Wire money through Bank of America online, by phone, or in person
Bank of America lets you send money by wire transfer through their website, mobile app, phone line, or a branch. The fastest route is online or the app if you have the recipient's bank details ready. You'll need their full name, bank account number, routing number, and the bank's name and address. Domestic wires (within the US) usually arrive the same business day if sent before the bank's cutoff time, typically 2 p.m. Eastern. International wires take longer and cost more.
The process is straightforward once you have the recipient information. Bank of America charges a fee for outgoing wires—currently $15 for domestic transfers and $45 for international ones, though these amounts can change. The money leaves your account immediately when you confirm the transfer, so double-check the details before you submit.
Key Takeaways
- Domestic wires through Bank of America cost $15 and typically arrive the same business day if sent before 2 p.m. Eastern.
- You need the recipient's full name, account number, routing number, and their bank's name and address to complete a wire.
- International wires cost $45 and take several business days; you may also need the recipient's SWIFT code or IBAN.
- Once you confirm a wire transfer, the money leaves your account immediately and cannot be reversed, so verify all details first.
Wire money online or through the Bank of America mobile app
Log into your Bank of America account online or open the mobile app. Select the account you want to send from, then look for "Transfer money" or "Wire money"—the exact label varies by app version. Choose "Wire transfer" and select whether it's domestic or international.
Enter the recipient's information exactly as it appears on their bank account. This includes their full legal name, account number, and the nine-digit routing number of their bank. For the bank itself, provide the name and full mailing address. If you're sending internationally, you'll also need the recipient's SWIFT code (an eight or eleven-character code that identifies their bank worldwide) or IBAN (International Bank Account Number), depending on the country.
Review all details carefully before confirming. Bank of America will show you the fee, the amount being sent, and the expected arrival date. Once you tap or click "Confirm," the transfer is final—you cannot cancel or reverse it.
Wire money by phone or at a Bank of America branch
Call Bank of America's customer service at 1-800-432-1000 to initiate a wire transfer over the phone. Have the recipient's information ready: full name, account number, routing number, and bank details. A representative will walk you through the process, confirm the fee, and process the transfer. Phone wires take the same time as online transfers if you call before the cutoff.
You can also visit a Bank of America branch in person. Bring a photo ID and the recipient's complete banking information. A teller will help you fill out the wire transfer form and process it immediately. In-person wires are useful if you're uncomfortable with online banking or need to send a large amount and want to speak with someone directly.
Understand wire transfer timing and cutoff times
Domestic wires sent before 2 p.m. Eastern on a business day usually arrive the same day. If you send after 2 p.m. or on a weekend or holiday, the wire processes the next business day. The receiving bank may take an additional day to post the funds to the recipient's account, though most deposit same-day wires by end of business.
International wires take longer because they move through multiple banks and clearing systems. Most international transfers take three to five business days, though some countries take longer. The exact timeline depends on the destination country and the receiving bank's processing speed. Bank of America cannot control delays on the receiving end.
Verify recipient information before sending
Wire fraud happens when a recipient's details are wrong or when someone tricks you into sending money to the wrong account. Once the wire leaves Bank of America, it is nearly impossible to recover. Always confirm the recipient's account number and routing number directly with them—call them or ask in person, not through email or text.
If you're wiring money to a business, ask them for their wire instructions in writing. Scammers sometimes intercept emails and change bank details at the last moment. When you have the information, read it back to the recipient out loud to catch any typos. A single wrong digit in the account number sends your money to a stranger's account.
What happens if a wire transfer fails or goes to the wrong account
If the receiving bank rejects the wire because the account number or routing number is invalid, the money returns to your Bank of America account within five to ten business days. Bank of America will notify you when the return arrives. You can then correct the information and resend.
If the wire reaches the wrong account because you provided incorrect details, recovery is difficult. Contact Bank of America immediately and provide all details of the transfer. They can file a trace request with the receiving bank, but there is no may provide the other bank will recover the funds or that the person who received them will return them. This is why verification before sending is critical.
Compare wire transfers to other Bank of America payment methods
Wire transfers are fast but expensive and irreversible. If you're sending money to someone you know and trust, consider alternatives. Bank of America's standard transfer between accounts at the same bank is free and takes one to two business days. Transfers to other banks via ACH (Automated Clearing House) are also free but take three to five business days.
For smaller amounts or less urgent transfers, Zelle (which Bank of America offers through their app) is free and faster than ACH but slower than a wire—usually one to three business days. Peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo or PayPal are also free for most transfers but have daily limits. Wire transfers make sense when you need money to arrive the same day, the amount is large, or you're sending internationally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a wire transfer after I send it?
No. Once Bank of America processes and sends a wire, it cannot be canceled or reversed. The money leaves your account immediately. If you realize you made a mistake, contact Bank of America right away—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 cooperates.
What's the difference between a routing number and an account number?
A routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the specific bank or branch. An account number identifies your individual account at that bank. Both are required for a wire transfer. You can find both on the bottom left of your checks, or call the recipient's bank to confirm them.
How much can I wire through Bank of America?
Bank of America does not publish a single wire transfer limit. Limits vary based on your account type, account history, and the amount of money you typically move. Contact Bank of America or check your account settings online to see your limit. If you need to send more than your limit allows, call customer service to request a temporary increase.
Do I pay the wire fee if the wire is rejected?
Bank of America's policy on rejected wire fees varies. If the receiving bank rejects the wire because of invalid account information, you may not be charged. If the wire is rejected for other reasons, you may still owe the fee. Ask Bank of America before resending whether you'll be charged again.
What information do I need for an international wire?
For an international wire, you need the recipient's full name, account number, the bank's name and address, and either the SWIFT code or IBAN. Some countries require both. Ask the recipient or their bank which code applies. International wires cost $45 and take three to five business days or longer depending on the destination.