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Bank of America wire transfers review

Send fast and secure international wire transfers with Bank of America.

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  • Great for secure and convenient transfers with a trusted provider.
  • Not so great if you are looking for varied transfer options.

Bank of America supports international wire transfers to more than 200 countries in over 140 currencies. As the second-largest banking institution in the US, it caters to more countries than US banking giant Chase Bank. While you can rely on a secure and convenient process with Bank of America, watch out for higher fees and exchange rates compared to independent money transfer services like OFX or Wise.

Why should I consider Bank of America?

  • Send money to 200+ countries in over 140 currencies. Help out family and friends wherever necessary.
  • Transfer options. You can initiate your transfer online or at your local Bank of America branch, they have 4,000 branches nationwide.
  • Trusted provider. A trusted name in the banking industry, Bank of America has a long history of providing financial services to millions of customers.
  • Two-day delivery. Send money in two business days, which is better than many other banks.

What to be aware of

  • Transfer fees. Prepare to pay a transfer fee of $30 to $45 when you send money overseas. Domestic wire transfers cost less.
  • Customers only. You’ll need to have an account with Bank of America before making a transfer.
  • Wire transfer or money orders only. Recipients can withdraw cash from their accounts after the transfer is complete.
  • Low transfer wire limits. Consumers are limited to $1,000 per transaction and small businesses can send up to $5,000. You may also be subjected to daily and monthly limits.

How much are Bank of America wire transfer fees?

Although fees may differ based on your type of account, receiving a domestic wire transfer costs $15 and sending an international transfer costs $45. Typical wire transfer fees at Bank of America are:

DomesticInternational
Incoming fee$15$16
Outgoing fee$30$45
Tracer fee (optional)$25$25

If you send an outgoing transaction in a foreign currency, Bank of America will waive the wire transfer fee and instead add margin onto the currency exchange for your transfer.

How are Bank of America’s exchange rates?

While Bank of America doesn’t reveal its exchange rates online, they will show you the rate that applies to your transaction before you confirm the transfer’s details. You’ll get a better exchange rate from a money transfer specialist, so look for alternatives to save money on your transfer.

It’s also worth keeping in mind that Bank of America’s wire transfer service adds a 5% to 7% margin on top of the mid-market rate for international transfers. Therefore, it is best to compare the displayed rate on Bank of America with the current interbank rate to work out the exact size of the margin.

What are the ways I can send money abroad with Bank of America?

Bank of America offers international wire transfers directly to your recipient’s bank account in more than 200 countries. If you don’t want to send a wire transfer, you also have the option of obtaining an international money order and then mailing it to your recipient overseas.

What is the wire transfer limit for Bank of America?

Bank of America’s transfer limit varies on whether you are sending money through a consumer or business account.

Consumer wire transfer limits

Transfer typeSending limitsReceiving Limits
International Wire Transfer$1,000 (per 24 hours)N/A
Same Business Day Domestic$1,000 (per 24 hours)N/A
Next Business Day ACH$1,000 (per 24 hours)$10,000 (per 24 hours), $50,000 (monthly)
Three Business Day ACH$1,000 (per 24 hours)$10,000 (per 24 hours), $50,000 (monthly)

Business wire transfer limits

Transfer typeSending limitsReceiving limits
International Wire Transfer$5,000 (per 24 hours)N/A
Same Business Day Domestic$5,000 (per 24 hours)N/A
Next Business Day ACH$5,000 (per 24 hours)N/A
Three Business Day ACH$5,000 (per 24 hours)N/A

How long does a transfer with Bank of America take?

A domestic wire transfer sent with Bank of America usually lands in the recipient’s account within 1-2 business days. For an international wire transfer, 2-3 business days is the norm. But you must make the daily cut off time for wire transfers, which is 5 pm ET for both domestic and international wire transfers in either US dollars or foreign currency. Any wire transfer made after this time will be processed the next business day by Bank of America.

Transfers typically takeClock icon for transfer speed

2 days

How to make your first wire transfer with Bank of America

You’ll need a Bank of America bank account to send an international or domestic wire transfer with Bank of America. You can quickly and easily sign up for an account online with your Social Security Number, contact information and residential address.

Making an international wire transfer with Bank of America

Once you have an account, you can send a wire transfer online or at a local Bank of America branch.

To initiate an international wire transfer online:

  1. Log in to your Bank of America account online.
  2. Hover over the Transfers tab and then locate the “using their account number at another bank” section.
  3. Enter the details of your transaction including how you’re sending and your recipient’s banking information.

Is Bank of America safe to use?

  • Regulation: Regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
  • Security: USB security key, secure one-time authorization codes, cyber security program
  • Established: 1998

Bank of America is the second-largest banking institution in the US and the seventh-largest bank in the world. It is regarded as one of the world’s leading financial institutions and has a long history of providing financial solutions to millions of customers.

How does Bank of America compare to other money transfer services?

If you want to see how Bank of America compares to the exchange rates and fees offered by other money transfer services, enter the details of your transaction into the table below.

1 - 12 of 12
Name Product Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
Instarem
24 hours
From 0%
New Instarem customers will get a special FX rate and zero-fees on their first transfer.
Instarem offers offers rewards on every transaction.
Wise (TransferWise)
Within minutes
From 0.41%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 50+ currencies.
MoneyGram
Within minutes
From $0
MoneyGram has fast cash pick-up transfers to more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide.
Airwallex
Airwallex
Within minutes
$0
After spending $15k in your first 90 days, receive a one-time $500 bonus that will automatically be credited to your account on any FX conversion.
Airwallex can help you make business payments to 150+ countries in 60+ currencies.
OFX International Money Transfers (Business)
24 hours
$0
Business customers: Send safe, no-limit transfers with no fees and competitive exchange rates.
CurrencyTransfer for Business
24 hours
$0
Increase business efficiency with zero transaction fees and same-day transfers.
Xe Money Transfer for Business
24 hours
$0
Save your time and money with Xe Money Transfer for business.
OFX
24 hours
$0
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.
Currencies Direct (business)
24 hours
$0
Minimizes costs of international transactions and offers custom solutions for business clients. Currencies Direct may call you to confirm your transfer, so be prepared for a phone call shortly after initiating a transfer.
Xe
Within minutes
$3
Xe has fast transfers with low fees and a range of foreign currency tools.
CurrencyTransfer
24 hours
$0
CurrencyTransfer lets you shop around for the best exchange rate on its online marketplace.
Currencies Direct
24 hours
$0
CurrenciesDirect makes transferring money abroad simple with bank-beating exchange rates. Currencies Direct may call you to confirm your transfer, so be prepared for a phone call shortly after initiating a transfer.
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Frequently asked questions

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Name Product Filter Values Fastest Transfer Speed Fees (Pay by Bank Transfer)
OFX International Money Transfers (Business)
24 hours
$0
Business customers: Send safe, no-limit transfers with no fees and competitive exchange rates.
Xe
Within minutes
From $0
Xe has fast transfers with low fees and a range of foreign currency tools.
MoneyGram
Within minutes
From $0
MoneyGram has fast cash pick-up transfers to more than 350,000 agent locations worldwide.
Instarem
24 hours
From 0%
New Instarem customers will get a special FX rate and zero-fees on their first transfer.
Instarem offers offers rewards on every transaction.
Xe Money Transfer for Business
24 hours
$0
Save your time and money with Xe Money Transfer for business.
Remitly
Within minutes
From $0
Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.
CurrencyTransfer
24 hours
$0
CurrencyTransfer lets you shop around for the best exchange rate on its online marketplace.
WorldRemit - 4free
Within minutes
From $0.99
Use promo code 3FREE and pay no fees on your first 3 transfers. Conditions apply.
WorldRemit sends money to 110+ countries for bank-to-bank deposits, cash pick-ups or mobile top-ups.
OFX
24 hours
$0
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.
PayPal (business)
Within minutes
$0
Provides business solutions for small business owners in over 24 currencies worldwide. Try 3 months free of Spotify Premium when you sign up with PayPal.
Wise (TransferWise) International Money Transfers Business
Within minutes
From $8.16
Enjoy high maximum transfers into more than 40 currencies, while saving up to 90% over local banks.
Wise (TransferWise)
Within minutes
From 0.41%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 50+ currencies.
Wise (TransferWise)
Within minutes
From 0.41%
Wise uses the mid-market rate and transparent fees to help you send money in 50+ currencies.
CurrencyTransfer for Business
24 hours
$0
Increase business efficiency with zero transaction fees and same-day transfers.
WorldRemit
Within minutes
From $0.99
Use promo code 3FREE and pay no fees on your first 3 transfers. Conditions apply.
WorldRemit sends money to 110+ countries for bank-to-bank deposits, cash pick-ups or mobile top-ups.
CurrencyFair
24 hours
€3
CurrencyFair has bank-beating exchange rates and fast transfer times on 15+ popular currencies.
OFX
24 hours
$0
OFX has no maximum limit transfers, with competitive exchange rates for 45+ currencies.
CurrencyFair
24 hours
€3
CurrencyFair has bank-beating exchange rates and fast transfer times on 15+ popular currencies.
Remitly
Within minutes
From $0
Special offers like free transfers and better exchange rates available for new customers.
Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.
Remitly
Within minutes
From $0
Special offers like free transfers and better exchange rates available for new customers.
Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.
Remitly
Within minutes
From $0
Special offers like free transfers and better exchange rates available for new customers.
Remitly has quick, affordable transfers around the world, with both express and economy options.
PayPal
Within minutes
From $0
Use PayPal to safely send money and receive payments from around the world in over 25 currencies with just an email address or mobile number. Try 3 months free of Spotify Premium when you sign up with PayPal.
Xe
Within minutes
$3
Xe has fast transfers with low fees and a range of foreign currency tools.
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Marc Terrano is a lead publisher and growth marketer at Finder. He has previously worked at Finder as a publisher for frequent flyer points and home loans, and as a writer, podcast host and content marketer. Marc has a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) from the University of Technology Sydney. He’s passionate about creating honest and simple reviews and comparisons to help everyone get value for money. See full bio

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76 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    EricJanuary 2, 2019

    Hello, I want to use wire transfer to transfer money from BoA to China. I get a BoA checking account and several Chinese bank accounts but all my Chinese bank accounts are regular Chinese RMB checking/saving account (not USD accounts). If I use wire transfer to transfer USD from BoA to my Chinese bank account, will I receive Chinese RMB or USD? How long does the transfer usually take? Thanks.

      AvatarFinder
      CharisseJanuary 2, 2019Finder

      Hi Eric,

      Thanks for reaching out to finder.

      Generally, Bank of America international wires arrive at the recipient bank in 2 business days if sent by 5pm ET. Usually, when you transfer USD to your Chinese bank account, it will be automatically converted to your local currency (RMB) if your bank account is not a multi-currency account.

      As a Bank of America customer, you have the option to exchange USD to a foreign currency before you initiate the fund transfer. In most instances, if you send your wire in foreign currency, your recipient will receive the funds sooner than sending it in USD.

      I hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      Charisse

    Default Gravatar
    BiancaDecember 10, 2018

    Hi, my friend will send me money thru transfer online to my bank account here in the philippines. Am I required to provide my passport details to BofA to process the remittance?

    Thank you

      Default Gravatar
      AshDecember 13, 2018

      Hi Bianca,

      Thank you for contacting finder.

      No, there is no need for you to provide your passport details but you must give the Sender your Banking Information and Contact Number for him/ her to process the money transfer.

      I hope this helps.

      Please do not hesitate to reach out again to us if you have additional questions.

      Cheers,
      Ash

    Default Gravatar
    TimurOctober 15, 2018

    Hello! I’m from Kazakhstan. just opened an account (business account) on BOA and want to transfer money to my account of BOA from a Kazakhstan bank account. Could you please explain procedure, or give link where can I read? Thank you in advance.

      Default Gravatar
      nikkiangcoOctober 16, 2018

      Hi Timur,

      Thanks for your inquiry.

      If you are sending money from your Kazakhstan bank account to BOA, you’d have to contact your Kazakhstan bank to ask for the process and fees.
      Otherwise, to send money from BOA account to Kazakhstan, as it says on our page:

      To send an international wire transfer with BofA, you’ll need to first set up a bank account. You can quickly and easily sign up for an account online with your Social Security Number, contact information and residential address.

      Once you have an account, you can send a wire transfer overseas online or at a local Bank of America branch.

      To initiate an international wire transfer online:

      Log in to your Bank of America account online.
      Hover over the Transfers tab and then locate the Send money to someone section and select Using their account number at another bank.
      Enter the details of your transaction — how much you’re sending and your recipient’s banking info.
      Your transfer will typically be delivered in two business days to more than 200 countries worldwide.

      Take note that you will have to pay a transaction fee when you send an international wire transfer. However, these fees vary depending on whether you are sending a foreign currency or US dollars. You’ll be able to review any fees that apply to your transfer before you complete your transaction.

      Hope this helps! For any clarifications, feel free to message us again.

      Cheers,
      Nikki

    Default Gravatar
    SajibOctober 14, 2018

    How can I send money to Saudi Arabia, what details do I need?

      AvatarFinder
      AnndyOctober 15, 2018Finder

      Hi Sajib,

      Thanks for your question.

      If you are referring to the requirements for wire transfers from Bank of America to your recipient’s bank account in Saudi Arabia, you’ll need your recipient’s full personal and banking information, including their bank’s name and SWIFT code and their routing and account number.

      Alternatively, you can check this page money transfer companies, to compare money transfer companies that allow you to send funds to Saudi Arabia. The requirements will depend on how your recipient will receive the money. For instance, if the recipient will pick up the cash, you’ll just need the receiver’s full name as it appears on their government-issued ID and information about their city/province/state and country. If you are sending to a bank account, you’ll need the receiver’s international bank account number (IBAN) and international bank identifier code (BIC), or the receiving country equivalent.

      I hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      Anndy

    Default Gravatar
    LindaOctober 9, 2018

    Hi. I’m from the Philippines .my friend sent me 1000$ to my email address. I received an email from Bank of America but how can i receive it if I’m here in the Philippines?

      AvatarFinder
      JoshuaOctober 14, 2018Finder

      Hi Linda,

      Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well with you. :)

      The email that you received from Bank of America should come with instructions on how you would be able to receive the money.

      Moreover, please note that the money isn’t sent to an email address, but rather the email address is used to send the money to a specific account. An email address can’t hold money for you. For this reason, you need to clarify with your friend how exactly he sent the money. You may also check with Bank of America to learn more.

      I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.

      Have a wonderful day!

      Cheers,
      Joshua

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