Wire transfers at Bank of America work through their online banking platform, their mobile app, or by calling their wire transfer line

A wire transfer is a way to send money directly from your Bank of America account to someone else's account at another bank, usually within one business day. Bank of America handles wire transfers through their digital channels — you can start one online, through their mobile app, or by phone. The money moves from your account to the recipient's bank, and you'll see the charge reflected in your balance right away.

Wire transfers are different from other payment methods because the money leaves your account when ready and cannot be reversed once sent. This makes them useful for time-sensitive payments like down payments on a house or paying a contractor, but it also means you need to have the recipient's correct banking details before you start.

Key Takeaways

  • You can send a wire transfer through Bank of America's website, mobile app, or by calling 1-800-869-3557, and most domestic wires arrive within one business day.
  • You will need the recipient's full name, account number, routing number, and the name of their bank before you can send the wire.
  • Bank of America charges a fee for outgoing domestic wire transfers, typically around $15, though the exact amount may vary by account type.
  • Once you send a wire transfer, the money cannot be recalled or stopped, so verify all recipient details are correct before confirming the transaction.

How to send a wire transfer online through Bank of America

Log into your Bank of America account at bankofamerica.com using your username and password. From your account dashboard, look for the "Transfers" or "Move Money" section — the exact label depends on which version of their website you're using. Select "Wire Transfer" from the menu options.

Bank of America will ask you whether this is a domestic wire (to a U.S. bank account) or an international wire (to a bank outside the United States). Choose the correct option. For a domestic wire, you'll enter the recipient's name, their account number, their routing number, and the name and city of their bank. Double-check each piece of information — a single digit wrong in the account or routing number will send the money to the wrong place.

Enter the amount you want to send and add any reference information you want included with the transfer (like an invoice number or reason for payment). Review the total, which will include the wire transfer fee, then confirm the transaction. Bank of America will show you a confirmation number — save this for your records.

Sending a wire transfer through the Bank of America mobile app

Open the Bank of America mobile app and sign in. Tap the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines) and look for "Transfers" or "Move Money." Select "Wire Transfer" from the options available.

The app will walk you through the same steps as the website: choose domestic or international, enter the recipient's information, specify the amount, and review the fee. The mobile app may let you photograph the recipient's check or banking information to fill in some fields automatically, which can reduce typing errors. After you confirm, you'll receive a confirmation number on your screen and usually via email as well.

Sending a wire transfer by phone

Call Bank of America's wire transfer line at 1-800-869-3557. You'll need to verify your identity using your account number, Social Security number, or other security information. Have the recipient's banking details ready before you call — the representative will ask for their full name, account number, routing number, and bank name.

The representative will confirm the amount, calculate the fee, and walk you through the confirmation. They'll give you a confirmation number over the phone. This method takes longer than online or mobile, but it can be useful if you have questions about the wire or if you're uncomfortable using the digital channels.

What information you need before sending a wire

Gather these details before you start the wire transfer process. You need the recipient's full legal name exactly as it appears on their bank account — if their account is under "Robert Smith" but you enter "Bob Smith," the wire may be rejected or delayed. You also need their account number and the routing number of their bank.

The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the specific bank branch. You can find it on a check from that account (it's the first set of numbers on the bottom left), or you can ask the recipient for it. You'll also need the name of the bank and the city where the account is held. For international wires, you may need additional information like a SWIFT code or IBAN number instead of a routing number.

Wire transfer fees and timing at Bank of America

Bank of America charges a fee for outgoing domestic wire transfers. The fee varies slightly depending on your account type, but it is typically around $15 for a standard domestic wire. International wires cost more — usually $45 or higher — because they involve additional processing through correspondent banks.

Domestic wires sent before the bank's cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. Eastern Time on business days) arrive the same business day. Wires sent after the cutoff or on weekends and holidays are processed the next business day. International wires take longer, often three to five business days, because they move through multiple banks in different countries.

What happens after you send a wire transfer

Once you confirm a wire transfer, the money leaves your Bank of America account when ready and the fee is charged. You cannot cancel or reverse the wire after you've sent it, even if you realize you made a mistake. This is why it's critical to verify all recipient details before you hit confirm.

Bank of America will send you a confirmation email with the confirmation number, the recipient's information, the amount, and the fee charged. Keep this email for your records. The recipient's bank will receive the wire and deposit it into their account — you can ask the recipient to confirm when they receive it, but you won't see that confirmation in your Bank of America account.

If the wire is rejected (for example, because the account number is wrong), the money will be returned to your Bank of America account, usually within five to seven business days. You'll be notified by email when the return is processed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?

No. Once a wire transfer is sent, it cannot be canceled or reversed. This is why you must verify all recipient information before confirming. If you realize you made an error, contact Bank of America when ready — they may be able to contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the funds, but this is not may provide and depends on whether the receiving bank will cooperate.

How do I find a bank's routing number?

The routing number is printed on the bottom left of a check from that account — it's the first nine-digit number. You can also search for it on the bank's website or call the bank directly and ask for the routing number for wire transfers. Make sure you get the routing number for the specific branch where the account is held, not just the bank's main number.

What's the difference between a domestic and international wire?

A domestic wire goes to a bank account within the United States and uses a routing number. An international wire goes to a bank outside the U.S. and typically requires a SWIFT code or IBAN number instead. International wires take longer to process and cost more in fees.

Why was my wire transfer rejected?

The most common reason is an incorrect account number or routing number. Other reasons include a name mismatch, a closed account, or insufficient funds in your Bank of America account. Bank of America will notify you if a wire is rejected, and the money will be returned to your account within several business days.

Can I set up a recurring wire transfer?

Bank of America does not offer automatic recurring wire transfers through their standard platform. You would need to initiate each wire transfer manually through online banking, the mobile app, or by phone. If you need to send the same amount to the same recipient regularly, you might consider setting a calendar reminder to send the wire on your preferred schedule.