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Have you ever found yourself needing to send money from your Bank of America account to a BBVA account, perhaps for a family member, a business transaction, or an international payment? While both are major banks, the process of transferring funds between them, especially if it's an international transfer, involves specific steps and information. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, ensuring your money reaches its destination smoothly and securely.
Let's get started, shall we?
Sending Money from Bank of America to BBVA: A Step-by-Step Guide
Transferring funds between different banks, particularly across international borders, requires careful attention to detail. This guide will outline the process for both domestic and international transfers from Bank of America to BBVA.
QuickTip: Focus more on the ‘how’ than the ‘what’.
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| How To Send Money From Bank Of America To Bbva |
Step 1: Gather All Necessary Recipient Information - The Foundation of Your Transfer
This is arguably the most crucial step. Any error here can lead to delays, returned funds, or even your money going to the wrong place. Double-check every single detail!
Sub-heading 1.1: For Domestic Transfers (Bank of America to BBVA within the same country, e.g., USA)
If both you and the recipient are in the United States, you'll need the following:
Tip: Revisit this page tomorrow to reinforce memory.
- Recipient's Full Legal Name: This should match the name on their BBVA account exactly.
- Recipient's BBVA Account Number: The full account number where the funds will be deposited.
- BBVA Routing Number: This is a 9-digit code that identifies BBVA in the U.S. banking system. Note: BBVA USA was acquired by PNC Bank in 2021, so if you are sending money to a former BBVA USA account, it is now a PNC Bank account. You'll need the PNC routing number in this case.
- Important Tip: Routing numbers can vary by state or even by the type of transaction (e.g., wire transfer vs. ACH). Always confirm the correct routing number with the recipient or directly with BBVA/PNC. For general BBVA routing numbers (for former BBVA USA accounts, now PNC), some common ones include:
- Alabama: 062001186
- Arizona: 122105744
- California: 321170538
- Colorado: 107005319
- Florida: 063013924
- New Mexico: 107000783
- Texas: 113010547
- For all other states (for former BBVA USA accounts, now PNC): 062001186
- Important Tip: Routing numbers can vary by state or even by the type of transaction (e.g., wire transfer vs. ACH). Always confirm the correct routing number with the recipient or directly with BBVA/PNC. For general BBVA routing numbers (for former BBVA USA accounts, now PNC), some common ones include:
- Recipient's Address: While sometimes optional for domestic transfers, it's always good practice to have it.
Sub-heading 1.2: For International Transfers (Bank of America to BBVA in another country)
Sending money across borders requires additional, specific identifiers.
- Recipient's Full Legal Name: Again, exact match with their BBVA account.
- Recipient's BBVA Account Number: The full account number.
- BBVA's SWIFT/BIC Code: This is an international bank identifier. It's usually 8 or 11 characters long. For BBVA, this will vary depending on the country and specific branch. For example, for BBVA in New York, a common SWIFT code is BBVAUS33XXX. You MUST get the correct SWIFT/BIC code directly from the recipient or their BBVA branch.
- Recipient Bank Name and Address: The full name and physical address of the BBVA branch where the recipient's account is held.
- IBAN (International Bank Account Number): For many countries, especially in Europe, an IBAN is required. This alphanumeric code uniquely identifies a bank account within a specific country. If the recipient is in a country that uses IBANs, you'll need this.
- Purpose of Transfer: Banks often require you to state the reason for an international transfer (e.g., family support, gift, payment for goods/services).
- Currency: Specify whether you want to send the money in USD or the recipient's local currency. Be aware that sending in USD for an international transfer may incur higher fees from Bank of America ($45 vs. $0 for foreign currency) and the recipient's bank might also charge conversion fees.
Step 2: Choose Your Transfer Method - Online, Mobile, or In-Person
Bank of America offers several convenient ways to initiate a wire transfer.
Tip: Don’t skim past key examples.
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Sub-heading 2.1: Online Banking (Recommended for convenience)
This is often the most straightforward method.
- Log in to your Bank of America Online Banking account.
- Navigate to the "Pay & Transfer" section. You might see options like "Send money" or "Wire transfers."
- Select "Wire" or "Send a wire transfer."
- Choose between "Domestic Wire" or "International Wire" based on your recipient's location.
- If you're sending to a new recipient, you'll need to "Add New Recipient" and input all the information gathered in Step 1.
- If you've sent to this recipient before, you can select them from your existing recipients.
- Enter the amount you wish to send. If it's an international transfer, you'll also specify the currency.
- Review the fees and exchange rate carefully. Bank of America generally charges:
- Outgoing Domestic Wire: $30
- Outgoing International Wire (in foreign currency): $0 (though exchange rate markups apply)
- Outgoing International Wire (in USD): $45
- Confirm the details and initiate the transfer. You may be required to enroll in "Secured Transfer" if you haven't already, which might involve verifying your identity with a debit card PIN and a U.S. mobile number.
Sub-heading 2.2: Mobile Banking App
The Bank of America mobile app offers a similar experience to online banking.
Tip: The middle often holds the main point.
- Open and log in to your Bank of America Mobile Banking app.
- Tap on "Pay & Transfer."
- Select "Wire."
- Follow the on-screen prompts, which will be very similar to the online banking process (adding new recipient, entering details, confirming amount and fees).
- Be prepared for security measures, such as receiving an authorization code via text message, especially for higher amounts.
Sub-heading 2.3: In-Person at a Bank of America Branch
If you prefer face-to-face assistance or are sending a very large sum, visiting a branch is an option.
- Locate your nearest Bank of America branch.
- Bring all the recipient's information you gathered in Step 1. It's a good idea to write it down clearly or have it printed.
- Bring a valid photo ID (e.g., driver's license, passport).
- Inform the teller that you wish to send a wire transfer. They will guide you through the process, fill out the necessary forms, and verify your identity.
- Branch transfers may sometimes have higher limits or different fee structures than online transfers, but they might also involve more waiting time.
Step 3: Review and Confirm - The Final Check
Before you hit that "send" button or finalize the transaction with a teller, take a deep breath and thoroughly review all the information.
- Recipient's Name: Is it spelled correctly and does it match their account?
- Account Number/IBAN: Is every digit correct? Even one wrong number can cause problems.
- Routing Number/SWIFT/BIC Code: Is it the exact code for the BBVA branch?
- Amount: Is the transfer amount accurate?
- Currency (for international transfers): Is it in USD or the local currency you intended?
- Fees and Exchange Rate (for international transfers): Understand exactly what you're paying and what the recipient will receive. Remember Bank of America's exchange rate includes a markup.
Once you've confirmed everything is correct, proceed with the transfer.
Step 4: Track Your Transfer - Peace of Mind
After initiating the transfer, you'll typically receive a confirmation number or a reference number.
- Keep this number safe. It's your proof of the transaction and will be essential if you need to inquire about the transfer's status.
- Bank of America often provides tracking tools within their online banking or mobile app to monitor the progress of your wire transfer.
- Transfer times can vary:
- Domestic wires usually arrive on the same business day if sent before the cut-off time.
- International wires can take anywhere from 1 to 5 business days, depending on the destination country, intermediary banks, and the time of day the transfer was initiated.
Important Considerations
- Transfer Limits: Bank of America has daily and per-transaction limits for wire transfers. Online international wires generally have a limit of $1,000 per transaction, though higher limits may be available in-branch or for certain account types (e.g., Private Bank or Merrill accounts). You may also be able to request temporary or permanent limit increases by contacting the bank directly.
- Intermediary Bank Fees: For international transfers, intermediary banks may be involved in routing the funds, and they might deduct their own fees from the transferred amount. This can result in the recipient receiving slightly less than the amount you sent.
- Fraud Prevention: Bank of America takes fraud seriously. Be highly suspicious of requests to send money to unknown individuals or for unusual reasons. Never share your online banking credentials or authorization codes with anyone. If something feels off, contact Bank of America directly using their official contact information.
- BBVA's Status in the US: As mentioned, BBVA USA was acquired by PNC Bank. If you're sending money to a former BBVA USA account, you will now be sending to a PNC Bank account. Ensure you have the correct PNC details. BBVA still operates globally in many other countries.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to confirm the correct BBVA routing number for a domestic transfer?
- Quick Answer: The safest way is to ask the recipient to provide it directly from their BBVA (now PNC) online banking, checks, or by contacting their bank. Alternatively, you can search for BBVA (PNC) routing numbers by state on reputable financial websites, but always cross-reference.
How to find the correct BBVA SWIFT/BIC code for an international transfer?
- Quick Answer: The recipient should provide this directly from their BBVA bank statement, online banking portal, or by asking their BBVA branch. It's crucial to get this from the recipient to ensure accuracy.
How to avoid high fees when sending money internationally from Bank of America to BBVA?
- Quick Answer: Whenever possible, choose to send the international wire in the recipient's local currency. Bank of America typically charges a $0 fee for these transfers, though they include a markup in the exchange rate. Sending in USD incurs a $45 fee from Bank of America.
How to track a wire transfer sent from Bank of America?
- Quick Answer: Log in to your Bank of America online banking or mobile app. Navigate to the "Pay & Transfer" section, then look for "Wire activity" or "View all activity" to find your transfer status and reference number.
How to know if a BBVA account still exists after the PNC acquisition in the US?
- Quick Answer: All former BBVA USA accounts were transitioned to PNC Bank. If you are sending to a US-based BBVA account, it is now a PNC account, and you will need PNC's routing number and other details. The recipient should confirm their updated PNC account information.
How to increase wire transfer limits with Bank of America?
- Quick Answer: Online international wire transfer limits are generally $1,000 per transaction. For higher limits, you may need to visit a Bank of America branch or contact their customer service to discuss options, especially if you have a Private Bank or Merrill account.
How to ensure my international wire transfer reaches the correct BBVA recipient?
- Quick Answer: Double-check every single detail – recipient's full legal name, account number/IBAN, bank name, address, and the precise SWIFT/BIC code. Any small discrepancy can lead to delays or rejections. Confirm these details directly with the recipient.
How to identify if a wire transfer request is a scam?
- Quick Answer: Be wary of unexpected requests, pressure to send money quickly, demands for payment via wire transfer for unusual reasons, or requests from people you don't know well. Banks will never ask for your full online banking login credentials or authorization codes over the phone or email. If in doubt, contact Bank of America through official channels.
How to get a competitive exchange rate when sending internationally from Bank of America?
- Quick Answer: While Bank of America offers convenience, their exchange rates typically include a markup. For more competitive rates, consider using specialized international money transfer services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) or Remitly, which often offer mid-market rates with transparent fees.
How to reverse a wire transfer from Bank of America if I made an error?
- Quick Answer: Wire transfers are generally final once sent. Immediately contact Bank of America customer service if you realize an error. They may be able to attempt a recall, but success is not guaranteed, especially if the funds have already been credited to the recipient's account.
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