Bank of America wire transfer address and routing information
Bank of America does not use a single mailing address for wire transfers. Instead, wires sent to a Bank of America account go through the Federal Reserve system using the bank's routing number, not a physical address. The routing number you need depends on which state your account is in and which type of account you hold.
If you are sending a domestic wire (within the United States), you provide the receiving person's Bank of America account number and their bank's routing number to your own bank. Your bank then sends the money through the Federal Reserve to Bank of America's processing center using that routing number. You do not mail anything or provide a street address.
If you are sending an international wire to a Bank of America account, the process is different. Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N. You will also need the account holder's full name, account number, and the specific Bank of America branch address where the account is held. The branch address matters for international wires because the receiving bank needs to know the physical location.
Key Takeaways
- Domestic wires to Bank of America use a routing number, not a mailing address, because the Federal Reserve handles the transfer electronically.
- Bank of America routing numbers vary by state and account type, so you must confirm the correct one with the account holder or Bank of America directly.
- International wires to Bank of America require the SWIFT code BOFAUS3N and the physical branch address where the account is held.
- You initiate a wire through your own bank, not by contacting Bank of America directly, unless you are wiring from a Bank of America account.
Finding the correct routing number for your wire
Bank of America publishes routing numbers for each state on its website under the "Routing Number" section. The routing number changes based on the state where the account was opened, not where the account holder lives now. If the account was opened in California, it uses California's routing number even if the person has moved to Texas.
You can also call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and provide the account holder's name and account number. A representative will confirm the correct routing number for that specific account. This is the safest method if you are unsure, because using the wrong routing number can delay or misdirect the wire.
Some employers and payroll services ask for a routing number when setting up direct deposit to a Bank of America account. The routing number they need is the same one used for incoming wires.
What information you need to provide for a domestic wire
When you initiate a wire transfer to Bank of America through your own bank, you will need to provide the following details to your bank:
- The receiving person's full name, exactly as it appears on their Bank of America account
- The receiving person's Bank of America account number
- Bank of America's routing number for the state where the account is held
- The amount of money you are sending
- Your own account information (your bank will have this on file)
Your bank may also ask for a reference or memo line so the receiving person knows why the money was sent. This is optional but useful if the wire is for a specific purpose like a rent payment or invoice.
International wire transfers to Bank of America
If you are sending money from outside the United States to a Bank of America account, you will need the account holder's Bank of America branch address in addition to the SWIFT code. Bank of America has branches in all 50 states, and the branch address tells the international banking system where to deliver the funds.
The account holder can provide you with their branch address, or you can ask them to log into their Bank of America online account and look for branch information. Alternatively, you can call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and ask for the branch address associated with a specific account number.
International wires typically take three to five business days to arrive, depending on the sending country and any intermediate banks involved. The receiving account will be credited in US dollars.
Wire transfer fees and timing at Bank of America
Bank of America charges a fee for incoming domestic wires, though the fee amount varies. As of the most recent public information, incoming domestic wires cost around $15, but this can change. The account holder should check their current fee schedule or call 1-800-432-1000 to confirm the exact amount before the wire arrives.
Outgoing wires from a Bank of America account also carry a fee, typically higher than incoming wires. If you are sending money from your own Bank of America account, ask your bank what the outgoing wire fee is before you initiate the transfer.
Domestic wires sent during business hours (Monday through Friday, before 5 p.m. Eastern time) usually arrive the same day. Wires sent after hours or on weekends are processed the next business day. Bank of America does not process wires on federal holidays.
What to do if a wire to Bank of America goes wrong
If a wire was sent to Bank of America but the account holder has not received it after the expected timeframe, the first step is to contact your own bank. Your bank can trace the wire using a confirmation number they gave you when you sent it. This number is essential — keep it in a safe place.
Your bank will contact the Federal Reserve and Bank of America to locate the wire. If the wire was sent to the wrong account number or routing number, it may have gone to a different person's account. In that case, Bank of America can attempt to recover the funds, but this process can take weeks.
If you sent the wire from a Bank of America account, you can also contact Bank of America directly at 1-800-432-1000 and provide your confirmation number. A representative can look up the wire in their system and tell you its status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wire money directly to a Bank of America address?
No. Wires are sent electronically through the Federal Reserve using routing numbers, not mailed to physical addresses. You initiate a wire through your own bank, which sends it to Bank of America's processing center using the routing number. The account holder never receives a check or physical document.
What is the difference between a routing number and a SWIFT code?
A routing number is used for domestic wires within the United States. A SWIFT code is used for international wires. Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N. If you are sending money from outside the US, you need the SWIFT code and the branch address. If you are sending from within the US, you need only the routing number.
Do I need the account holder's permission to send them a wire?
You should confirm the account number and routing number with the account holder before sending a wire, because sending money to the wrong account number cannot be undone. Once the money arrives in an account, only the account holder or Bank of America can authorize its return.
How long does a wire to Bank of America take?
Domestic wires sent during business hours arrive the same day. Wires sent after 5 p.m. Eastern time or on weekends are processed the next business day. International wires typically take three to five business days. Bank of America does not process wires on federal holidays.
What if I used the wrong routing number?
Contact your bank when ready with your wire confirmation number. Your bank can attempt to recall the wire before it is delivered. If the wire has already been delivered to the wrong account, Bank of America can try to recover it, but this process is slow and not always successful. Always confirm the routing number with the account holder before sending.