Where to Send a Wire Transfer to Bank of America

Bank of America wire transfer routing information

Bank of America's wire receiving address depends on whether you are sending a domestic wire (within the United States) or an international wire. For a domestic wire, you do not need a physical mailing address — you need the routing number, which is 021000021. This nine-digit code tells the sending bank how to reach Bank of America's system.

If you are sending an international wire to a Bank of America account, the process is different. The receiving bank address is typically Bank of America, N.A., located in New York or Charlotte, North Carolina, depending on the account type. However, most international wires route through Bank of America's New York office. You will also need the SWIFT code, which is BOFAUS3N for most U.S. accounts.

The exact details you need depend on what the account holder has told you and what their bank requires. Always confirm the routing number and account number directly with the person receiving the money — do not rely on a number you find online, because sending to the wrong account number means the money goes to the wrong person.

Key Takeaways

Bank of America's domestic routing number is 021000021, which you provide to your own bank when sending a wire.
For international wires, you need the SWIFT code BOFAUS3N and the recipient's full account details, including their account number at Bank of America.
Always verify the account number and routing number directly with the person receiving the money before you send.
Your own bank will ask for the recipient's name, account number, and routing number (or SWIFT code for international) — Bank of America's address itself is not usually part of the wire instruction.

What information your bank will ask for

When you initiate a wire transfer at your own bank, you will provide the receiving bank's routing number (021000021 for Bank of America domestic) and the recipient's account number. Your bank does not typically ask for a street address for domestic wires — the routing number is the address.

For international wires, your bank may ask for the receiving bank's address. In that case, you can use Bank of America, N.A., 383 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10179. However, confirm this with your bank first, because some international wire systems use different address formats or require additional information like a branch code.

Domestic versus international wire requirements

A domestic wire to Bank of America requires only the routing number (021000021), the recipient's account number, and the recipient's name. The process is straightforward and typically completes within one business day.

An international wire is more complex. You will need the SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N), the recipient's full name and account number, and often the recipient's address. Some countries also require an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) if the recipient's account has one. Your bank will tell you which details are required based on the country you are sending to.

International wires also take longer — usually three to five business days — and may carry higher fees. Currency conversion happens at the rate your bank offers, not necessarily the mid-market rate, so the recipient may receive less than you expect.

How to confirm you have the right information

Before you send any wire, contact the person receiving the money and ask them to provide their Bank of America account number and confirm the account is in their name. Do not assume an account number you found in an email or text is correct — scams involving wire transfers often rely on people sending money to the wrong account.

If the recipient does not have their account number memorized, they can find it on a Bank of America statement, on their debit card, or by logging into their online banking. Ask them to read it back to you digit by digit to rule out typos.

For international wires, also ask the recipient whether their Bank of America account has an IBAN. Not all U.S. accounts have one, but if theirs does, providing it reduces the chance of routing errors.

What happens after you send the wire

Once your bank sends the wire, you will receive a confirmation number. Keep this number — it is your proof that you sent the money and the reference your bank will use if something goes wrong.

For a domestic wire, the money usually arrives in the recipient's Bank of America account within one business day. If you send the wire after your bank's cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. local time), it may not process until the next business day.

If the wire does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact your bank with your confirmation number. They can trace the wire and determine whether it is still in transit, was rejected, or went to the wrong account. If it went to the wrong account, recovery is difficult and not always possible, which is why confirming the account number beforehand is critical.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common mistake is transposing a digit in the account number. A single wrong digit sends the money to a different account at Bank of America, and that account holder has no obligation to return it. Always have the recipient confirm their account number before you wire.

Another mistake is confusing the routing number with the account number. The routing number (021000021) is the same for all Bank of America customers in the U.S. The account number is unique to each person and is what directs the money to the right person within the bank.

For international wires, a common error is using an incomplete or outdated SWIFT code. Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N for most purposes, but confirm with your bank or the recipient if you are unsure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bank of America's routing number the same for all wire transfers?

Yes, the domestic routing number 021000021 is used for all Bank of America wire transfers within the United States. The account number is what directs the money to the specific person. For international wires, use the SWIFT code BOFAUS3N instead.

Can I send a wire to Bank of America using just the routing number?

No. You need the routing number plus the recipient's account number and name. The routing number tells your bank which bank to send to; the account number tells Bank of America which customer within the bank should receive the money.

What if I send a wire to the wrong Bank of America account?

Contact your bank immediately with your confirmation number. Your bank can attempt to recall the wire, but success is not may provide. If the money reached the wrong account, recovery depends on whether that account holder cooperates. This is why confirming the account number with the recipient before sending is essential.

How long does a wire to Bank of America take?

Domestic wires typically arrive within one business day, often within hours. International wires take three to five business days. The exact timing depends on when you send it (before or after your bank's cutoff time) and any processing delays at Bank of America.

Do I need to provide Bank of America's street address when I send a wire?

For domestic wires, no — your bank only needs the routing number. For international wires, your bank may ask for the address; if so, use Bank of America, N.A., 383 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10179. Confirm with your bank what format they need.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.