Bank of America's SWIFT Code and How to Use It for International Transfers

Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N

Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N. This nine-character code identifies Bank of America in the international banking system and is used to route money between banks across borders. You need it when sending or receiving money internationally, and it's the same regardless of which Bank of America branch you use in the United States.

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 for the main office. When you're wiring money out of the country or receiving a wire from abroad, the sending bank uses this code to ensure the transfer reaches Bank of America's system correctly.

Bank of America also publishes SWIFT codes for specific branches and divisions, but BOFAUS3N is the primary code used for most international transfers to Bank of America accounts. If you're sending money to a Bank of America account from outside the US, ask the sender to use this code.

Key Takeaways

• Bank of America's main SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N, used for international wire transfers to any Bank of America account in the United States.
• You need the SWIFT code when receiving money from abroad or when your bank asks for routing information for an international transfer.
• The code is the same for all Bank of America locations; you do not need a different code for different branches.
• Bank of America may also ask for your account number and the ABA routing number (021000021) when processing international transfers, depending on the sending country.

When you need the SWIFT code

You'll need the SWIFT code in two main situations. First, when you're receiving money from someone outside the United States—they or their bank will ask for it to route the transfer correctly. Second, when you're sending money internationally and your bank asks for the receiving bank's SWIFT code, though this is less common for US-based senders since most US banks handle the routing themselves.

Some international payment services, like PayPal or Wise, may also ask for a SWIFT code if you're linking a Bank of America account to transfer money in or out. Having the code ready speeds up the process and reduces the chance of a transfer being delayed or sent to the wrong institution.

SWIFT codes versus ABA routing numbers

Bank of America has two routing numbers used in the United States: the ABA routing number 021000021 (used for ACH transfers and some wire transfers) and sometimes 026009593 (for certain wire transfers). These are different from the SWIFT code. The ABA routing number is for domestic transfers within the US banking system, while the SWIFT code is specifically for international transfers.

When sending money internationally, you typically provide the SWIFT code, not the ABA routing number. However, some countries' banking systems ask for both, or they may ask for an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) instead. If you're unsure which one to give, contact Bank of America directly or ask the receiving bank what information they need.

How international transfers work with the SWIFT code

When money moves internationally, it travels through a network of correspondent banks. The sending bank uses the SWIFT code to identify Bank of America as the destination, then the transfer moves through intermediary banks until it reaches Bank of America's system. From there, Bank of America uses your account number to deposit the funds into your specific account.

This process typically takes three to five business days, though it can be faster or slower depending on the sending country, the time of day the transfer is initiated, and whether any intermediary banks are involved. Some countries' banking systems are slower than others, and weekend or holiday delays can add time.

What information to provide for an incoming international transfer

When someone is sending you money from abroad, give them this information: your Bank of America account number, the SWIFT code BOFAUS3N, your full name as it appears on the account, and your Bank of America branch address (or just tell them to use the main code—most senders don't need a specific branch). Some countries also require an IBAN, which Bank of America can provide if you ask, though US accounts don't use IBANs the way European accounts do.

Double-check the sender's form before they submit it. A typo in the account number or SWIFT code can send the money to the wrong place, and recovering it takes time. If the sender's bank asks for additional information, contact Bank of America to confirm what they need.

If a transfer doesn't arrive

If you're expecting an international transfer and it doesn't show up within five business days, contact Bank of America with the sender's name, the amount, the date it was sent, and any reference number the sender received. Bank of America can trace the transfer through the SWIFT network to see where it is and whether it was sent to the correct account.

If the transfer was sent to the wrong account number or SWIFT code, recovery is harder and slower. The sending bank may be able to recall it, but this requires cooperation from the receiving bank and can take weeks. This is why confirming all details before the transfer is sent matters more than trying to fix it afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. This is the main SWIFT code for Bank of America in the United States and works for all Bank of America checking, savings, and business accounts. You do not need a different code for different account types or branches.

Can I find the SWIFT code on my Bank of America statement or debit card?

No, the SWIFT code does not appear on statements or cards. You can find it on Bank of America's website, by calling customer service, or by asking your branch. It's also listed in international wire transfer guides published by Bank of America.

What if the sender's bank asks for an IBAN instead of a SWIFT code?

US bank accounts do not have IBANs. If a foreign bank asks for one, explain that you have a US account and provide the SWIFT code and account number instead. Bank of America customer service can confirm what information to give if the sender's bank is unclear.

Do I need the SWIFT code to send money out of my Bank of America account?

Not usually. When you initiate an international wire from Bank of America, the bank handles the routing. You provide the recipient's bank details, and Bank of America looks up or asks for the SWIFT code if needed. You may see it on the confirmation, but you do not have to find it yourself.

Will using the wrong SWIFT code cause the transfer to fail?

Yes. If the SWIFT code is incorrect, the transfer may be rejected, sent to the wrong bank, or delayed while the system tries to route it. Always verify the code before the sender submits the transfer.