A SWIFT code is an 8 or 11-character identifier that tells the sending bank which financial institution should receive your money when you transfer funds internationally.

Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N. This code works the same way a routing number works for domestic transfers — it pinpoints the exact bank and branch where your money should land. When you send money from outside the United States to a Bank of America account, the sending bank uses this code to route the transfer through the international banking network.

SWIFT stands for Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication. It is a messaging system that banks use to communicate payment instructions across borders. The code itself is standardized: the first four letters identify the bank (BOFA for Bank of America), the next two are the country code (US), the following two identify the location or branch (3N), and the last three characters (if included) specify a particular branch or department.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N, and you need it when receiving international wire transfers into a Bank of America account.
  • The code tells foreign banks which U.S. bank and routing destination to use, similar to how a routing number works domestically.
  • You may also need your account number and the SWIFT code of the sending bank's country to complete an international transfer.
  • SWIFT codes are different from routing numbers; routing numbers are used only for domestic U.S. transfers.
  • Bank of America may have different SWIFT codes for different currencies or transaction types, so confirm with the bank if the standard code does not work.

When you need a SWIFT code versus a routing number

Use a SWIFT code for any transfer that originates outside the United States. If someone in Canada, the United Kingdom, or any other country is sending you money, they will ask for your SWIFT code. A routing number, by contrast, is used only for transfers within the U.S. banking system — ACH transfers, wire transfers between U.S. banks, and check deposits.

The confusion arises because both codes serve the same purpose: directing money to the right bank. But the systems they operate in are completely separate. A foreign bank cannot use a U.S. routing number to send an international wire, just as a U.S. bank cannot use a SWIFT code to process a domestic ACH transfer.

How to provide your SWIFT code to someone sending you money

When someone abroad tells you they want to send you money, give them your Bank of America SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N) along with your account number and your full name as it appears on the account. Some banks also ask for the name and address of your Bank of America branch, though the SWIFT code alone is usually sufficient.

Double-check the spelling of your name and the accuracy of your account number before you send them. A single digit wrong in your account number can cause the transfer to be rejected or sent to the wrong account. The SWIFT code itself is standardized and does not change, so you can safely share BOFAUS3N with anyone who needs it.

What happens after the sending bank receives your SWIFT code

Once the sending bank has your SWIFT code, account number, and name, they initiate the transfer through the SWIFT network. The message travels from the sending bank to Bank of America, which then routes the funds to your specific account. The entire process typically takes 3 to 5 business days, though it can take longer if the sending bank or receiving bank is in a country with slower processing times or if additional verification is required.

During this time, the money is in transit and you cannot access it. You will see the transfer appear in your Bank of America account once it has been received and processed. If the transfer does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact Bank of America with the SWIFT code, the sending bank's name, and the amount sent so they can investigate.

SWIFT codes for specific Bank of America locations or currencies

BOFAUS3N is the primary SWIFT code for Bank of America and works for most international transfers in U.S. dollars. However, Bank of America may have additional SWIFT codes for specific branches, currencies, or transaction types. If you are receiving a transfer in a currency other than U.S. dollars, or if the sending bank tells you that BOFAUS3N is not working, contact Bank of America directly to confirm the correct code.

You can reach Bank of America's international services team by phone or through your online banking portal. They can provide the exact SWIFT code needed for your specific transfer. Having the sending bank's name and the currency of the transfer on hand will speed up the process.

The difference between SWIFT codes and other international identifiers

Banks sometimes ask for additional codes or numbers beyond the SWIFT code. An IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is used primarily in Europe and some other regions, but the United States does not use IBANs — U.S. banks use account numbers instead. A BIC code is another name for a SWIFT code and the terms are used interchangeably.

If a foreign bank asks for an IBAN from you, tell them you have a U.S. account and provide your account number instead. If they ask for a BIC, give them the SWIFT code. The terminology varies by country and by bank, but the function is the same: directing money to the right place.

What to do if an international transfer fails or is delayed

If money you were expecting does not arrive, the first step is to confirm with the sender that they used the correct SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N), your account number, and your name exactly as it appears on your account. Ask them for proof that the transfer was sent — most banks provide a confirmation number or receipt.

Once you have that information, contact Bank of America with the sender's bank name, the SWIFT code they used, the amount, the date sent, and the confirmation number. Bank of America can trace the transfer through the SWIFT network and determine whether it was received, rejected, or is still in process. If the transfer was rejected due to an incorrect account number or name, the sending bank will typically return the money to the sender, and you will need to provide corrected information for a new attempt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BOFAUS3N the same for all Bank of America accounts?

Yes, BOFAUS3N is the standard SWIFT code for all Bank of America accounts receiving international transfers in U.S. dollars. The code does not change based on your account type, branch location, or account number. However, if you are receiving a transfer in a foreign currency, Bank of America may have a different code, so confirm with the bank if the standard code does not work.

Can I use a SWIFT code for a domestic transfer within the U.S.?

No. SWIFT codes are used only for international transfers. For transfers between U.S. banks, use the routing number instead. Attempting to use a SWIFT code for a domestic transfer will cause the transaction to fail or be delayed.

What if the sending bank says BOFAUS3N does not work?

Contact Bank of America directly and provide the sending bank's name, the currency of the transfer, and the reason the bank gave for rejection. Bank of America can confirm whether a different SWIFT code is needed or whether there is an issue with how the sending bank is processing the transfer.

How long does an international transfer take with a SWIFT code?

Most international transfers take 3 to 5 business days once the sending bank initiates the transfer. The timeline depends on the sending bank's processing speed, any intermediate banks involved, and Bank of America's processing time. Weekends and holidays can extend the timeline.

Do I need to provide anything besides the SWIFT code?

Yes. You will need to provide your account number, your full name as it appears on the account, and sometimes the name and address of your Bank of America branch. Some sending banks also ask for the purpose of the transfer. Always confirm with the sender what information they need before they initiate the transfer.