Do you need to send money from your Bank of America account to another bank? Perhaps you're paying a friend, transferring funds to another one of your accounts at a different institution, or even sending money internationally. Whatever the reason, Bank of America offers several convenient ways to do this. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each method step-by-step, ensuring you can transfer your funds securely and efficiently.
Step 1: Decide How You Want to Send Money (and Gather Information!)
So, you're ready to move some money? Fantastic! Before we dive into the "how," let's figure out which method is best for you, as this will determine the information you'll need. Bank of America provides a few key options:
- ACH Transfer (Automated Clearing House): This is generally the most common and cost-effective way to send money to another U.S. bank account. It's great for regular payments, like paying rent or transferring funds to a linked external account.
- Wire Transfer: For faster, often same-day delivery, especially for large sums or international transfers, wire transfers are your go-to. However, they typically come with higher fees.
- Zelle®: If you're sending money to a person you know and trust, and they also use Zelle® through their bank, this is often the fastest and free option for smaller amounts.
- Bill Pay: While primarily for paying bills, you can often use Bill Pay to send money to individuals or businesses if you have their mailing address, though it's typically a check sent via mail.
Now, for the crucial part: Gathering your recipient's information. Do not skip this! Having accurate details is paramount to a successful transfer.
For ACH Transfers:
- Recipient's Full Name: As it appears on their bank account.
- Recipient's Bank Name: The full name of their bank (e.g., "Chase Bank," "Wells Fargo").
- Recipient's Bank Account Number: The full account number where the funds will be deposited.
- Recipient's Bank Routing Number (ABA): This nine-digit number identifies the recipient's bank. You can usually find it on a check or by contacting their bank.
For Wire Transfers (Domestic and International):
- Recipient's Full Name and Address: As it appears on their bank account.
- Recipient's Bank Name and Address: The full name and physical address of their bank.
- Recipient's Bank Account Number: The full account number.
- Recipient's Bank Routing Number (ABA): For domestic wires.
- SWIFT/BIC Code: For international wires. This code uniquely identifies the recipient's bank in international transactions.
- Recipient's International Bank Account Number (IBAN): Required for some international transfers, particularly in Europe.
- Purpose of the Wire Transfer: Banks often require this for international wires due to regulatory reasons.
For Zelle®:
- Recipient's U.S. Mobile Number or Email Address: This must be the one they've enrolled with Zelle®.
For Bill Pay (to a person):
- Recipient's Full Name:
- Recipient's Mailing Address: Where the check will be sent.
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| How To Send Money From Bank Of America To Other Bank Account |
Step 2: Access Your Bank of America Account
Once you have all the necessary details, it's time to log in!
Sub-heading: Online Banking
- Open your web browser and navigate to the official Bank of America website (bankofamerica.com).
- Locate the "Log In" button, typically in the top right corner.
- Enter your User ID and Passcode. Always ensure you are on the legitimate Bank of America website before entering your credentials. Look for the padlock icon in your browser's address bar.
Sub-heading: Mobile Banking App
- Open the Bank of America Mobile Banking app on your smartphone or tablet. If you don't have it, download it from your device's app store (App Store for iOS, Google Play Store for Android).
- Enter your User ID and Passcode. Many users also utilize fingerprint, face ID, or a PIN for quicker and more secure login.
Step 3: Initiate the Transfer – Your Chosen Method
Now, let's put those details to use and send your money!
Tip: Don’t skim past key examples.
Sub-heading: Sending Money via ACH Transfer (Online Banking)
This is generally done by "linking" an external account or by directly sending a payment.
- Navigate to "Pay & Transfer." After logging in, you'll usually find this option in the main navigation menu or dashboard.
- Select "Transfers" or "External Transfers." The exact wording may vary slightly.
- Add a New Recipient/Account: If you haven't sent money to this account before, you'll need to add it.
- You'll be prompted to enter the recipient's bank name, routing number, and account number.
- Bank of America often uses a "micro-deposit" verification process for external accounts. They will send two small, random deposits (e.g., $0.15 and $0.23) to the external account within 1-3 business days. You'll then need to log back into Bank of America and enter these amounts to confirm ownership and activate the link. This is a crucial security step.
- Once the account is linked/verified:
- Select the "From" account (your Bank of America account).
- Select the "To" account (the linked external account).
- Enter the amount you wish to send.
- Choose the frequency (one-time, recurring).
- Select the date for the transfer to occur.
- Review all details carefully. Double-check the account numbers and routing numbers!
- Confirm the transfer.
Sub-heading: Sending Money via Wire Transfer (Online Banking or Mobile App)
Wire transfers are for when speed and directness are paramount.
- Navigate to "Pay & Transfer."
- Select "Wire Transfers" or "Wires/ACH."
- Choose "Send a Wire."
- Select "Domestic" or "International" wire based on your recipient's location.
- Add a New Recipient: If this is a new recipient, you'll need to provide all the detailed information gathered in Step 1 (name, address, bank name, bank address, routing/SWIFT/IBAN, etc.).
- Select the "From" account (your Bank of America account).
- Enter the amount to be sent. For international wires, you may have the option to send in USD or the recipient's local currency. Be aware of exchange rates and potential markups if sending in a foreign currency.
- Specify the purpose of the transfer (especially for international wires).
- Review all details rigorously. Wire transfers are irreversible once processed.
- Confirm the transfer. You may need to have your debit card number and PIN handy for security verification, or be enrolled in their "Secured Transfer" service.
- Note on fees: Domestic outgoing wire transfers typically cost around $30. International outgoing wires sent in USD can cost around $45, while those sent in foreign currency may have no outbound fee, but exchange rate markups will apply.
Sub-heading: Sending Money via Zelle® (Mobile App or Online Banking)
Zelle® is fantastic for quick, person-to-person transfers.
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Navigate to "Pay & Transfer."
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Select "Send Money with Zelle®."
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Enroll in Zelle® if you haven't already. This usually involves linking your Bank of America account to your email or U.S. mobile number.
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Choose "Send."
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Select or Add a Recipient:
- If they're an existing Zelle® contact, select them.
- If they're new, enter their U.S. mobile number or email address that they've enrolled with Zelle®.
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Enter the amount you wish to send.
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Add a memo (optional, but helpful for context).
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Review the details.
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Confirm the transfer. Funds typically arrive within minutes if the recipient is enrolled.
- Important Zelle® Limits: Bank of America generally has a daily Zelle® limit of up to $3,500 and a monthly limit of up to $20,000 for personal accounts. Business account limits may be higher. These limits can vary, so always check within your Zelle® section for the most current information.
Sub-heading: Sending Money via Bill Pay (Online Banking)
While not a direct "money transfer" in the same vein as ACH or wires, Bill Pay can be used to send a check to a person.
Tip: Don’t rush — enjoy the read.
- Navigate to "Pay & Transfer."
- Select "Pay Bills."
- Add a New Payee:
- Select "Add a Company or Person."
- Choose "A Person" or similar option.
- Enter the recipient's full name and mailing address.
- Select the "Pay From" account (your Bank of America account).
- Enter the amount you wish to send.
- Choose the delivery date.
- Review all details.
- Confirm the payment. A physical check will be mailed to the recipient.
Step 4: Confirm and Monitor Your Transfer
After initiating the transfer, you'll receive a confirmation. It's wise to take a screenshot or note the confirmation number.
Sub-heading: Tracking Your Transfer
- ACH Transfers: You can usually see the status of your ACH transfer in the "Activity" or "Transfers" section of your online banking or mobile app. Funds typically take 1-3 business days to arrive in the recipient's account.
- Wire Transfers: Wire transfers are generally processed very quickly. Domestic wires often arrive on the same business day if sent before the cutoff time (typically 5:00 PM ET for Bank of America). International wires can take 1-5 business days depending on the country and intermediary banks. You can track their status in your wire transfer history.
- Zelle®: Zelle® transfers are typically within minutes if the recipient is enrolled. You'll receive a notification once the transfer is complete.
- Bill Pay (Check): Allow standard mail delivery time, typically 5-7 business days or more, for the check to reach the recipient.
Sub-heading: What if there's a problem?
- If you notice an error immediately after confirming, contact Bank of America customer service as soon as possible.
- For Zelle®, if you sent money to the wrong person, it's very difficult to reverse unless the recipient agrees to send it back. Always verify Zelle® recipient details meticulously.
- For ACH and wire transfers, once processed, they are often irreversible. This is why thorough verification in Step 1 and Step 3 is so critical.
Step 5: Keep Records (Good Practice!)
It's always a good idea to keep a record of your transfers. Your Bank of America online banking and mobile app will maintain a history of your transactions, but for important transfers, you might consider:
- Saving confirmation emails or screenshots.
- Making a note of the date, amount, recipient, and confirmation number.
By following these steps, you can confidently and securely send money from your Bank of America account to virtually any other bank account, domestically or internationally.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check my Bank of America transfer limits?
You can typically find your specific transfer limits (for Zelle®, ACH, and wire transfers) by logging into your Bank of America online banking or mobile app and navigating to the "Pay & Transfer" section, then looking for details related to each transfer type. Zelle® limits are often displayed when you attempt to send a payment.
QuickTip: Slow down when you hit numbers or data.
How to link an external bank account to my Bank of America account?
Log in to Bank of America Online Banking, go to "Pay & Transfer," then "External Transfers" or "Link Accounts." You'll need the external account's bank name, routing number, and account number. Bank of America will likely send micro-deposits to verify the account, which you'll need to confirm within 1-3 business days.
How to reverse a money transfer from Bank of America?
Reversing a transfer depends heavily on the method used and how quickly you act. Zelle® transfers are generally irreversible once sent. ACH transfers may be reversible if caught before processing. Wire transfers are almost impossible to reverse once they have been sent. Always contact Bank of America customer service immediately if you need to attempt a reversal.
How to find my Bank of America routing number?
Your Bank of America routing number can be found on your checks (the first nine digits at the bottom left), by logging into your online banking or mobile app (look under "Account Info" or "Account & Routing #"), or by contacting Bank of America customer service.
How to send money internationally from Bank of America?
You can send international wire transfers through Bank of America's Online Banking or Mobile App. You'll need the recipient's full name, address, bank name, bank address, SWIFT/BIC code, account number, and potentially their IBAN. Fees apply, and exchange rate markups may be included.
QuickTip: Every section builds on the last.
How to send money to someone without their bank account number from Bank of America?
You can use Zelle® if you have their U.S. mobile number or email address, or Bank of America Bill Pay to mail a check to their physical address. Wire transfers and ACH transfers generally require the recipient's bank account number.
How to track a wire transfer from Bank of America?
After sending a wire transfer, you can typically track its status within the "Wire Transfer Activity" or "Payment Activity" section of your Bank of America Online Banking or Mobile App. You may also receive email updates.
How to avoid fees when sending money from Bank of America?
For domestic transfers, Zelle® is usually free. ACH transfers (external transfers) are often free as well. Wire transfers almost always incur fees (e.g., $30 for domestic, $45 for international in USD). Preferred Rewards members might receive fee waivers for some wire transfers.
How to get a receipt or confirmation for a Bank of America transfer?
After completing a transfer online or via the app, you will typically receive an on-screen confirmation message and often a confirmation email. You can also view past transaction details and print receipts from your account activity history in Online Banking.
How to handle a failed money transfer from Bank of America?
If a money transfer fails, Bank of America will usually notify you and return the funds to your account. Check your transaction history and any notifications from the bank. If you don't see the funds returned within a reasonable timeframe (e.g., 3-5 business days for ACH), contact Bank of America customer service.
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