Bank of America IBAN and SWIFT Codes: What You Need for International Transfers

Bank of America's SWIFT code and why you need it for wire transfers

Bank of America does not use an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) because it is a U.S. bank and IBANs are used only in Europe and a few other countries outside North America. Instead, Bank of America uses a SWIFT code — a standardized identifier that tells the sending bank how to route your money internationally.

Bank of America's primary SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N. This code appears on wire transfer instructions, international payment forms, and when someone outside the U.S. needs to send you money. The code breaks down as: BOFA (Bank of America), US (United States), 3N (the New York headquarters branch). Different Bank of America locations may have additional SWIFT codes for specific branches or services, but BOFAUS3N is the one you will use most often.

When you send money out of the U.S., you typically do not need to provide your SWIFT code — the receiving bank needs it. When someone sends money to you from abroad, they will need this code plus your account number and routing number to complete the transfer.

Key Takeaways

Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N, used for all international wire transfers to or from the bank.
Bank of America accounts do not have IBANs because IBANs are only used in Europe and certain other regions, not in the United States.
When receiving an international wire, provide the sender with your SWIFT code, account number, and routing number (026009593 for most Bank of America accounts).
When sending money internationally from Bank of America, you will provide the recipient's SWIFT code and account details, not your own SWIFT code.
Some Bank of America branches have alternate SWIFT codes for specific services, but BOFAUS3N works for standard international transfers.

What information you need to receive an international wire

If someone is sending you money from outside the United States to your Bank of America account, they will need four pieces of information: your SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N), your Bank of America account number, your routing number, and your full name as it appears on the account.

Your routing number for Bank of America is 026009593 for most domestic and international transfers. You can confirm this by logging into your Bank of America account online, calling customer service, or checking a deposit slip. Some Bank of America branches or account types may have different routing numbers, so verify before giving it to the sender.

The sender's bank will use the SWIFT code to identify Bank of America, the routing number to identify your specific branch, and your account number to deposit the funds into your account. Without any of these pieces, the transfer will be rejected or delayed.

What information you need to send an international wire from Bank of America

When you initiate an international wire transfer from Bank of America, you provide the recipient's information, not your own SWIFT code. You will need the recipient's SWIFT code (or BIC code, which is the same thing), their account number, their bank name, and their full name.

Bank of America will charge you a fee for outgoing international wires — typically between $15 and $45 depending on the destination country and whether the bank is a correspondent of Bank of America. Some countries require additional intermediary banks to process the transfer, which adds time and may add fees charged by those banks as well.

You can initiate an international wire through Bank of America's online banking platform, by phone, or in person at a branch. Online transfers are usually the fastest and cheapest option. Bank of America will ask you to confirm the recipient's SWIFT code and account number before processing, so double-check these details — wires cannot be reversed once sent.

The difference between SWIFT codes and routing numbers

A routing number is a nine-digit code used only within the United States to identify which bank and branch holds an account. A SWIFT code is an international standard used worldwide to identify banks across borders. Bank of America's routing number (026009593) works for domestic transfers; its SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N) works for international transfers.

When sending money within the U.S., you use only the routing number and account number. When sending or receiving money internationally, you use the SWIFT code instead of (or in addition to) the routing number, depending on what the receiving bank requires. Some international transfers ask for both, some ask for only the SWIFT code. Always check with the recipient's bank about which they need.

How long international wires take and what can delay them

An international wire from Bank of America typically takes three to five business days to arrive, though it can take longer depending on the destination country, the receiving bank's processing speed, and whether intermediary banks are involved. Wires sent on weekends or holidays will not process until the next business day.

Delays often happen when the SWIFT code or account number is incorrect, when the recipient's bank requires additional information (such as a reason for transfer), or when the receiving country has currency controls or compliance requirements. Bank of America will contact you if additional information is needed, but this can add several days to the process.

If a wire does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact Bank of America with your wire confirmation number. They can trace the transfer and identify where it is in the system. If the wire was sent to the wrong account due to an error on your part, it may not be recoverable.

Bank of America's alternate SWIFT codes for specific services

While BOFAUS3N is the standard SWIFT code for Bank of America, the bank maintains additional codes for specific divisions or services. BOFAUS6S is used for some securities and investment services. BOFAUS33 may appear on certain institutional or commercial accounts. For the vast majority of personal and small-business wire transfers, BOFAUS3N is correct.

If you receive wire instructions that reference a different Bank of America SWIFT code, verify it directly with Bank of America before sending money. Scammers sometimes provide fake SWIFT codes that route transfers to fraudulent accounts. When in doubt, call Bank of America's main customer service line or visit a branch in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IBAN for my Bank of America account?

No. IBANs are used only in Europe and a handful of other countries. U.S. banks, including Bank of America, use routing numbers and SWIFT codes instead. If someone asks for your IBAN, they may be confused about where your account is located, or they may be attempting fraud.

What if the sender used the wrong SWIFT code?

If the sender used an incorrect SWIFT code, the transfer may be rejected by the intermediary bank or routed to the wrong institution. The money will typically be returned to the sender within five to ten business days, though some banks hold returned funds longer. The sender should contact their bank to trace the transfer.

Can I look up someone else's SWIFT code if I only know their bank name?

Yes. SWIFT maintains a public directory where you can search by bank name and country. However, always verify the code with the recipient directly before sending money, because some large banks have multiple SWIFT codes for different branches or services.

Is there a fee to receive an international wire at Bank of America?

Bank of America does not charge a fee to receive incoming international wires. However, if the sending bank used an intermediary bank to route the transfer, that intermediary may deduct a fee from the amount you receive. The sender should ask their bank whether intermediary fees will apply.

What happens if I send a wire to a Bank of America account using the SWIFT code but the wrong account number?

The transfer will likely be rejected because the account number will not match any account at Bank of America. The money will be returned to the sender, usually within five to ten business days. If the account number happens to match a different account at Bank of America, the funds may be deposited to the wrong person's account, and recovery becomes much more difficult.

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.