Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N

Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N. This eight-character code identifies Bank of America in the international banking system and is the same regardless of which U.S. branch you use. You need this code when someone outside the United States sends you money, or when you send money internationally to an account at Bank of America.

SWIFT stands for Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication. Banks use SWIFT codes to route wire transfers between financial institutions across borders. Without the correct code, your transfer may be delayed, sent to the wrong bank, or rejected entirely.

The code BOFAUS3N breaks down as follows: BOFA identifies Bank of America, US indicates the United States, and 3N is the branch code for the main clearing center. You do not need to add a branch number or account number to the SWIFT code itself — the receiving bank uses the code to find Bank of America, and then your account number directs the funds to you specifically.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N and works for all U.S. branches and all types of accounts.
  • You provide your SWIFT code to people or businesses sending you international wire transfers.
  • The SWIFT code routes the transfer to Bank of America; your account number tells the bank which account receives the money.
  • Bank of America may also ask for your ABA routing number (026009593) when receiving international transfers, depending on the sending bank's requirements.
  • International wire transfers typically take one to three business days and may include fees from both your bank and the sending bank.

When you need to provide your SWIFT code

You provide BOFAUS3N when someone outside the United States is sending you money by wire transfer. This includes international employers paying salary, family members abroad sending funds, or overseas businesses paying an invoice. The sender's bank requires the code to know where to send the money.

You do not need to provide your SWIFT code for domestic U.S. wire transfers. Transfers between U.S. banks use the ABA routing number instead. If you are unsure whether a transfer is international, ask the sender's bank — they will tell you which code to use.

What information to give alongside your SWIFT code

Your SWIFT code alone is not enough. The sending bank will also ask for your account number and your full name as it appears on your Bank of America account. Some banks request additional information: your address, your bank's address, or an International Bank Account Number (IBAN) if you have one. Bank of America accounts do not have IBANs, so you can tell the sender that information is not applicable.

Some sending banks also request the ABA routing number for Bank of America, which is 026009593. This is a domestic U.S. code, but many international banks ask for it anyway as a backup routing method. Having both numbers on hand speeds up the process.

Write down or screenshot the exact wording the sender's bank provides. Different banks phrase the request differently — some ask for "SWIFT code," others for "BIC code" (which is the same thing), and some ask for "bank code." All of these refer to BOFAUS3N.

How long international transfers take

An international wire transfer to your Bank of America account typically arrives within one to three business days after the sending bank processes it. The actual time depends on the sending bank's processing speed, any intermediate banks involved, and time zone differences. Transfers sent on a Friday or weekend may not begin processing until Monday.

Bank of America does not hold international incoming transfers for verification in most cases, so the money should appear in your account as soon as it arrives. However, if the bank detects anything unusual about the transfer, it may place a temporary hold while it verifies the details. You can call Bank of America at the number on the back of your card if a transfer does not arrive within the expected timeframe.

Fees for receiving international transfers

Bank of America charges a flat fee to receive an international wire transfer. The fee amount varies depending on your account type and whether the transfer is in U.S. dollars or another currency. You can find the current fee in your account's fee schedule or by calling Bank of America directly.

The sending bank may also charge a fee on their end, and intermediate banks (called correspondent banks) may deduct a small amount from the transfer. These fees are separate from Bank of America's fee and are not controlled by Bank of America. The sender should ask their bank about all fees before initiating the transfer, and they should clarify whether the amount they are sending is before or after fees are deducted.

Receiving transfers in currencies other than U.S. dollars

If someone sends you money in euros, British pounds, or another currency, Bank of America will convert it to U.S. dollars before depositing it into your account. The bank uses its own exchange rate on the day the transfer arrives, not the rate on the day the sender initiated the transfer. Exchange rates fluctuate daily, so the amount you receive in dollars may be slightly different from what the sender calculated.

You cannot request that Bank of America hold the funds in the original currency. If you need to receive regular payments in a foreign currency, ask your bank whether a multi-currency account or a separate account at a bank specializing in international transfers might be a better option for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BOFAUS3N the same for all Bank of America branches?

Yes. BOFAUS3N is the universal SWIFT code for Bank of America in the United States, regardless of which branch holds your account. You do not need to find a branch-specific code.

What if I give the sender the wrong SWIFT code?

The transfer will likely be rejected or sent to the wrong bank. The sending bank's system will not recognize an incorrect code and will either bounce the transfer back or route it elsewhere. Always double-check the code before giving it to the sender.

Can I receive an international wire transfer into a savings account?

Yes. Bank of America can receive international wire transfers into checking accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts. The SWIFT code remains BOFAUS3N regardless of account type.

Do I need to notify Bank of America before receiving an international transfer?

No. You do not need to call ahead or set up anything in advance. Simply provide the sender with your account number, name, and SWIFT code, and the transfer will arrive automatically when the sending bank processes it.

What if the transfer arrives but the amount is less than expected?

The difference is likely due to fees deducted by the sending bank, intermediate banks, or currency conversion. Ask the sender to check their bank's confirmation of how much was actually sent. If the amount sent matches what arrived, the difference is due to fees or exchange rates, which you cannot recover.