BOA's SWIFT code for international transfers is BOFAUS3N

Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N. This eight-character code identifies BOA in the international banking system and is required when someone outside the United States sends you money or when you send money to a foreign bank account. The code works the same way whether you're receiving or sending — it tells the sending bank's system exactly which BOA location to route the funds to.

SWIFT stands for Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication. It's the standard system banks worldwide use to communicate payment instructions. Without a correct SWIFT code, an international wire can be delayed, rejected, or sent to the wrong account entirely.

Key Takeaways

  • BOA's primary SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N, which works for most international wire transfers to any BOA account in the United States.
  • You may also need your account number, routing number, and full name exactly as it appears on your account when receiving an international wire.
  • Different BOA branches have different SWIFT codes if you need to route funds to a specific location, though BOFAUS3N typically works for all domestic BOA accounts.
  • The sending bank — not BOA — initiates the wire, so you provide your SWIFT code to whoever is sending you the money.

When you need to provide your SWIFT code

You provide your SWIFT code when someone outside the United States is sending you money directly to your BOA account. This includes family members, employers, clients, or businesses paying you from abroad. The person or organization sending the wire will ask for your banking details, and SWIFT code is one of the pieces they need.

You do not need a SWIFT code to send money out of your BOA account to a foreign bank — BOA handles that on their end. However, you will need the recipient's SWIFT code if you're sending an international wire from BOA.

What information to give alongside your SWIFT code

A SWIFT code alone is not enough to complete an international wire. The sender will also need your account number, your routing number (for BOA, this is typically 026009593 for most accounts, though some specialty accounts differ), and your full name exactly as it appears on your account. Some senders may also ask for your address.

Double-check that you provide your account number correctly — a single digit wrong will cause the wire to fail or go to someone else's account. Your routing number should match what BOA provides; if you're unsure, call BOA or log into your online banking to confirm.

SWIFT codes for specific BOA locations

BOFAUS3N is BOA's main SWIFT code and works for wires to any BOA account in the United States. However, BOA has additional SWIFT codes for specific regions or purposes. If the sender's bank requires a code for a particular BOA branch location, you can contact BOA directly to confirm which code applies to your account.

In practice, BOFAUS3N resolves correctly for the vast majority of international wires to BOA accounts. Senders rarely need a branch-specific code unless they are working with a very large international bank that has strict routing requirements.

How to confirm your SWIFT code is correct

You can verify BOFAUS3N by logging into your BOA online banking account, calling BOA customer service at 1-800-432-1000, or visiting a BOA branch in person. BOA's website also lists the code in their international wire transfer section.

Before you give your information to a sender, confirm that you have the correct account number and routing number. Mistakes in these details are far more common than SWIFT code errors and are the leading cause of failed or misdirected international wires.

What happens after you provide your SWIFT code

Once the sender has your SWIFT code, account number, routing number, and name, they initiate the wire through their own bank. Their bank sends the payment instruction through the SWIFT network to BOA. BOA then deposits the funds into your account, typically within one to three business days, though timing depends on the sending country and bank.

You do not need to do anything after providing your information — the sending bank handles all the steps. If the wire does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact BOA with the sender's bank name and the date the wire was initiated. BOA can trace the payment and tell you where it is in the system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BOFAUS3N the same for all BOA accounts?

Yes, BOFAUS3N works for all standard BOA checking and savings accounts in the United States. Some specialty accounts or trust accounts may have different codes, but this is rare. If you are unsure whether your account type uses a different code, call BOA to confirm.

What if I give the wrong SWIFT code?

If the SWIFT code is incorrect, the sending bank's system will typically reject the wire before it leaves their bank, and the sender will be notified. The funds will not be sent. You would then provide the correct code and the sender would initiate a new wire. If the wire somehow reaches the wrong bank, it can take weeks to recover.

Do I need a SWIFT code to receive a wire from another U.S. bank?

No. SWIFT codes are only for international wires. Domestic wires between U.S. banks use routing numbers instead. If someone in the United States is sending you money, they only need your BOA routing number and account number.

Can I look up someone else's SWIFT code?

You can look up SWIFT codes for major banks online using public SWIFT code directories, but you cannot look up an individual person's account details. If you are sending money internationally, the recipient must provide you with their bank's SWIFT code, account number, and name.

Does BOA charge a fee for receiving an international wire?

BOA may charge a receiving fee for international wires, typically between $15 and $20, though this varies. The amount is deducted from the funds you receive. Ask BOA about their current international wire receiving fees before you expect a payment, so you know the exact amount that will arrive in your account.