Wire transfers at Bank of America: the basic steps
Bank of America lets you send wire transfers through online banking, the mobile app, phone, or in person at a branch. The fastest route is usually online banking or the app if you have the recipient's details ready. You will need the recipient's full name, bank name, routing number, and account number — or SWIFT code if the transfer is international. Bank of America charges a fee for outgoing wires; domestic wires typically cost $15 and international wires $45, though fees vary by account type.
The process takes minutes to set up, but the money does not move when ready. Domestic wires usually arrive the same business day if you send before the cutoff time (typically 2 p.m. Eastern). International wires take one to three business days. Once you hit send, you cannot cancel the transfer, so double-check the account number and routing number before confirming.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America wire transfers require the recipient's full name, account number, routing number (domestic) or SWIFT code (international), and bank name.
- Domestic wires cost $15 and typically arrive the same business day; international wires cost $45 and take one to three business days.
- You can initiate a wire through online banking, the mobile app, by phone at 1-800-869-3557, or at a branch.
- Wire transfers cannot be reversed after you send them, so verify all recipient details before confirming.
Sending a wire through Bank of America online banking
Log into your Bank of America online account and look for "Transfer Money" or "Wire Funds" in the main menu. Select "Wire Funds" and choose whether the transfer is domestic or international. Enter the recipient's bank name, routing number (for domestic) or SWIFT code (for international), account number, and the recipient's full name exactly as it appears on their account.
Enter the amount you want to send and review all details on the confirmation screen. Bank of America will show you the fee and the expected delivery date. Once you confirm, the wire is submitted. You will receive a confirmation number — save this for your records. If the wire does not arrive within the expected timeframe, you will need this number to contact Bank of America.
Using the Bank of America mobile app for wire transfers
Open the Bank of America app and tap "Transfer Money." Select "Wire Funds" and choose domestic or international. The steps are the same as online banking: enter the recipient's bank details, account number, and name, then the amount. Review the fee and delivery estimate before you confirm.
The mobile app works the same way as the website, but some people find it easier to photograph or copy the recipient's banking details into the app rather than typing them. Make sure you are using the official Bank of America app from the Apple App Store or Google Play — do not use a third-party app or click a link in an email or text claiming to be from Bank of America.
Sending a wire by phone or at a branch
If you prefer not to use online banking or the app, you can call Bank of America at 1-800-869-3557 to send a wire. Have the recipient's full name, account number, routing number or SWIFT code, and bank name ready. A representative will walk you through the process and may ask security questions to verify your identity. Phone wires take the same amount of time as online wires and cost the same fee.
You can also visit a Bank of America branch in person. Bring a photo ID and the recipient's banking information. A teller will help you complete the wire form and process the transfer. In-person wires are useful if you are not comfortable with online banking or if you need to send a large amount and want to speak to someone directly.
What information you need before you start
Gather all recipient details before you begin the wire. For a domestic wire, you need the recipient's full name, their bank's routing number, their account number, and their bank's name. For an international wire, you need the recipient's full name, their bank's SWIFT code (an eight or eleven-character code that identifies banks worldwide), their account number, and their bank's name and address.
If you do not have the routing number or SWIFT code, ask the recipient or look it up on their bank's website. Do not guess or use a number that looks close — a wrong routing number or SWIFT code will send the money to the wrong bank, and recovering it is difficult and time-consuming. If you are unsure, call Bank of America before you send.
Wire transfer fees and timing at Bank of America
Bank of America charges $15 for domestic outgoing wires and $45 for international outgoing wires. Some account types, such as certain premium checking accounts, may have lower fees or waived wire fees — check your account details or call to confirm. The fee is deducted from your account when the wire is sent.
Domestic wires sent before 2 p.m. Eastern time on a business day usually arrive the same day. Wires sent after 2 p.m. or on weekends or holidays are processed the next business day. International wires take one to three business days depending on the destination country and the receiving bank's processing speed. Bank of America cannot speed up international wires — the timeline depends on the banks involved.
Common mistakes to avoid when sending a wire
The most common mistake is entering the wrong account number or routing number. Even one digit off sends the money to the wrong account, and the receiving bank may not catch the error. Always ask the recipient to confirm their account number and routing number in writing before you send. Do not rely on a verbal confirmation or a number you think you remember.
Another mistake is sending a wire to an account that is not in the recipient's name. Some people try to send money to a joint account or a business account without confirming the exact account holder's name. Bank of America requires the recipient's full legal name, and the receiving bank will reject or delay the transfer if the name does not match. Ask the recipient for their exact legal name as it appears on their bank account.
A third mistake is sending a wire and then trying to cancel it. Once you confirm a wire transfer, it cannot be stopped. If you realize you made an error after sending, contact Bank of America when ready with your confirmation number, but be prepared for the possibility that the money has already left your account and cannot be recovered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?
No, wire transfers cannot be reversed once they are sent. If you realize you made a mistake, contact Bank of America right away with your confirmation number, but the money may have already reached the recipient's bank. Prevention is the only option — verify all details before you confirm.
How long does a Bank of America wire transfer take?
Domestic wires sent before 2 p.m. Eastern on a business day arrive the same day. Wires sent after 2 p.m. or on weekends arrive the next business day. International wires take one to three business days depending on the destination country and the receiving bank.
What is the difference between a routing number and a SWIFT code?
A routing number is a nine-digit code used to identify U.S. banks for domestic transfers. A SWIFT code is an eight or eleven-character code used to identify banks worldwide for international transfers. Use the routing number for domestic wires and the SWIFT code for international wires.
What happens if I send a wire to the wrong account number?
The money goes to the account number you entered, even if it belongs to someone else. Contact Bank of America when ready with your confirmation number. The receiving bank may be able to reverse the transfer, but this is not may provide and can take weeks. Always verify the account number with the recipient before sending.
Does Bank of America charge a fee to receive a wire transfer?
Bank of America does not charge you a fee to receive a wire transfer. The sender pays the outgoing wire fee. However, if the wire comes from outside the United States, the receiving bank may deduct a small fee from the amount that arrives — ask the sender to send extra to cover this if it is a concern.