Bank of America International Wire Transfer: Fees, Limits and How It Works (2026)

Bank of America is one of the largest financial institutions in the United States, serving over 69 million consumers and businesses. Many of its customers regularly need to send money internationally, whether to pay overseas suppliers, support family abroad, or handle property purchases in another country. Before you initiate a Bank of America international wire transfer, it is worth understanding exactly what the service costs, because the total is almost always higher than the headline fee suggests.

The Bank of America wire transfer fee for outgoing international transfers sent in US dollars is $45 per transfer. On top of that, Bank of America applies a markup to the exchange rate of approximately 2-3% above the mid-market rate. On a $1,000 transfer, those two costs combined typically add up to $65-75 before the recipient receives a single dollar. Understanding both components is essential before you decide how to send money internationally.

This guide covers the complete Bank of America international wire transfer fee breakdown, daily limits, SWIFT codes, routing numbers, transfer times, step-by-step instructions, and a side-by-side comparison with specialist services that typically cost a fraction of what Bank of America charges.

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Before diving into the full breakdown, use the comparison tool below to see what your specific transfer would cost across different providers, including Bank of America alternatives that may save you significantly.

What Is a Bank of America International Wire Transfer?

A Bank of America international wire transfer is an electronic transfer of funds from your Bank of America account to a bank account in another country. Transfers are processed through the SWIFT network (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication), which connects over 11,000 financial institutions in 200 countries. When you bank of america send money internationally, your funds travel through a chain of correspondent banks before arriving at the recipient's account, which is why the process takes days rather than minutes and why each intermediary bank along the route may deduct its own fee.

Wire transfers are the standard mechanism banks use for cross-border payments. Unlike specialist money transfer services, which operate on proprietary payment networks, a SWIFT wire does not require either party to have an account with a specific provider. As long as the recipient has a valid bank account with a SWIFT-connected institution, the funds can reach them. The trade-off is cost and speed: every step in the SWIFT chain adds both time and charges.

Bank of America international wire transfers are available to both personal and business account holders. You can initiate a transfer online, through the Bank of America mobile app, by calling the bank, or by visiting a branch. Each channel has different daily limits and cutoff times, as covered in the sections below.

Bank of America Wire Transfer Fees: The Full Breakdown

The Bank of America international wire transfer fee structure has two distinct components. Most customers see only the first and miss the second entirely, which is why the total cost often comes as a surprise. Here is exactly what you are paying when you send money internationally through Bank of America.

Outgoing International Wire Transfer Fee

The Bank of America wire transfer fee for outgoing international transfers sent in US dollars is $45 per transfer. This is a flat fee, meaning it applies regardless of whether you are sending $200 or $20,000. If you choose to send in the recipient's local currency instead of US dollars, Bank of America waives the outgoing wire fee. However, the currency conversion still takes place using Bank of America's proprietary exchange rate, which includes a markup above the mid-market rate, so the transfer is not free in any meaningful sense.

Preferred Rewards members may qualify for fee relief. Preferred Rewards Gold tier ($20,000-$50,000 in combined balances) does not receive a wire transfer fee waiver. Platinum tier ($50,000-$100,000) receives a waiver on domestic incoming wires. Platinum Honors ($100,000-$1,000,000) and Diamond Honors ($1,000,000+) members receive waivers on both domestic and international incoming wires. Outgoing wire fees are not waived for any tier.

Incoming International Wire Transfer Fee

For incoming international wire transfers, Bank of America charges $15 per transfer. Preferred Rewards Platinum Honors and Diamond Honors members have this fee waived. It is worth noting that the sending bank in the originating country may also deduct correspondent bank fees from the transfer amount before it arrives, reducing what the recipient actually receives.

The Hidden Cost: Exchange Rate Markup

This is the component of the Bank of America international transfer fee that most customers overlook, and it is often larger than the wire fee itself. Bank of America does not apply the mid-market exchange rate (the rate you see on Google or Reuters) when converting currencies. Instead, it uses a proprietary rate that includes a margin of approximately 2-3% above the mid-market rate.

On a $1,000 transfer to Europe, a 2.5% exchange rate markup adds approximately $25 in hidden charges. Combined with the $45 outgoing wire fee, the real cost of sending $1,000 internationally through Bank of America is around $70. For a $5,000 transfer, the exchange rate markup alone could add $125, bringing the total cost to $170 or more.

The Real Total Cost of a Bank of America International Wire Transfer

To make the cost comparison concrete, here is a side-by-side example using a $1,000 transfer from the United States to Germany.

The numbers make the difference clear. A Bank of America international wire transfer costs around $70 on a $1,000 transfer. Specialist services routinely handle the same transfer for under $10. For larger amounts, the gap widens further. Sending $5,000 through Bank of America can cost $170 or more in combined fees and exchange rate costs, while a specialist service may charge $20-40 for the same transfer.

This is not a critique of Bank of America as a bank. It is a structural reality of how SWIFT wire transfers work and how banks price currency conversion. Banks maintain large branch networks, regulatory infrastructure, and relationship banking services that specialist services do not. Those costs are priced into every transaction, including international wire transfers.

Bank of America International Wire Transfer Limits

Bank of America sets daily limits on the amount you can send via international wire transfer online. For personal account holders, the standard daily limit for international wire transfers initiated through online banking or the mobile app is $1,000. Business account holders have a higher default limit of $5,000 per day.

The Bank of America international wire transfer limit of $1,000 per day for personal accounts is a significant constraint for anyone sending larger amounts. If you need to transfer more than this, you have several options. You can enrol in Bank of America's SafePass programme, which uses two-factor authentication and may allow you to request a higher daily limit. Alternatively, you can call Bank of America's wire transfer team directly or visit a branch, where higher amounts can typically be processed for a single transfer.

There is no publicly stated minimum transfer amount for a Bank of America international wire transfer, but the $45 flat fee makes very small transfers economically impractical. Sending $100 internationally through Bank of America means paying a 45% fee before exchange rate costs are even accounted for. For amounts under $500, the flat wire fee alone represents a significant proportion of the total transfer value.

Specialist services do not impose these kinds of daily limits for online transfers. Wise, Xe, and Remitly all allow significantly larger transfers online, with some corridors permitting transfers of up to $1,000,000 per transaction. If you regularly need to send money internationally, the Bank of America international wire transfer limit is worth factoring into your choice of provider.

Bank of America International Wire Transfer Time

Bank of America international wire transfers typically take between 1 and 5 business days to arrive at the recipient's account. Most transfers to major destinations in Western Europe, Canada, and Australia complete within 1-2 business days. Transfers to less-connected banking systems in Asia, Africa, or Latin America may take the full 5 business days.

The cutoff time for same-day processing is 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Any Bank of America international wire transfer submitted after this time will be queued for the next business day. Weekends and US federal bank holidays do not count as processing days, which can add several days to transfers around long weekends.

The multi-day timeline is inherent to the SWIFT network rather than specific to Bank of America. Every wire passes through at least one correspondent bank, and more complex routes involving multiple intermediaries can take longer. If your recipient needs the funds urgently, a Bank of America international wire transfer is not the fastest option available.

Specialist services are substantially faster. Wise processes most transfers within a few hours and completes many international transfers on the same day for major currency pairs. Remitly offers guaranteed delivery times on specific corridors and supports same-day transfers to many destinations, including India, Mexico, the Philippines, and several other high-volume remittance markets.

What You Need to Send a Bank of America International Wire Transfer

Gathering the correct recipient details before initiating a Bank of America international wire transfer is essential. Incorrect or missing information can cause the transfer to be held, delayed, or returned, and the return process can take additional days.

Bank of America SWIFT Codes

Bank of America uses two different SWIFT codes depending on the currency of the incoming transfer. For recipients expecting funds in US dollars, the Bank of America international wire transfer routing information uses SWIFT code BOFAUS3N. For recipients expecting funds in a foreign currency, the SWIFT code is BOFAUS6S. Providing the wrong SWIFT code can cause the transfer to fail.

The Bank of America international wire transfer routing number (ABA number) for wire transfers is 026009593. This is used by senders in the US who need to direct a wire to a Bank of America account. Note that the routing number is different from the SWIFT code: the routing number is used for domestic US wire transfers, while the SWIFT code is used for international transfers.

Recipient Information Required

To complete a Bank of America international wire transfer, you will need the following information from your recipient:

• Recipient full legal name (exactly as it appears on their bank account)
• Recipient's bank name and full address
• Recipient's account number or IBAN (required for European transfers)
• Recipient bank's SWIFT/BIC code
• The reason or purpose of the transfer (required for compliance in some corridors)
• Intermediary bank details (may be required for some countries)

European transfers require an IBAN instead of a standard account number. Transfers to countries in Asia, the Middle East, or Africa may require additional compliance documentation, including proof of the purpose of the transfer for amounts above certain thresholds.

How to Send a Bank of America International Wire Transfer

You can initiate a Bank of America international wire transfer through online banking, the mobile app, by phone, or in person at a branch. Online is the most convenient method for amounts within the daily limit.

Sending Online: Step by Step

Here is how to bank of america send money internationally through online banking:

1. Log in to your Bank of America online banking account at bankofamerica.com.
2. Navigate to the Transfers section from the main menu.
3. Select Wire Transfers and then International Wire Transfer.
4. Enter the recipient's details: name, bank name, SWIFT code, account number or IBAN, and country.
5. Enter the transfer amount and select whether to send in US dollars or the recipient's local currency.
6. Review the Bank of America wire transfer fee, the exchange rate applied, and the estimated delivery time.
7. Confirm the transfer. You may be asked to complete a security verification step.

Transfers submitted online are subject to the $1,000 daily limit for personal accounts. If your transfer exceeds this, you will need to call Bank of America's wire transfer team or visit a branch.

Sending by Phone or Branch

For transfers above the online daily limit, or if you prefer speaking to someone, you can initiate a Bank of America international wire transfer by calling the bank's customer service line. Branch wire transfers follow the same SWIFT process but may be subject to different cutoff times. Branch staff can also assist with gathering recipient information and navigating compliance requirements for specific countries.

Best Alternatives to Bank of America for International Transfers

The Bank of America international wire transfer fee of $45 plus exchange rate markup makes it one of the more expensive methods for sending money abroad. Three specialist services consistently deliver the same result for a fraction of the cost, with faster delivery and no hidden FX margins.

Wise: Best for Exchange Rates

9.5

Read our review

Fees & Exchange Rates10.0

Transfer Speed9.0

Safety & Trust10.0

Service & Quality9.5

Go to Wise

Read our review

Wise is purpose-built for international money transfers and is one of the most cost-transparent services available. It applies the mid-market exchange rate on every transfer, with no markup. The fee is a small percentage of the transfer amount, typically 0.41%-1.5% depending on the currency pair and payment method. On a $1,000 transfer to a Euro account, Wise charges around $4-8 total. That is a saving of over $60 compared to a Bank of America international wire transfer on the same amount.

Wise is regulated by FinCEN in the United States and by financial authorities in the UK, EU, Australia, and dozens of other markets. Customer funds are safeguarded separately from Wise's operating capital. Transfers complete in minutes to hours for major currency pairs, compared to 1-5 business days for a Bank of America international wire transfer.

Xe: Best for Wide Currency Coverage

9.0

Read our review

Fees & Exchange Rates7.5

Transfer Speed10.0

Safety & Trust10.0

Service & Quality9.0

Go to Xe

Read our review

Xe operates one of the largest currency transfer networks in the world, supporting over 130 currencies across more than 200 countries and territories. It is particularly strong for exotic currency pairs that Bank of America may not support directly. Xe applies competitive exchange rates with no wire fee, making it a practical alternative to a Bank of America international wire transfer for a wide range of destinations.

Xe is regulated by FinCEN, the FCA in the UK, and FINTRAC in Canada. Most Xe transfers complete within hours for major corridors, though transfers to some destinations may take longer. There is no minimum transfer amount, and no cap on individual transfer amounts, which makes Xe suitable for both small personal transfers and large commercial payments.

Remitly: Best for Speed and Remittance Corridors

8.5

Read our review

Fees & Exchange Rates8.5

Transfer Speed8.0

Safety & Trust10.0

Service & Quality9.0

Go to Remitly

Read our review

Remitly is designed for international remittances and is particularly strong on high-volume corridors including the US to India, Mexico, the Philippines, Guatemala, Nigeria, and several other markets. It offers guaranteed delivery times, with same-day delivery available on many routes. Promotional fees for new customers often make the first transfer essentially free, which is a significant difference from the $45 Bank of America wire transfer fee for new senders.

Remitly is regulated by FinCEN and licensed as a money services business in all US states where it operates. Customer funds are held in trust. Beyond the mobile app experience, Remitly also offers cash pickup options at tens of thousands of locations worldwide for recipients without a bank account, which Bank of America international wire transfers do not support.

Bank of America vs Specialist Services: Side-by-Side

Here is a direct comparison of the key factors for a $1,000 international transfer from the US:

The comparison shows that for the vast majority of international transfers, specialist services offer dramatically lower costs, faster delivery, and higher online transfer limits than a Bank of America international wire transfer. The one area where Bank of America has a structural advantage is regulatory standing as a federally chartered bank, which may be relevant for certain compliance-sensitive transactions.

Find the Cheapest Way to Send Money Right Now

Use the live comparison tool to see exact rates for your specific transfer. Enter your amount and destination to find which service saves you the most on this particular send.

When Does Using Bank of America for International Transfers Make Sense?

Despite the higher Bank of America international wire transfer fee and exchange rate markup, there are specific situations where using Bank of America directly is appropriate.

If you are a Preferred Rewards Diamond Honors or Platinum Honors member, the incoming wire fee is waived. For high-net-worth customers who already maintain the required balance to qualify, the cost calculation changes somewhat. Additionally, some large commercial transactions, property purchases, or regulated financial transfers are set up to receive SWIFT wires only from major chartered banks, where a transfer from a specialist service would not be accepted.

There are also cases where the Bank of America international wire transfer limit is not a constraint, such as in-branch transfers of very large amounts, and where the existing banking relationship makes the process simpler. For customers who have a private banking relationship with Bank of America, international wire transfer fees may be negotiated as part of a broader service package.

For the vast majority of personal and small business international transfers, however, the Bank of America wire transfer fee of $45 plus the exchange rate markup results in a significantly higher total cost than what specialist services charge. Unless there is a specific compliance, regulatory, or relationship-banking reason to use Bank of America, the numbers consistently favour a specialist provider.

Bottom Line

The Bank of America international wire transfer fee is $45 for outgoing transfers in USD, plus an exchange rate markup of approximately 2-3%. On a $1,000 transfer, total costs typically reach $65-75. For a $5,000 transfer, costs can exceed $170. These are not small amounts, and they are entirely avoidable.

Specialist services like Wise, Xe, and Remitly handle the same transfers for a fraction of the cost, with faster delivery and no hidden FX margins. If you are a Bank of America customer who regularly needs to send money internationally, comparing your options before each transfer is the single most effective thing you can do to reduce your costs.

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