer amount, but large transfers may trigger additional review or verification. If you are sending a very large amount, contact the bank ahead of time to confirm there are no holds or delays. Your account may also have daily or monthly transfer limits depending on your account type and history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?
Only if you contact Bank of America within minutes of sending, before the transfer is processed. Once processed, the transfer cannot be cancelled. If the money has already reached the recipient's bank, you will need to contact that bank and request they return the funds, which they are not required to do.
What is the difference between a wire transfer and an ACH transfer?
A wire transfer is faster and more expensive — it typically arrives the same business day and costs $15 to $50. An ACH transfer is slower and cheaper — it usually takes three to five business days and may be free. Use a wire transfer when you need money to arrive quickly; use ACH for routine payments where timing is less urgent.
Do I need to tell the recipient I am sending a wire transfer?
Yes. Give the recipient your confirmation number and the amount so they know to expect the transfer and can watch for it in their account. This also helps them contact their bank if the transfer does not arrive on time.
Can I send a wire transfer from a savings account?
Yes, you can send a wire transfer from either a checking or savings account at Bank of America. The process is the same regardless of account type.
What happens if I send a wire transfer to a closed account?
The recipient's bank will typically reject the transfer and return the funds to your Bank of America account. This can take several business days. Contact Bank of America if the money does not return within a week.
This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.