Incoming international wire transfer bank of america

As small businesses active in import and export know very well, global business requires global payments. Most banks, including Bank of America have recognized this necessity and offer international wire transfers to their business clients.

But, like everything else in life, this service comes with a price tag. Since customers usually accept that international wire transfers require more work from their bank than a simple domestic transfer, they can tolerate a reasonable service charge.

But is what banks charge reasonable?

International Wire Transfers

To answer that, we need to take a brief look into the nature of international wire transfers.

International wire transfers are based on the same premise as telegrams. In fact, the first wire transfer service was created in 1872 by Western Union bank with the use of its telegraph network.

Since then, and with the conception of the Internet, International wire transfers have expanded infinitely, reaching nearly all corners of the globe. Nearly 10,000 SWIFT member institutions send around 24 million messages on the network. With that many messages being sent, it’s nearly impossible to trace money and it’s much easier to lose it.

Banks, including Bank of America send money overseas through the SWIFT system. SWIFT is a formalized messaging system that is essentially an international communication network of banks. When you order an international wire transfer, your bank alerts the network and your payment travels through the system. Depending on how far your money has to go, or if a bank doesn’t have a corresponding account, the money bounces from bank to bank (known as intermediaries) until it finds a link with its intended destination. *takes breath*

That is, it if ever gets there.

The flaws of an international wire transfer

First of all, this system is slow and uncertain. Since nobody knows the exact route your funds will take, the transfer can’t be tracked, and its arrival is unpredictable.

Another issue could arise if the client doesn’t have access to all of the information. One wrong number and your money can be sent to the wrong side of the world.

In short: nobody knows where your money is.

Hidden fees are another major issue. Even though your bank may tell you its own fees upfront, you won’t be notified of the receiving bank’s fees, nor of any other fees the intermediary banks in the SWIFT network may levy upon your transfer.

Not to mention the conversion rates. Banks make a lot of money charging bad foreign exchange rates, and they’re rarely upfront about it.

Get smart

If you want to learn more about how to get the best foreign exchange rate its important to understand terms like mid-market rate and spread. The mid-market rate is the midpoint between the buy and sell prices of two currencies. The spread is the fee that the exchange institution charges. Each institution chooses their own spread when selling a foreign exchange. They are usually not disclosed and are built into any rate that you are given.

Bank of America: the facts

Unfortunately, Bank of America is one of the bad guys in this situation charging an exuberant spread for foreign exchanges.

All in all, you lose time and money when sending an international wire transfer through your bank. This is especially true if you’re using Bank of America, since their fees are some of the highest.

Bank of America’s International Wire Transfer Fees

If you have an account with Bank of America, you may think that it’s easiest to choose their services when you need to send an international wire transfer.

But are you prepared to pay their high fees?

Bank of America charges $15 for an incoming wire transfer, and a whopping $45 for any outgoing USD transfers.

Does handling international transfers require so much work that it justifies these fees? No, not at all. Sending money overseas doesn’t create a significant addition to the normal workload of a bank.

And if you compare it to other services offered by other banks, why is Bank of America charging so much?

Simply, because it can.

Bank of America and any other banks that charge international wire fees do so because their clients don’t know of any other options. On top of that, the research involved with finding the best deal for your international wire transfer is an exhausting process.

It’s true that for a long time, banks were the only way to get a wire transfer across to overseas business partners. But these things change.

Even today, banks do just fine for large corporations. After all, what is $45 for a multinational company that makes billions each year?

Small businesses, on the other hand, feel that burden heavily. Unfair charges combined with uncertain timing take their toll on any small business with no time or money to spare. And anyway, why pay for services with no added value?

The cost and lack of security of wire transfers is a huge deterrent for small businesses as they look for the cheapest options to send and receive money.

Comparing costs for domestic and international wire transfers

Costs also take a considerable change when you factor in the differences between domestic and international wire transfers. To send a domestic or international wire transfer, you’ll need:

  • The name and address of the recipient.
  • The name and address of their bank or credit union.
  • The routing number of the institution.
  • The account number for the recipient that they wish to deposit the funds

For domestic wire transfers, fees can range between $15 and $20 for the receiver and $25 and $35 for the sender.

For international wire transfers, fees can range from $15 and $25 for the receiver and $35 to $50 for the sender.

International wire transfers can only be completed with banks or financial institutions in the SWIFT network.

An alternative to wire transfers

Luckily, with advances in financial technology (FinTech), small businesses now have many alternatives for sending money abroad.

Like Veem.

Veem allows you to send and request international transfers with just a click. You can track all your transactions through your personal dashboard, and know exactly when your next transfer will arrive.

Unlike wire transfers, Veem utilizes blockchain and unique multi-rail technology to help reduce cost and worry. A huge win for small business owners.You’ll never have to have that awkward “where is my money” conversation.

Veem charges no wire fees, and offers competitive foreign exchange rates. With our online portal, users can also check out what their foreign exchange rate would be before sending.

Veem also verifies both the sender and receiver, enhancing the security of the wire transfer and reducing potentials for fraud. With the online portal, users can also ensure all data is input correctly, every number, decimal and dash. One party can also input both the sender and receiver information.

With Veem, you can save time and money that you can invest back into your business. Stop paying unfair charges for unreliable services.

Instead, sign up for a free Veem account to click, save, and grow.

All fees accurate at the time of this posting.

Works Cited

https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/050515/how-swift-system-works.asp

* This blog provides general information and discussion about global business payments and related subjects. The content provided in this blog ("Content”), should not be construed as and is not intended to constitute financial, legal or tax advice. You should seek the advice of professionals prior to acting upon any information contained in the Content. All Content is provided strictly “as is” and we make no warranty or representation of any kind regarding the Content.

How do you receive an international wire transfer?

  • Your name, address and contact information.
  • Your bank account information, including routing and account numbers, for bank-to-bank transfers.
  • Your bank’s SWIFT, BIC or IBAN codes, if an international wire.
  • The amount and reason for the transfer.
  • Your email address for wire transfers using PayPal and similar services.

More items...

Does Bank of America waive wire transfer fee?

Typical wire transfer fees at Bank of America are: If you send an outgoing transaction in a foreign currency, Bank of America may waive the wire transfer fee and instead add a margin onto the currency exchange for your transfer. Limits vary based on whether you’re sending through a consumer or business account.

How to wire funds Bank of America?

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 “using their account number at another bank” section.
  • Enter the details of your transaction including how you’re sending and your recipient’s banking information.

How much Bank of America ATM fees can cost you?

Bank ATM fees can vary from as low as $2.50 per transaction to as high as $5 or more, depending on whether the ATM you use is out-of-network or even international. When you use an ATM that isn't operated by your own bank to make withdrawals, deposits or even simple balance inquiries, you can run into a bundle of extra fees.

How do I receive an international wire transfer Bank of America?

You will need to provide your account number and wire transfer routing number. For incoming international wires, you will also need to provide the appropriate SWIFT Code. Bank of America's SWIFT code BOFAUS3N should be used for incoming wires in U.S. dollars.

Does Bank of America charge for incoming international wire transfers?

International wire transfer fees Bank of America charges $16 for each incoming international wire transfer. For outgoing international wire transfers, Bank of America charges a different amount depending if you send the funds in the foreign currency or in U.S. dollars.

How do I receive an international wire transfer?

In order for you (the recipient) to receive the funds, the sender needs to know:.
Your full name, as it appears on the account..
Your full account number..
For domestic wires, your routing number..
For international wires, they need to use a Swift Code instead of the routing number. ... .
The address for incoming wire transfers is:.

How long does it take for international wire transfer Bank of America?

In general, using Bank of America for a domestic wire transfer takes around 2-3 days, with international wire transfers taking around 3-5. Typically, these transfers can be expedited, but at a price.