Bank of America's wire transfer process and fees
Bank of America offers wire transfers through its branches, online banking platform, and phone service. The process differs slightly depending which method you use, and fees vary by transfer type and destination.
Domestic wire transfers (within the United States) typically cost $15 per transfer when sent through a Bank of America branch or online. International wire transfers cost $45 when sent online or by phone, and $50 when sent in person at a branch. These fees are deducted from your account at the time you send the transfer. Some Bank of America accounts waive wire transfer fees — check your account terms or call 1-800-869-3557 to confirm whether yours does.
Bank of America processes domestic wires the same business day if you send them before 2 p.m. Eastern Time on a weekday. International wires typically take three to five business days to arrive, depending on the receiving bank's processing speed. Wires sent after 2 p.m. or on weekends are processed the next business day.
Key Takeaways
- Domestic wire transfers through Bank of America cost $15 online or at a branch; international transfers cost $45 online or by phone, or $50 in person.
- You need the recipient's name, account number, and routing number for domestic transfers, or their SWIFT code and international bank details for transfers outside the United States.
- Domestic wires sent before 2 p.m. Eastern Time on a weekday are processed the same day; international wires take three to five business days.
- Bank of America allows you to send wires online, by phone, or in person at a branch, and you can cancel a wire only before it is processed.
Sending a domestic wire transfer online
Log into your Bank of America online banking account and select "Transfer Money" from the main menu. Choose "Wire Transfer" and then "Domestic Wire." Enter the recipient's full name, account number, and the nine-digit routing number of their bank. Bank of America will ask you which of your accounts to send from and the amount to transfer.
Review the details carefully — routing numbers and account numbers cannot be corrected after the wire is sent. Enter any reference information you want included (such as an invoice number or account number at the receiving institution). Confirm the $15 fee will be deducted, then submit the transfer. Bank of America will send you a confirmation number when ready.
Keep the confirmation number and the date you sent the wire. If the recipient does not receive the money within one business day, contact Bank of America with this information so they can trace the transfer with the receiving bank.
Sending an international wire transfer
International wire transfers require more information than domestic ones. You will need the recipient's name, account number, and the SWIFT code of their bank (an eight or eleven-character code that identifies banks worldwide). Some banks also require an IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which varies in length and format by country.
Log into your Bank of America online account, select "Transfer Money," then "Wire Transfer," then "International Wire." Enter the recipient's information, the amount, and the country where the money is going. Bank of America will show you the exchange rate if you are converting currencies, and the $45 fee will be deducted from your account. Submit the transfer and save your confirmation number.
International wires cannot be cancelled once they leave Bank of America's system, which happens within hours of submission. If you need to cancel, contact Bank of America when ready — the sooner you call, the better the chance they can stop it before it is sent.
Sending a wire transfer by phone or in person
To send a wire by phone, call Bank of America at 1-800-869-3557 and speak with a representative. Have the recipient's information ready (name, account number, and routing number for domestic transfers; name, account number, and SWIFT code for international). The representative will confirm the amount, the fee, and your account details before processing the wire.
To send a wire in person, visit any Bank of America branch with a government-issued ID and the recipient's banking information. A teller will fill out a wire transfer form with you, confirm the details, and process the transfer when ready. In-person domestic wires cost $15, and in-person international wires cost $50 (compared to $45 online or by phone).
Information you need before sending a wire
| Transfer Type | Information Required |
|---|---|
| Domestic wire | Recipient's full name, account number, nine-digit routing number, and amount |
| International wire | Recipient's full name, account number, SWIFT code, country, amount, and sometimes IBAN |
Ask the recipient for their routing number or SWIFT code directly rather than searching online, because a wrong number will send your money to the wrong bank. If you are unsure whether you have the correct information, call the recipient's bank to verify before sending the wire.
Bank of America will not send a wire if the information is incomplete or if the amount exceeds your account balance plus any available credit. If your wire is rejected, Bank of America will notify you and you can correct the information and try again.
Cancelling or recalling a wire transfer
You can cancel a domestic wire transfer only if you contact Bank of America before the wire is processed — usually within a few hours of sending it. Call 1-800-869-3557 when ready with your confirmation number. Bank of America will attempt to stop the transfer, but cannot may provide success once the wire has left their system.
International wire transfers cannot be cancelled once they are sent. If the money went to the wrong account or the recipient refuses to return it, you would need to contact the receiving bank directly and ask them to reverse the transfer — a process that can take weeks and may not succeed.
If a wire transfer fails to arrive, Bank of America can trace it using your confirmation number and the date sent. Contact them within 30 days of sending the wire. The trace process typically takes five to ten business days, and Bank of America will refund the fee if the wire was lost in their system.
Wire transfer limits at Bank of America
Bank of America does not publish a single wire transfer limit that applies to all customers. Limits depend on your account type, how long you have held the account, and your banking history with them. New accounts typically have lower limits than established ones.
If your wire transfer is declined because it exceeds your limit, contact Bank of America at 1-800-869-3557 to ask what your current limit is and whether it can be increased. Some customers can raise their limits by visiting a branch in person or by maintaining a higher account balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Bank of America wire transfer take?
Domestic wires sent before 2 p.m. Eastern Time on a weekday arrive the same day. International wires take three to five business days. Wires sent after 2 p.m. or on weekends are processed the next business day.
Can I send a wire transfer from a Bank of America savings account?
Yes, you can send wires from most Bank of America checking and savings accounts. Some account types restrict wire transfers — check your account agreement or call 1-800-869-3557 to confirm your account allows them.
What happens if I send a wire to the wrong account number?
The wire will go to the account number you provided, even if it belongs to the wrong person or institution. You cannot reverse an international wire. For domestic wires, contact Bank of America when ready with your confirmation number — they can attempt to recall it, but success is not may provide.
Does Bank of America charge a fee to receive a wire transfer?
Bank of America does not charge customers a fee to receive domestic or international wire transfers. The sender pays all fees. However, if the wire is sent in a foreign currency, your bank may charge a currency conversion fee when they convert it to dollars.
Can I set up a recurring wire transfer at Bank of America?
Bank of America does not offer automatic recurring wire transfers through online banking. You must initiate each wire manually by logging in, calling, or visiting a branch. Some customers set calendar reminders to send regular wires on the same date each month.