How to Find Bank of America's SWIFT Code for Wire Transfers

Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N

Bank of America National Association uses the SWIFT code BOFAUS3N for international wire transfers. This code routes money to Bank of America's main processing center in the United States. If you are sending money from outside the U.S. to a Bank of America account, or if a foreign bank is sending you money, you will need this code along with the recipient's account number and routing number.

SWIFT codes are eight or eleven characters long and identify the bank, country, and sometimes a specific branch. Bank of America's code is eight characters: BOFA identifies the bank, US identifies the United States, and 3N identifies the New York processing center. When you provide this code to a foreign bank, it tells that bank exactly where to send the money.

Key Takeaways

Bank of America's SWIFT code for international transfers is BOFAUS3N, which routes to their main U.S. processing center.
You need the SWIFT code, recipient account number, and recipient name to receive an international wire transfer into a Bank of America account.
Different Bank of America branches may have their own SWIFT codes, so confirm with your branch if you are sending money out of the U.S.
SWIFT codes are required by foreign banks but not by U.S. banks; domestic wire transfers use routing numbers instead.

When you need Bank of America's SWIFT code

You need this code when someone outside the United States is sending you money to your Bank of America account. The foreign bank will ask for it as part of the wire transfer process. You also need it if you are sending money from your Bank of America account to someone with a bank account outside the U.S., though in that case you would provide the recipient's bank's SWIFT code, not Bank of America's.

Domestic wire transfers between U.S. banks do not use SWIFT codes. Instead, they use routing numbers, which are nine digits and specific to each bank and branch. If you are wiring money between two U.S. accounts, you will not need a SWIFT code.

What information to provide alongside the SWIFT code

A SWIFT code alone is not enough to complete an international wire transfer. The sending bank will also ask for the recipient's full name, account number, and the amount being transferred. Some banks ask for the recipient's address as well.

If you are receiving money, give the sender your Bank of America account number (not your debit card number), your full name as it appears on the account, and Bank of America's SWIFT code BOFAUS3N. Double-check the account number before you send it, because a single digit wrong will send the money to the wrong account or cause the transfer to fail.

SWIFT codes for specific Bank of America locations

BOFAUS3N is the code for Bank of America's main processing center and works for most international transfers to any Bank of America account in the U.S. However, some Bank of America branches have their own SWIFT codes if they handle international business directly. These are less common and usually only used by large commercial accounts.

If you are sending money out of the U.S. from a Bank of America account, contact your local Bank of America branch to confirm which SWIFT code to provide to the foreign recipient's bank. The branch can tell you whether your specific account needs a different code or whether BOFAUS3N is correct.

How long an international wire transfer takes

Once the sending bank has the correct SWIFT code and account information, the transfer usually takes one to three business days to arrive in your Bank of America account. The exact timing depends on the sending bank's processing speed and whether the transfer goes through any intermediate banks. Some countries' banking systems are slower than others.

Bank of America will notify you when the money arrives, usually by email or through your online account. Check your account balance to confirm the full amount arrived, because some banks deduct a fee from the transfer before sending it.

Fees for international wire transfers

Bank of America charges a fee to receive international wire transfers into your account. The fee varies depending on whether the transfer comes through the SWIFT network or through another system, and whether Bank of America receives the money directly or through a correspondent bank. As of now, incoming international wire fees at Bank of America range from $15 to $25, but confirm the current fee with your branch before the transfer is sent.

The sending bank may also charge a fee on their end. If you are expecting money from abroad, ask the sender to confirm with their bank what they will charge, because that fee comes out of the amount you receive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BOFAUS3N the only SWIFT code Bank of America uses?

BOFAUS3N is the main code for receiving international transfers into any Bank of America account. Some Bank of America branches have additional codes for specific purposes, but BOFAUS3N works for most situations. If you are unsure, call your Bank of America branch and they can confirm which code to use.

What happens if I give the wrong SWIFT code?

If the SWIFT code is wrong, the sending bank will either reject the transfer or send it to the wrong bank. The money will not arrive in your account. The sending bank can usually trace the transfer and recover it, but this takes extra time and may involve fees. Always double-check the code before the sender submits the transfer.

Do I need a SWIFT code to send money from Bank of America to another country?

Yes, but you need the recipient's bank's SWIFT code, not Bank of America's. When you initiate an international wire transfer from Bank of America, you provide the recipient's SWIFT code so Bank of America knows where to send the money. Your Bank of America branch can help you find the correct code for the recipient's bank.

Can I use a SWIFT code for a domestic wire transfer between two U.S. banks?

No. Domestic wire transfers use routing numbers, not SWIFT codes. SWIFT codes are only for international transfers. If you are sending money to another U.S. bank account, you need the recipient's routing number and account number.

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.