Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N

Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N. This eight-character code identifies Bank of America to banks worldwide when you send or receive money across borders. You need it when someone outside the United States wants to transfer funds to your Bank of America account, or when you are sending money to a Bank of America account held by someone abroad.

The code breaks down this way: BOFA is the bank identifier, US is the country code for the United States, and 3N is the branch code. Unlike account numbers or routing numbers, which change by location and account type, this SWIFT code is the same for all Bank of America customers, regardless of which branch you use or what type of account you hold.

SWIFT stands for the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication. It is the messaging system banks use to confirm the recipient bank, account holder name, and transfer amount before money moves. Without a correct SWIFT code, the sending bank may reject the transfer or route it to the wrong institution.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N and works the same for all customers and account types.
  • You need this code when receiving international wire transfers or when instructing someone abroad to send you money.
  • The sending bank will ask for the SWIFT code, your account number, and your full name as it appears on your account.
  • International transfers typically take three to five business days after the sending bank processes the payment.
  • Bank of America charges a fee for incoming international wires, usually between $15 and $20, deducted from the amount you receive.

When you need to provide your SWIFT code

You provide Bank of America's SWIFT code to someone sending you money from outside the United States. This includes family members abroad, employers paying you from an international office, or businesses settling invoices from overseas. The sender's bank requires this code to route the transfer to the correct receiving bank.

You do not need to provide your SWIFT code if you are the one initiating the transfer from your Bank of America account. Bank of America's system will handle the outgoing routing. However, you will need the recipient's SWIFT code if they bank outside the United States.

What information to give along with your SWIFT code

The sending bank will ask for more than just the SWIFT code. You must provide your full name exactly as it appears on your Bank of America account, your account number, and Bank of America's SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N). Some banks also ask for your address.

Make sure the name matches your account registration. If you registered as "Sarah M. Johnson" but tell the sender to use "Sara Johnson," the transfer may be delayed or rejected. Ask your sender to confirm all details with their bank before initiating the transfer, because correcting errors after the money has been sent is slow and uncertain.

How long international transfers take

Once the sending bank processes the transfer, it typically arrives in your Bank of America account within three to five business days. The timeline depends on the sending country, the sending bank's processing speed, and whether any intermediate banks are involved. Transfers from some countries move faster than others; European transfers often arrive within two to three days, while transfers from Asia or Africa may take the full five days or longer.

Bank of America does not control the speed of international transfers. The sending bank initiates the payment, and the SWIFT network routes it through correspondent banks until it reaches Bank of America. If your transfer has not arrived after five business days, contact Bank of America with the sender's bank name, the transfer date, and the amount to investigate.

Fees for receiving international wire transfers

Bank of America charges a fee for incoming international wire transfers. The fee is typically between $15 and $20, though the exact amount may vary. This fee is deducted from the amount you receive, so if someone sends you $1,000, you may receive $980 to $985 after the fee is applied.

The sending bank may also charge a fee on their end, and intermediate banks may take a small cut as well. These additional fees come out of the sender's account, not yours. If you are expecting a specific amount, ask the sender to confirm with their bank how much will arrive after all fees are deducted.

Difference between SWIFT code and routing number

Bank of America's routing number is used for domestic transfers within the United States only. The routing number is nine digits and identifies which Bank of America branch processes your account. The SWIFT code is used for international transfers and is eight characters.

If someone in the United States is sending you money, they need your routing number and account number. If someone outside the United States is sending you money, they need Bank of America's SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N), your account number, and your name. Using the wrong code for the wrong type of transfer will cause the payment to fail or be delayed.

What to do if an international transfer does not arrive

If you are expecting an international transfer and it has not arrived after five business days, contact Bank of America's international wire department. Have ready the sender's bank name, the date the transfer was sent, the amount, and the sender's name. Bank of America can trace the transfer through the SWIFT network and determine where it is stuck.

Some transfers are held for fraud review, especially if the amount is large or the sending country is unfamiliar to Bank of America. You may be asked to confirm that you authorized the transfer and know the sender. Once you confirm, the funds are usually released within one business day. If the transfer was sent to the wrong account or with incorrect information, recovery is difficult and may not be possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BOFAUS3N the same for all Bank of America branches?

Yes. BOFAUS3N is the SWIFT code for all Bank of America locations and all account types. You do not need a different code based on which branch you use or whether you have a checking or savings account.

Can I use my routing number instead of my SWIFT code for international transfers?

No. International banks do not recognize U.S. routing numbers. You must provide Bank of America's SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N) for transfers from outside the United States. Routing numbers work only for domestic transfers within the U.S.

What if the sender's bank asks for a different Bank of America SWIFT code?

Double-check with Bank of America directly. Some banks list multiple codes for large institutions, but BOFAUS3N is the correct code for all Bank of America accounts. If the sender's bank insists on a different code, ask them to verify it with their compliance department before sending the transfer.

Do I need to notify Bank of America before receiving an international transfer?

No notification is required. However, if you are expecting a large transfer, you can call Bank of America ahead of time to let them know, which may reduce the chance of a fraud hold. For routine transfers, no advance notice is necessary.

Can I receive international transfers to a Bank of America savings account?

Yes. The SWIFT code BOFAUS3N works for both checking and savings accounts. Make sure you give the sender the correct account number for the account where you want the money to land.