Bank of America International Wire Transfer Fee (2026)
If you are wondering how much does Bank of America charge for international wire transfer, the direct answer is: $35 per transfer online (or $45 at a branch). That is the Bank of America international wire transfer fee before any exchange rate markup. On top of that flat charge, the bank applies a currency conversion spread of roughly 2 to 4% above the mid-market rate. On a $1,000 send to the UK, the all-in Bank of America international money transfer fee typically runs $60 to $85.
Most Bank of America customers do not realise the exchange rate markup exists. The bank quotes you its own rate, which is less favourable than the mid-market rate you see on Google or XE. That gap is pure profit for the bank, and it is not labelled as a fee anywhere on the transaction screen. The Bank of America international transfer fee you see at checkout is only part of what you are actually paying.
This guide covers every Bank of America wire transfer fee you will encounter, shows you exactly what a transfer costs on a concrete dollar example, explains how to send an international wire step by step, and compares what specialist money transfer services charge for the same job.
Compare Your Options Before You Send
Bank of America International Wire Transfer Fees at a Glance
Here is a summary of every Bank of America wire transfer fee relevant to international transfers. These apply to standard personal accounts as of 2026. Always verify current fees with Bank of America directly.
Transfer Type | Fee |
|---|---|
Outgoing international wire (online / mobile) | $35 per transfer |
Outgoing international wire (at a branch) | $45 per transfer |
Incoming international wire | $15 per transfer |
Exchange rate markup | Approx. 2-4% above mid-market |
SWIFT intermediary fees (third-party) | Typically $10-25, deducted en route |
The Bank of America international transfer fee listed above is the flat component. The exchange rate markup is applied separately and varies day to day and currency pair to currency pair. Together, they determine the true Bank of America international wire transfer fee you actually pay.
Outgoing International Wire Transfer Fee
The standard Bank of America international wire transfer fee for outgoing wires is $35 when you initiate online or through the mobile app, and $45 if you go into a branch. You pay the lower fee by doing everything digitally. There is no meaningful difference in the actual transfer: the money goes the same route via SWIFT either way.
The $35 Bank of America wire transfer fee is flat, not percentage-based. That makes it proportionally more painful on small amounts. Sending $200 internationally via Bank of America costs you 17.5% of the principal in just the wire fee alone, before the exchange rate markup is factored in. Sending $5,000? The $35 Bank of America international transfer fee is less than 1%, but by then the FX spread adds far more.
For context, the Bank of America international money transfer fee has held in the $35 to $45 range for several years. It is broadly comparable to other major US banks: Chase charges $40 to $50 for outgoing international wires, and Wells Fargo charges $30 to $45 depending on account type. All major banks are significantly more expensive than specialist transfer services, which we cover below.
Incoming International Wire Transfer Fee
If someone sends you money internationally into your Bank of America account, the bank charges a $15 incoming wire fee. This is deducted from the arriving funds, so if someone sends $500, you receive $485.
Some premium account holders at the Preferred Rewards Platinum Honors tier and above have this fee waived. Certain business accounts also receive incoming wire fee waivers. If you receive international wires frequently, it is worth reviewing your specific account terms to confirm whether the Bank of America international transfer fee applies to inbound transfers for your account type.
Keep in mind that the sender's bank charges a fee on their end, and SWIFT intermediary banks along the transfer route may deduct their own handling charges before the money reaches Bank of America. It is not uncommon for a $1,000 international transfer to arrive as $965 or less after all parties have taken their cut.
The Exchange Rate Markup: The Hidden Part of the Bank of America International Transfer Cost
This is the cost that catches most Bank of America customers off guard. When you send an international wire, the bank converts your dollars at its own exchange rate, not the mid-market rate. The mid-market rate is the real interbank rate you see on Google, XE, or Reuters. Bank of America's offered rate sits below that by roughly 2 to 4%, and often more for less common currencies.
That gap is the exchange rate markup, and it does not appear anywhere as a labelled Bank of America international wire transfer fee on your transaction screen. Most customers assume they are paying $35 and that is the end of it. In practice, the exchange rate spread is frequently the larger of the two costs.
Concrete example: sending $1,000 to the UK (USD to GBP). At the mid-market rate, $1,000 might convert to roughly GBP 790. At the Bank of America rate, you might get GBP 762 to GBP 770, a difference of around $25 to $35 in value. Add the $35 wire fee, and the total Bank of America international money transfer fee on a $1,000 send is approximately $60 to $70. Wise does the same transfer for around $9 to $12.
Bank of America does not disclose its exchange rate markup as a separate line item. You see the offered conversion rate, but you are not shown how far it sits below the real mid-market rate. To understand the true Bank of America international transfer cost, compare the offered rate against the current mid-market rate on xe.com or Google before you confirm the transfer. The gap between the two is the hidden portion of what you are actually paying.
Total Cost of a Bank of America International Wire Transfer
To put the Bank of America wire transfer fees in practical terms, here are example all-in costs for common transfer amounts and destinations. These figures assume the online rate ($35 fee) and a typical 3% exchange rate markup. Actual amounts vary by date and currency pair.
Amount Sent | Destination | Wire Fee | Est. FX Markup | Total Cost | What Wise Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$500 | UK (GBP) | $35 | ~$12 | ~$47 | ~$6 |
$1,000 | UK (GBP) | $35 | ~$25 | ~$60 | ~$10 |
$2,000 | India (INR) | $35 | ~$60 | ~$95 | ~$18 |
$5,000 | Mexico (MXN) | $35 | ~$175 | ~$210 | ~$42 |
As the transfer amount increases, the FX markup grows proportionally while the Bank of America international wire transfer fee stays flat. On a $5,000 send to Mexico, the exchange rate spread alone is roughly $175, making the total Bank of America international transfer cost more than five times what Wise charges for the same transfer.
Traditional banks like Bank of America build international transfer revenue from three streams: the flat wire fee, the exchange rate spread, and float income from holding customer funds during the 1 to 5 business day SWIFT window. Specialist services strip out the spread entirely and compete on transparent pricing instead.
How to Send an International Wire Transfer with Bank of America
There are two ways to initiate a Bank of America international money transfer: online through your account or mobile app, and in person at a financial center. The online route is cheaper and faster for most customers.
Sending Online or via the Mobile App
Log in to your Bank of America online banking account or open the mobile app. Navigate to the Transfers section and select Wire Transfer, then International Wire Transfer. You will be prompted to enter the recipient's details and review the Bank of America international wire transfer fee before proceeding.
- Log in to online banking at bankofamerica.com or open the BofA mobile app.
- Go to Transfers, then select 'Wire Transfer' or 'Send Money', depending on your account interface.
- Choose 'International Wire Transfer' and select or add a recipient.
- Enter the recipient's full name, bank name, SWIFT/BIC code, account number or IBAN, and the recipient's bank address.
- Enter the transfer amount in USD. Bank of America handles the currency conversion at its own rate.
- Review the exchange rate offered and the $35 Bank of America wire transfer fee before confirming.
- Confirm the transfer. You will receive a confirmation reference number.
Note: Bank of America may require additional identity verification for large transfers or new recipients, which can add up to one business day to processing.
Sending at a Bank of America Financial Center
If you prefer to visit a branch, a representative will assist you. The process is the same but the Bank of America international transfer fee rises to $45 instead of $35. Bring a valid photo ID, your account details, and all the recipient's banking information. The same fields are required: recipient name, bank name, SWIFT/BIC code, account number or IBAN, and the recipient bank's address.
What Information Do You Need for a Bank of America International Wire?
To complete a Bank of America international wire transfer, you need the following details about the recipient and their bank. Missing any of these can cause delays, rejected transfers, or funds being returned.
- Recipient full name: exactly as it appears on their bank account
- Recipient bank name: the full legal name of their bank
- SWIFT/BIC code: the 8 or 11 character code identifying the recipient's bank in the SWIFT network
- Account number or IBAN: IBAN is required for European transfers; for other regions, the local account number is used
- Recipient bank address: the full address of the recipient's bank branch
- Recipient physical address: the home or business address of the person receiving funds
- Purpose of transfer: required for some countries and for regulatory compliance on larger amounts
Bank of America's own SWIFT/BIC code is BOFAUS3N for incoming USD wire transfers and BOFAUS6S for incoming foreign currency transfers. If someone is wiring money to your Bank of America account from abroad, they will need one of these codes along with your account number and Bank of America's standard wires routing number: 026009593.
How Long Does a Bank of America International Wire Transfer Take?
Bank of America international wire transfers process through the SWIFT network and typically take 1 to 5 business days to arrive. The exact timing depends on the destination country, the recipient's bank, and whether intermediary correspondent banks are involved in routing the transfer.
Transfers to the UK, Western Europe, Canada, and Australia typically arrive in 1 to 3 business days. Transfers to emerging markets or countries with additional compliance requirements can take the full 5 business days or longer. Transfers initiated after 4 PM ET, or on weekends and US bank holidays, are not processed until the next business day.
By contrast, Wise delivers over 60% of transfers instantly or within a few hours. Remitly's Express option delivers within minutes on many corridors. The 1 to 5 day window is a structural limitation of SWIFT, not a Bank of America-specific problem, but it matters when speed is a priority for the recipient.
Specialist services deliver far faster than Bank of America's 1 to 5 business day SWIFT timeline. Wise sends over 60% of transfers instantly. Remitly offers same-day delivery to dozens of countries. If speed matters alongside lower Bank of America wire transfer fees, compare before you send.
Cheaper Alternatives to Bank of America International Wire Transfers
The Bank of America international wire transfer fee, combined with the exchange rate markup, makes it one of the more expensive ways to send money abroad. Specialist money transfer services charge a fraction of the Bank of America international money transfer fee, use the real mid-market rate, and typically deliver faster. Here are three alternatives to compare.
Wise
Wise (formerly TransferWise) uses the real mid-market exchange rate with zero markup, and charges a transparent fee that typically runs 0.4% to 2% depending on the currency pair and payment method. On a $1,000 transfer to the UK, Wise charges roughly $9 to $12 in total. The Bank of America international wire transfer fee on the same send is roughly $60 to $70. That is a saving of $50 or more on a single transaction.
Wise is regulated by FinCEN in the US, the FCA in the UK, and equivalent bodies in over 40 countries. It supports 80+ countries in 40+ currencies. The platform shows you the exact fee and exchange rate before you confirm, so there are no surprises. For anyone sending money internationally more than once a year, the cumulative saving versus Bank of America wire transfer fees is substantial.
Wise charges a small transparent fee and uses the real mid-market rate. Bank of America charges $35 or more plus a 2-4% exchange rate spread. The Bank of America international transfer fee on most common corridors is 5 to 7 times higher than what Wise charges.
- Mid-market exchange rate: no hidden FX markup
- Fees shown upfront: exact cost visible before you confirm
- 80+ countries supported: covers all major corridors and many emerging markets
- FinCEN regulated: fully licensed in the US
- Instant or same-day on most corridors: no 5-day SWIFT wait
Xe
Xe covers transfers to over 130 countries in 100+ currencies, making it a strong choice for less common corridors where the Bank of America international transfer cost is especially high due to wider FX spreads on exotic pairs. Xe's exchange rate includes a modest margin, but it is typically far smaller than Bank of America's spread.
Xe is regulated by FinCEN in the US and equivalent bodies internationally. The platform is transparent and straightforward, and the Xe currency data service is used as a reference rate by millions. For wide geographic reach at a lower Bank of America international wire transfer fee equivalent, Xe is a reliable option.
If you need to send to a currency or country that other specialist services do not support, Xe likely covers it. Its 100+ currency offering addresses corridors where the Bank of America wire transfer fee and FX spread combination is most punishing.
- 100+ currencies supported: broader than most specialist services
- Competitive exchange rates: a fraction of Bank of America's FX markup
- Globally regulated: FinCEN licensed in the US
Remitly
Remitly focuses on remittance corridors, particularly from the US to Latin America, South and Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. It offers two speed tiers: Economy (lower fee, 3 to 5 days) and Express (slightly higher fee, typically delivered within minutes to a few hours). For users regularly sending to India, Mexico, the Philippines, or Nigeria, Remitly's corridors are well-optimised and significantly cheaper than the Bank of America international money transfer fee on those routes.
Remitly supports bank deposits, mobile money wallets, and cash pickup depending on the destination. Cash pickup is particularly useful when the recipient does not have a bank account. Remitly is regulated by FinCEN and has a Trustpilot rating of 4.1 out of 5 from over 40,000 reviews.
For regular transfers to family in India, the Philippines, Mexico, or Nigeria, Remitly's effective total cost is typically 4 to 5 times lower than the Bank of America international wire transfer fee on those same corridors.
- Express transfers: delivery in minutes on many corridors
- Cash pickup available: useful when recipients do not have bank accounts
- Competitive rates: lower all-in cost than Bank of America wire transfer fees
- Mobile-first app: easy to track and manage transfers
Bank of America vs Wise vs Xe vs Remitly: Cost Comparison
This table compares the all-in cost of sending $1,000 to the UK (USD to GBP) across Bank of America and three specialist alternatives. Bank of America figures assume an online transfer and a typical 3% FX markup. Specialist figures are estimates based on typical rates.
Provider | Flat Fee | FX Markup | Total on $1,000 | Transfer Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bank of America | $35 | ~3% | ~$65 | 1-5 business days |
Wise | ~$9 | None (mid-market) | ~$9 | Instant to 1 day |
Xe | ~$3-5 | ~0.5-1% | ~$10-15 | Instant to 2 days |
Remitly (Economy) | ~$0 | ~1-1.5% | ~$12-15 | 3-5 days |
The Bank of America international wire transfer fee looks manageable in isolation. Placed next to specialist alternatives, it is 5 to 7 times more expensive on most standard corridors. Wise costs roughly 7 times less on the USD to GBP example above. Even Remitly Economy, the slowest and cheapest option, is about 4 times cheaper.
When Does It Make Sense to Use Bank of America for International Transfers?
Despite the higher Bank of America international wire transfer fee, there are situations where using the bank for international transfers makes practical sense.
- Very large business transfers: for amounts of $500,000 or more, the flat Bank of America international transfer fee becomes a negligible percentage, and some businesses prefer established bank infrastructure for large corporate transactions
- Convenience for one-off transfers: if you need to send urgently from your Bank of America account and have not set up a specialist service account, the time to open a new account may outweigh the fee difference for a single transfer
- Specific compliance or legal requirements: certain regulated business transactions require wires from a licensed commercial bank specifically, a requirement specialist services may not satisfy in all contexts
- Recipient institution requirements: a small number of overseas institutions only accept SWIFT wires from licensed commercial banks, though this is rare for personal transfers
For the vast majority of personal transfers, the Bank of America international money transfer fee plus the FX spread is simply too high compared to available alternatives. The best approach is to compare options before every transfer, especially for recurring sends.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Bank of America charge for international wire transfer?
Bank of America charges $35 for an outgoing international wire transfer initiated online or via the mobile app. At a branch, the Bank of America international wire transfer fee rises to $45. On top of that flat charge, the bank applies an exchange rate markup of roughly 2 to 4% above the mid-market rate, which is not labelled as a fee on the transaction screen.
Incoming international wires cost $15, deducted from the arriving funds. Some Preferred Rewards members at Platinum Honors tier and above may receive reduced or waived wire fees. Always verify your specific account terms for any applicable discounts.
What is the total Bank of America international money transfer fee including the exchange rate?
The total Bank of America international money transfer fee includes two components: the flat wire fee ($35 online or $45 in-branch) and the exchange rate markup (typically 2 to 4% above the mid-market rate). For a $1,000 transfer to the UK, the combined cost is approximately $60 to $70. For a $5,000 transfer to Mexico, the combined Bank of America wire transfer fees can exceed $200.
Specialist services like Wise charge approximately $9 to $12 on a $1,000 transfer to the UK with no FX markup. Comparing the all-in Bank of America international transfer cost against specialist alternatives before every transfer is the most effective way to reduce what you pay.
Does Bank of America charge a fee for receiving international wire transfers?
Yes. Bank of America charges $15 to receive an incoming international wire transfer. This fee is deducted from the incoming funds. If someone sends you $500, you typically receive $485 after the Bank of America international transfer fee on incoming wires.
Preferred Rewards members at higher tiers may have this waived. SWIFT intermediary banks along the transfer route may also deduct handling charges before funds reach Bank of America, which can further reduce the received amount.
How long does a Bank of America international wire transfer take?
Bank of America international wire transfers go through the SWIFT network and typically take 1 to 5 business days to arrive. Transfers to major markets like the UK, Europe, and Canada usually arrive in 1 to 3 business days. Transfers to emerging markets or countries with additional compliance requirements can take the full 5 business days.
Transfers initiated after 4 PM ET, or on weekends and US bank holidays, are not processed until the next business day. Specialist services like Wise and Remitly deliver most transfers in hours rather than days.
What is the cheapest way to avoid the Bank of America international transfer fee?
The cheapest way to avoid paying the Bank of America international wire transfer fee is to use a specialist money transfer service instead of the bank. Services like Wise, Xe, and Remitly charge a fraction of what Bank of America charges for international transfers and use the real mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markup.
If you must use Bank of America, initiating the transfer online or through the mobile app saves $10 versus a branch transfer ($35 versus $45). But the exchange rate markup remains regardless of where you initiate. Comparing rates before every transfer on a service like moneytransfer.store takes seconds and can save you $50 or more per transaction.
What information do I need to send an international wire with Bank of America?
To send a Bank of America international wire transfer, you need the recipient's full legal name, their bank's SWIFT or BIC code, the recipient's account number or IBAN (required for European transfers), the recipient bank's full name and address, and the recipient's personal address.
You will also specify the transfer amount in USD. Bank of America converts at its own rate. For large transfers, Bank of America may request additional compliance documentation such as the purpose of payment.
Does Bank of America offer a competitive exchange rate for international transfers?
No. Bank of America applies its own exchange rate for international transfers, which includes a markup of roughly 2 to 4% above the mid-market rate. The mid-market rate is the real interbank rate you see on Google or XE. The Bank of America rate is less favourable than mid-market, and that gap is an additional cost beyond the Bank of America international wire transfer fee.
Specialist services like Wise use the mid-market rate with no markup. This is the primary reason their total costs are significantly lower. Before confirming any Bank of America international money transfer, compare the offered rate against the current mid-market rate to understand the full Bank of America international transfer cost.
Can I cancel a Bank of America international wire transfer?
Once a Bank of America international wire transfer has been processed and sent, cancellation is not guaranteed. You can request a wire recall through Bank of America, which contacts the receiving bank and requests the funds be returned. However, the receiving bank is not obligated to comply, and Bank of America typically charges a fee for the recall attempt.
Always double-check recipient details, SWIFT codes, and account numbers before confirming the transfer. Errors in any of these fields are the most common cause of misdirected funds and failed recalls.
Are there limits on Bank of America international wire transfers?
Bank of America does not publish a universal maximum for international wire transfers. Limits vary by account type, customer profile, and the destination country. Fraud prevention protocols and regulatory compliance requirements for the receiving country can also affect how much you can send in a single transfer.
If you need to send a large amount, contact Bank of America in advance to confirm limits and any documentation required. Large Bank of America international wire transfers may also take additional business days due to compliance review processing.
Is it safe to use Bank of America for international wire transfers?
Yes. Bank of America is a federally chartered bank regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and insured by the FDIC up to $250,000 per depositor. International wire transfers use the SWIFT network, which has built-in security protocols.
The concern with Bank of America international wire transfers is not safety but cost. The Bank of America wire transfer fee and exchange rate markup mean you pay significantly more than regulated specialist services charge. Safety is comparable across all major regulated providers.
What SWIFT code does Bank of America use?
Bank of America uses two SWIFT codes. For outgoing international wire transfers, the relevant SWIFT/BIC code is BOFAUS3N. For incoming international wires in foreign currencies, the code is BOFAUS6S. For incoming USD wires, use BOFAUS3N.
When sharing your Bank of America details with an overseas sender, confirm which code applies to your transfer type. Also provide your full account number and Bank of America's standard wires routing number: 026009593. Using the wrong SWIFT code can result in delays or misdirected funds.
How does the Bank of America wire transfer fee compare to Chase and Wells Fargo?
Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo all charge broadly similar wire fees. Chase charges $40 for online outgoing international wires (or $50 at a branch). Wells Fargo charges $30 to $45 depending on account type. Bank of America's $35 online fee is in line with these peers.
The more important comparison is between any major US bank and specialist transfer services. All three banks apply FX markups of 2 to 5% on top of flat fees. Specialist services like Wise, Xe, and Remitly charge 70 to 90% less in total when the exchange rate spread is factored in. The question is not which bank charges less, but whether using a bank is the right approach for personal international transfers at all.
Does the Preferred Rewards program reduce Bank of America wire transfer fees?
Yes. Bank of America Preferred Rewards members at the Platinum Honors tier and above may receive reduced or waived outgoing international wire fees. The specific discount depends on your tier. Platinum Honors customers typically have the incoming wire fee waived and may receive a reduced outgoing Bank of America international wire transfer fee.
However, Preferred Rewards does not eliminate the exchange rate markup, which is typically the larger of the two Bank of America wire transfer fees on sizeable transfers. Even with Preferred Rewards benefits applied, specialist services will still almost certainly deliver a lower all-in Bank of America international transfer cost for most personal transfers.
How much does Bank of America charge for international wire transfer compared to Wise?
Bank of America charges $35 online plus a roughly 3% exchange rate markup, totalling approximately $60 to $70 on a $1,000 transfer. Wise charges approximately $9 to $12 on the same transfer using the real mid-market rate. The saving by choosing Wise over paying the Bank of America international wire transfer fee is roughly $50 to $60 on every $1,000 sent.
For regular senders, that saving compounds quickly. Someone who sends $1,000 a month to family abroad would save approximately $600 to $720 a year by using Wise instead of paying Bank of America wire transfer fees. The Bank of America international money transfer fee is a standard bank charge, but standard does not mean competitive.
The Bottom Line on Bank of America International Wire Transfer Fees
Bank of America charges $35 online or $45 at a branch for outgoing international wires, plus a 2 to 4% exchange rate markup. On most standard personal transfers, that makes the Bank of America international wire transfer fee one of the more expensive options available. The total Bank of America international money transfer fee on a $1,000 send is typically $60 to $85, versus $9 to $15 via specialist services like Wise, Xe, or Remitly.
If you regularly send money abroad, comparing before each transfer is the single most effective step you can take. The Bank of America international transfer cost may be predictable, but it is far from the cheapest. Use the comparison tool above to see what your specific transfer would cost across multiple providers right now.
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.
