Bank of America International Money Transfer Guide (2026)
If you need to send money internationally with Bank of America, you have several options. The most widely used is the bank wire transfer, but Bank of America international money transfer services also include foreign currency exchanges and, for some customers, access to Zelle for domestic transfers. This guide covers every method, what each one costs, and how Bank of America compares to specialist services that typically charge a fraction of the price.
Bank of America processes millions of international money transfers each year, but cost is a recurring complaint from customers. The bank charges a flat fee of $45 per outgoing wire in US dollars, plus an exchange rate markup of roughly 2 to 3 percent. On a $2,000 transfer, those two costs can easily exceed $100. Understanding all the options before you send can save you a significant amount.
This guide explains each Bank of America international money transfer method in plain terms, with real cost breakdowns, transfer times, limits, and a direct comparison against the cheapest alternatives available in 2026.
How to Send Money Internationally with Bank of America
Bank of America customers can send money abroad using three main methods. The international wire transfer is the standard route for sending money to a foreign bank account. Foreign currency exchange allows you to buy foreign currency in cash or for a foreign-denominated account. And for transfers within the US, Zelle is available, but it does not work for international payments.
For the vast majority of Bank of America customers looking to send money internationally, the wire transfer is the only practical option. Here is a full breakdown of each method available.
International Wire Transfer
The Bank of America international wire transfer sends money directly from your Bank of America account to a recipient's bank account abroad using the SWIFT network. You can initiate a wire transfer online via Mobile Banking or Online Banking, or in person at a branch. To send a wire, you need the recipient's full name, bank account number (or IBAN for European destinations), the receiving bank's SWIFT/BIC code, and the recipient's bank address.
The outgoing fee is $45 per transfer for USD wires. If you choose to send in a foreign currency, Bank of America converts the funds at its own exchange rate, which includes a 2 to 3 percent markup above the mid-market rate. On a $1,000 transfer, you are typically paying $45 in flat fees plus $20 to $30 in exchange rate costs, for a total of $65 to $75 lost before the recipient sees a penny.
Foreign Currency Exchange
Bank of America allows customers to order foreign currency in cash through its branches and online. This is useful for travel money, but not for sending money to a recipient abroad. If you need to send funds to someone in another country, you still need a wire transfer rather than a cash exchange. The exchange rates on Bank of America foreign currency orders include a similar markup to wire transfers.
Zelle
Zelle is integrated into the Bank of America Mobile Banking app, but it only works for domestic US transfers between enrolled US bank accounts. You cannot use Zelle to send money internationally. If a recipient does not have a US bank account enrolled in Zelle, the transfer cannot be completed through this method.
Bank of America International Money Transfer Fees
The total cost of a Bank of America international money transfer has two components that most customers only discover after initiating the transfer. The flat fee is disclosed clearly, but the exchange rate markup is much harder to see.
- Outgoing wire fee (USD): $45 per transfer
- Outgoing wire fee (foreign currency): $0 flat fee, but a larger FX markup applies
- Incoming international wire: $15 per transfer
- Exchange rate markup: approximately 2 to 3 percent above mid-market rate
- Correspondent bank fees: $10 to $35 deducted by intermediate banks, not disclosed upfront
Bank of America does not send your money at the mid-market rate. It applies a markup of roughly 2 to 3 percent to the exchange rate, which is separate from the $45 flat fee. On a $5,000 transfer, this markup alone can cost $100 to $150. Most customers do not realise this until after the transfer is complete.
The total you should expect to lose on a $1,000 transfer via Bank of America international wire: approximately $65 to $75. On a $5,000 transfer, the total cost typically reaches $145 to $200. By comparison, a specialist service like Wise charges a transparent fee of around 0.4 to 1 percent with no exchange rate markup, bringing the total cost on a $5,000 transfer to roughly $25 to $50.
How to Send Money Internationally with Bank of America Step by Step
You can initiate a Bank of America international wire transfer online, through the mobile app, or in person at a branch. Online is the fastest method and does not require an appointment.
- Log in to Bank of America Online Banking or the Mobile Banking app
- Navigate to Transfers, then select 'Send money to someone at another bank'
- Choose 'International wire transfer' and select the sending account
- Enter the recipient's full name, bank name, account number or IBAN, and SWIFT/BIC code
- Choose whether to send in US dollars or the recipient's local currency
- Review the fee ($45 flat) and the exchange rate offered (compare it to the mid-market rate)
- Confirm the transfer and save the wire reference number for tracking
Transfers submitted on business days before the daily cut-off time (typically 5 PM ET) are processed the same day. Funds typically arrive within 1 to 5 business days depending on the destination country and the receiving bank's processing time.
Bank of America International Wire Transfer Limits
Bank of America sets daily and per-transfer limits on international wire transfers. The standard online limit for outgoing international wires is $1,000 per day for consumer accounts. Business accounts may have higher limits. If you need to send more than $1,000, you must visit a branch or call Bank of America's wire transfer service.
There is no stated minimum transfer amount, but the $45 flat fee makes small transfers extremely expensive in percentage terms. On a $100 transfer, the fee alone is 45 percent of the transfer amount, before the exchange rate markup. For amounts under $500, a specialist service with low fixed fees will almost always be significantly cheaper.
Bank of America SWIFT Code and Routing Number
When receiving an international wire, Bank of America uses the SWIFT code BOFAUS3N for transfers in US dollars. For transfers in foreign currencies or wires routed through the New York branch, the SWIFT code is BOFAUS6S. Always confirm with your sender which code to use, as the wrong SWIFT code can cause delays or misdirected transfers.
The Bank of America routing number for domestic ACH transfers is 026009593, but this is not used for international wires. International wires use the SWIFT code rather than the routing number. If a sender asks for a routing number for an international transfer, give them the SWIFT code instead.
Cheaper Alternatives to Bank of America International Money Transfer
Specialist money transfer services consistently outperform Bank of America on cost, speed, and transparency for international transfers. The three services below are fully licensed, regulated, and widely used by US senders.
Wise
Wise is the most cost-effective option for most Bank of America customers switching to a specialist service. It uses the real mid-market exchange rate with no markup, charging only a transparent fee of around 0.4 to 1 percent depending on the currency pair and amount. On a $1,000 transfer to Europe, Wise typically costs under $10 total, compared to $65 to $75 via Bank of America. Wise supports over 40 currencies and delivers most transfers within seconds or hours, not days.
Wise is regulated by FinCEN in the United States as a licensed money services business and holds licences in over 50 countries. Its fees and exchange rates are always shown before you confirm the transfer, with no hidden costs. For regular international senders, Wise also offers a multi-currency account with local bank details in 10 currencies, making it a genuine alternative to a traditional bank account for international use.
Wise uses the real exchange rate with no markup and charges a small transparent fee. Most Bank of America customers switching to Wise save 80 to 90 percent on transfer costs.
- Mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup
- Transparent fee shown before you confirm
- Delivers to 40+ currencies in seconds or hours
- Regulated by FinCEN as a licensed US money services business
Xe
Xe is the best option for sending large amounts internationally or for sending to less common currencies. It supports over 130 currencies, more than any other major specialist service, and offers competitive exchange rates with low fees on larger transfers. Xe transfers typically arrive within 1 to 4 business days, and the service includes a rate alert tool so you can time your transfer when the exchange rate is most favourable.
Xe is owned by Euronet Worldwide and is regulated in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. It has processed over $115 billion in transfers and serves over 270 million customers worldwide. For Bank of America customers who regularly send large amounts or need access to exotic currencies, Xe is the most capable alternative.
Xe supports 130+ currencies and is ideal for large transfers where getting the best exchange rate matters most.
- 130+ currencies including exotic destinations
- Competitive rates on transfers over $5,000
- Rate alerts to time your transfer optimally
- Regulated in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia
Remitly
Remitly is the best option for Bank of America customers sending money to family in developing countries. It specialises in remittance corridors including India, the Philippines, Mexico, Guatemala, Nigeria, and over 100 other destinations. Remitly offers guaranteed delivery times and same-day options on most popular corridors. Fees start from $0 on express transfers in certain corridors, with exchange rates that are more competitive than Bank of America for remittance destinations.
Remitly also supports cash pickup at partner locations in many countries, which is useful when the recipient does not have a bank account. It is regulated by FinCEN in the US and holds licences in multiple countries. For recurring remittances, Remitly's promotional first-transfer rates are consistently among the lowest available.
Remitly specialises in fast, low-cost remittances to 100+ countries with guaranteed delivery times.
- Same-day delivery on most popular corridors
- Cash pickup available in many countries
- Low fees from $0 on express transfers
- Regulated by FinCEN in the United States
Bank of America vs Specialist Services: Cost Comparison
The table below compares the total cost of sending $1,000 to the UK and $5,000 to India via Bank of America against the three specialist services above. All figures are approximate and based on published rates as of 2026.
Service | $1,000 to UK (approx.) | $5,000 to India (approx.) | Delivery time |
|---|---|---|---|
Bank of America | $65 to $75 | $145 to $200 | 2 to 5 business days |
Wise | $6 to $10 | $25 to $50 | Seconds to 1 business day |
Xe | $8 to $15 | $20 to $60 | 1 to 4 business days |
Remitly | $5 to $12 | $15 to $40 | Minutes to 1 business day |
The numbers above illustrate a consistent pattern: Bank of America international money transfer costs between 5 and 10 times more than specialist services for the same transaction. The gap widens as the transfer amount increases because the exchange rate markup is a percentage, not a flat fee.
When Does It Make Sense to Use Bank of America for International Transfers?
There are a few situations where using Bank of America for an international money transfer makes practical sense, even if it costs more.
If the recipient's bank specifically requires a bank-to-bank SWIFT wire and does not accept transfers from non-bank institutions, Bank of America is a reliable option. Some real estate transactions, legal settlements, or institutional payees require wire transfers from a regulated bank. In those cases, Bank of America's service is appropriate, and the higher cost is unavoidable.
If you are already in a branch for another reason and need to send money urgently, the in-branch wire option is convenient. For one-off transfers where the priority is simplicity rather than cost, the familiarity of your existing bank account can outweigh the price difference.
For all other cases, including regular remittances, business payments, property purchases, and any transfer over $200, a specialist service will almost always deliver better value.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I send money internationally with Bank of America?
Log in to Bank of America Online Banking or the Mobile Banking app, go to Transfers, and select international wire transfer. You will need the recipient's full name, their bank account number or IBAN, their bank's SWIFT/BIC code, and the bank's address. The outgoing fee is $45 for USD wires. Alternatively, you can visit any Bank of America branch to initiate a wire in person, which may allow higher transfer amounts.
What is the Bank of America international money transfer fee?
The standard Bank of America international money transfer fee is $45 per outgoing wire transfer sent in US dollars. If you send in a foreign currency, there is no flat fee, but the exchange rate markup (approximately 2 to 3 percent above mid-market) becomes the primary cost. Incoming international wires cost $15. Correspondent banks along the SWIFT route may deduct an additional $10 to $35 before the money reaches the recipient.
How long does a Bank of America international wire transfer take?
Bank of America international wire transfers typically take 1 to 5 business days to arrive, depending on the destination country, the receiving bank's processing times, and whether any correspondent banks are involved in the route. Transfers to major currencies like GBP, EUR, and CAD tend to arrive within 1 to 2 business days. Transfers to less common destinations may take the full 5 business days. Specialist services like Wise and Remitly typically deliver within hours on the same corridors.
What is the Bank of America international wire transfer limit?
The standard daily limit for online international wire transfers from a Bank of America consumer account is $1,000 per day. If you need to send more than $1,000, you must complete the transfer in person at a branch or by phone, where higher limits apply. Business accounts have different limits that vary by account type and customer history. Bank of America may impose additional screening on large transfers, which can occasionally cause delays.
Can I send money internationally from the Bank of America app?
Yes, you can initiate an international wire transfer directly from the Bank of America Mobile Banking app. Go to Transfers, then select to send money to someone at another bank, and choose international wire transfer. The app supports the same functionality as Online Banking and processes transfers up to the same daily limit of $1,000. For amounts above $1,000, you need to visit a branch or call the wire transfer team.
What is the Bank of America SWIFT code for international transfers?
Bank of America uses SWIFT code BOFAUS3N for incoming international wire transfers in US dollars. For transfers in foreign currencies or wires routed through New York, the SWIFT code is BOFAUS6S. When giving your banking details to someone sending you an international wire, always confirm which SWIFT code to use based on the currency being sent. Using the wrong SWIFT code can cause the transfer to be delayed or returned.
Is Bank of America good for international money transfers?
Bank of America is a reliable option for international wire transfers in terms of security and regulatory standing, but it is one of the most expensive options available. The $45 flat fee plus a 2 to 3 percent exchange rate markup means that most senders lose between $65 and $200 or more per transfer depending on the amount. Specialist services like Wise, Xe, and Remitly offer the same level of security with costs that are typically 80 to 90 percent lower.
How does Bank of America international money transfer compare to Wise?
On a $1,000 transfer to Europe, Bank of America typically costs $65 to $75 in combined fees and exchange rate costs. Wise typically costs $6 to $10 for the same transfer, using the real mid-market exchange rate with a small transparent fee. Wise also delivers most transfers within hours rather than 1 to 5 business days. For regular international senders, switching from Bank of America to Wise can save hundreds or thousands of dollars per year.
Does Bank of America charge an exchange rate fee on international transfers?
Yes. Bank of America applies an exchange rate markup of approximately 2 to 3 percent above the mid-market rate on international transfers. This markup is separate from the $45 flat wire fee and is not shown as a line item on the fee disclosure. To see the true cost, compare the exchange rate Bank of America offers to the mid-market rate (available on Google or xe.com) at the time of your transfer. The difference is the hidden exchange rate fee.
What information do I need to send an international wire from Bank of America?
To send a Bank of America international wire transfer you need: the recipient's full legal name and address, the recipient's bank account number (or IBAN for European destinations), the receiving bank's full name and address, and the receiving bank's SWIFT/BIC code. For some countries you may also need an IBAN or local account number format. For US outgoing wires, Bank of America also requires you to state the purpose of the transfer.
Can I use Zelle for international money transfers with Bank of America?
No. Zelle only works for domestic transfers between US bank accounts enrolled in the Zelle network. It cannot be used to send money internationally. If you need to send money abroad from Bank of America, you must use the international wire transfer service, which costs $45 per transfer plus an exchange rate markup.
What is the cheapest way to send money internationally from Bank of America?
The cheapest way to send money internationally if you bank with Bank of America is to use a specialist service like Wise, Xe, or Remitly rather than Bank of America's own wire transfer service. These services charge a small transparent fee (typically 0.4 to 1 percent of the transfer amount) with no exchange rate markup, compared to Bank of America's $45 flat fee plus a 2 to 3 percent FX markup. You fund the transfer from your Bank of America account using a standard bank transfer or debit card.
How do I receive an international wire at Bank of America?
To receive an international wire at Bank of America, give the sender your full name, your Bank of America account number, Bank of America's SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N for USD), and Bank of America's address (Bank of America, NA, 222 Broadway, New York, NY 10038). Bank of America charges $15 to receive an incoming international wire. The sender's bank or correspondent banks along the route may also deduct fees before the funds arrive in your account.
The bottom line on Bank of America international money transfers: the bank offers a secure and reliable service, but it is significantly more expensive than specialist alternatives. For anyone who sends money abroad more than once or twice a year, switching to Wise, Xe, or Remitly for international transfers while keeping Bank of America for domestic banking is almost always the right financial decision. Use the comparison tool above to see exactly how much you would save on your next transfer.
Mohammad Humaid
Verified AuthorMo is the founder of MoneyTransferStore. As an expat who has experienced the challenges of sending money across borders himself, he set out to help others like him avoid hidden fees and unfair exchange rates on international transfers. With a background spanning fintech, payments, and Web3, Mo brings years of practical experience to building a platform focused on transparency and trust.
