Wire money from Bank of America online, by phone, or in person

Bank of America lets you send money by wire transfer through online banking, the mobile app, by phone, or at a branch. The fastest route is usually online or the app if you have the recipient's bank details ready. Phone and branch transfers take longer but work if you need help or don't have the information in front of you. Domestic wires (within the US) typically arrive the same business day if sent before the bank's cutoff time, usually 2 p.m. Eastern. International wires take one to three business days depending on the destination country and its banking system.

Wire transfers are permanent once the receiving bank processes them, so you cannot reverse the transaction like you can with a credit card or debit card dispute. This makes it critical to verify the recipient's name and account number before you confirm. If something goes wrong, your only option is to contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the money—which they may or may not do.

Key Takeaways

  • Online and mobile app transfers are fastest and available 24/7, but you need the recipient's full name, account number, and routing number before you start.
  • Bank of America charges a domestic wire fee (currently $15 for online transfers and $20 for phone or branch transfers, though fees vary by account type) and the recipient's bank may charge an incoming fee.
  • Domestic wires sent before 2 p.m. Eastern on a business day usually arrive the same day; international wires take longer and require additional information like SWIFT codes.
  • Once a wire is sent, you cannot cancel it if the recipient's bank has already received it, so verify all details before confirming.
  • If a wire goes to the wrong account, contact Bank of America immediately and the recipient's bank; recovery is possible but not may provide.

Wire money online or through the mobile app

Log into your Bank of America online account or open the mobile app, then go to the transfer or send money section. Select "Wire transfer" and choose whether it is domestic (US) or international. Enter the recipient's full name, account number, and routing number for domestic transfers. For international transfers, you will also need the recipient's bank name, address, and SWIFT code (an eight or eleven-character code that identifies banks worldwide).

Enter the amount you want to send and review all details carefully before submitting. Bank of America will show you the fee upfront—currently $15 for online domestic wires—and confirm the total amount that will leave your account. Once you submit, the wire is processed immediately if it is before 2 p.m. Eastern on a business day. You will receive a confirmation number; save this in case you need to track the transfer or contact the bank later.

Wire money by phone or at a branch

Call Bank of America at 1-800-869-3557 to initiate a wire transfer by phone. Have the recipient's information ready: full name, account number, routing number (for domestic) or SWIFT code (for international), and the amount you want to send. A representative will walk you through the process, verify your identity, and confirm the wire fee, which is $20 for phone transfers. The wire will be sent the same business day if processed before the bank's cutoff time.

You can also visit a Bank of America branch in person to send a wire. Bring a photo ID and the recipient's banking details. A teller will help you complete the wire form, collect the fee, and process the transfer. Branch wires may take slightly longer than online transfers because the teller must enter the information into the system, but they are useful if you need help or do not have the recipient's details memorized.

Domestic wire transfer fees and timing

Bank of America charges $15 for domestic wire transfers sent online and $20 for transfers sent by phone or at a branch. Some account types, such as premium or business accounts, may have different fees or waived wire fees; check your account details or call the bank to confirm. The recipient's bank may also charge an incoming wire fee, typically $10 to $15, which is deducted from the amount received.

Domestic wires sent before 2 p.m. Eastern on a business day (Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays) arrive the same day. Wires sent after 2 p.m. or on weekends and holidays are processed the next business day. The receiving bank usually credits the money to the recipient's account within hours of receipt, though some banks take until the next business day to post the funds. You can track your wire using the confirmation number Bank of America provides.

International wire transfer fees and timing

International wire transfers from Bank of America cost $45 for online transfers and $50 for phone or branch transfers. The recipient's bank may charge an additional incoming fee. Some countries also impose fees at their end of the transfer. The total cost can be $60 to $100 or more depending on the destination country and banks involved.

International wires take one to three business days to arrive, depending on the destination country, the time zone difference, and whether the receiving bank processes wires during the same hours as Bank of America. Wires to major financial centers like the UK, Canada, and Western Europe typically arrive within one business day. Wires to smaller countries or those with less developed banking infrastructure may take two to three days. Bank of America will provide an estimated delivery date when you initiate the transfer.

Information you need before you start

For a domestic wire, you need the recipient's full name exactly as it appears on their bank account, their account number, and their bank's routing number (a nine-digit code). You can find routing numbers on the recipient's checks, by asking their bank, or by searching the American Bankers Association routing number database online.

For an international wire, you need the recipient's full name, account number, their bank's name and address, and the bank's SWIFT code. Some countries also require an IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which is a longer account identifier used in Europe and some other regions. Ask the recipient for all of this information before you start the transfer; mistakes in names or account numbers can cause the wire to be rejected or sent to the wrong account.

What to do if a wire goes wrong

If you sent a wire to the wrong account or with incorrect information, contact Bank of America immediately. Call 1-800-869-3557 and provide your confirmation number. If the receiving bank has not yet processed the wire, Bank of America may be able to recall it. Once the receiving bank has credited the money to an account, recall becomes much harder and recovery is not may provide.

If the wire was sent to the correct account but the recipient says they did not receive it, ask them to check with their bank. The wire may still be in process, especially for international transfers. If several business days have passed and the money has not arrived, contact Bank of America with the confirmation number and the recipient's bank details. The bank can file a trace to track the wire through the banking system and determine where it is. If you believe you were the victim of fraud or a scam and sent money to a fraudulent account, report it to Bank of America and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov. Recovery is difficult once money leaves the banking system, but reporting creates a record that may help law enforcement and other victims.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?

If you contact Bank of America before the receiving bank processes the wire, cancellation may be possible. Once the receiving bank has received and credited the funds, cancellation is not possible. Call immediately with your confirmation number if you need to cancel.

What is the difference between a wire transfer and an ACH transfer?

Wire transfers are faster and more expensive; domestic wires arrive the same day and cost $15 to $20. ACH transfers are slower and cheaper; they take three to five business days and cost nothing or a small fee. Use wires for urgent transfers and ACH for routine bills and payments.

Do I need to tell the recipient I am sending a wire?

It is a good idea to tell the recipient before you send the wire so they know to expect it and can confirm their account details are correct. This also prevents confusion if the wire arrives and the recipient does not recognize the source.

What happens if I enter the wrong routing number?

The wire may be sent to the wrong bank or rejected entirely. If rejected, the money returns to your account within one to three business days. If sent to the wrong bank, contact Bank of America immediately with your confirmation number so they can attempt to recall the wire.

Can I wire money from a savings account or only from checking?

You can wire money from most Bank of America savings accounts, checking accounts, and money market accounts. Some account types may have restrictions; check your account terms or call the bank to confirm your account supports wire transfers.