What a SWIFT code is and why Bank of America has more than one

A SWIFT code is an 8 or 11-character identifier that banks use to route international wire transfers. Bank of America does not have a single SWIFT code — it has multiple codes, each tied to a specific branch, currency, or service line. When you send money internationally to or from Bank of America, you need the code for the specific location or function handling your transfer, not just any Bank of America code.

The reason for multiple codes is practical: SWIFT (the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) assigns each code to a particular banking office or department. Bank of America operates hundreds of branches and processing centers across the United States and internationally. A wire sent to the wrong code may be delayed, rejected, or routed to the wrong department, which is why getting the exact code matters.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America's main SWIFT code for U.S. dollar transfers is BOFAUS3N, but the correct code depends on which branch or service handles your transfer.
  • International transfers often require a different code than domestic ones, and some codes are specific to particular currencies or wire types.
  • The fastest way to find the right code is to call Bank of America directly or ask the person or business receiving your money which code they use.
  • SWIFT codes are different from routing numbers; routing numbers are for domestic U.S. transfers, while SWIFT codes are for international ones.

Bank of America's most common SWIFT codes

The most widely used Bank of America SWIFT code for international wire transfers in U.S. dollars is BOFAUS3N. This code routes to Bank of America's main international wire processing center. However, Bank of America also maintains codes for specific purposes and locations.

For transfers involving other currencies or specific banking services, the code may differ. Some Bank of America branches and subsidiaries have their own SWIFT codes. If you are sending money to a Bank of America account held in a foreign country, the receiving branch may have a different code than the U.S. processing center.

How to find the right SWIFT code for your transfer

The safest method is to ask the recipient which SWIFT code their bank account is registered under. If you are sending money to someone with a Bank of America account, they can provide the code directly from their account statements or by contacting their branch. This eliminates guesswork and reduces the risk of the transfer being delayed or sent to the wrong place.

You can also call Bank of America's international wire transfer line and provide details about your transfer — the destination country, currency, and account type. A representative can tell you the exact code needed. Bank of America's main customer service number is on their website and on the back of your debit or credit card.

Do not rely on SWIFT code lookup websites alone, as some list outdated or incorrect codes. Use them as a starting point only, then verify with the bank or the recipient before sending money.

SWIFT codes versus routing numbers

A routing number is a nine-digit code used only for domestic U.S. transfers — ACH payments, checks, and wire transfers within the United States. A SWIFT code is used for international transfers. They serve different purposes and are not interchangeable.

If you are sending money to someone in another country, you need a SWIFT code. If you are sending money to another U.S. bank account, you need a routing number. Bank of America can provide both, but using the wrong one for the wrong type of transfer will cause the payment to fail or be rejected.

What happens if you use the wrong SWIFT code

If you send an international wire with an incorrect or outdated SWIFT code, the transfer may be rejected by the receiving bank, returned to you, or held in a queue while the bank tries to figure out where it should go. This process can take days or weeks. Some banks charge a fee to reverse or reroute a misdirected wire.

If the code is close to correct but not exact, the wire might reach a different Bank of America branch or department, and the recipient may never see the money. You would then need to contact Bank of America to trace the transfer and request a reversal or reroute, which adds time and frustration.

International wire transfers from Bank of America accounts

When you initiate an international wire from your Bank of America account, you provide the recipient's bank details, including their SWIFT code. Bank of America then uses its own SWIFT code (usually BOFAUS3N for U.S. dollar transfers) to send the wire through the international banking network. The receiving bank uses the recipient's SWIFT code to route the money to the correct account.

Bank of America typically charges a fee for outgoing international wires, ranging from $15 to $45 depending on the destination and whether the transfer is urgent. The exchange rate applied may also differ from the mid-market rate, so ask about the rate before you send.

Receiving international wires at Bank of America

If someone is sending you money from abroad to your Bank of America account, you need to provide them with Bank of America's SWIFT code for receiving wires. For most U.S. dollar accounts, this is BOFAUS3N. You should also provide your account number and the routing number for your specific branch (which is different from the SWIFT code).

Some international senders also ask for an IBAN (International Bank Account Number), but Bank of America accounts in the United States do not have IBANs — that system is used primarily in Europe and other regions. If asked, tell the sender you have a U.S. bank account and provide the SWIFT code, routing number, and account number instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BOFAUS3N the SWIFT code for all Bank of America accounts?

BOFAUS3N is the most common code for U.S. dollar transfers, but some Bank of America branches, subsidiaries, or specialized services have different codes. Always verify with your branch or the recipient's bank to be certain.

Do I need a SWIFT code to send money between two Bank of America accounts in the U.S.?

No. For domestic transfers between U.S. Bank of America accounts, use the routing number and account number. SWIFT codes are only for international transfers.

What if the recipient's bank says they do not accept BOFAUS3N?

Ask the recipient's bank which Bank of America SWIFT code they accept, or contact Bank of America directly. Some banks have preferred codes for specific currencies or transfer types. Bank of America can provide alternatives if the standard code does not work.

Can I look up a SWIFT code online instead of calling the bank?

Online SWIFT code directories can provide a starting point, but verify the code with Bank of America or the recipient before sending money. Outdated or incorrect codes on public websites can cause transfers to fail.

How long does an international wire take if I use the correct SWIFT code?

International wires typically arrive within one to three business days, though some may take longer depending on the destination country and the receiving bank's processing speed. The SWIFT code itself does not determine the timeline, but using the wrong code can add days to the process.