What a SWIFT Code Is and Why You Need BOA's

A SWIFT code is a standardized identifier that banks use to route money between financial institutions internationally. When you send a wire transfer outside the United States, the receiving bank needs your sending bank's SWIFT code to process the payment correctly. Bank of America's SWIFT code tells the receiving institution that the money is coming from BOA, not from another U.S. bank with a similar name.

SWIFT stands for Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication. The code itself is eight or eleven characters long and includes letters and numbers. For Bank of America, the code is the same regardless of which branch you use, which simplifies the process if you have accounts at multiple BOA locations.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N, and this single code works for all BOA branches in the United States.
  • You need the SWIFT code when sending money to someone outside the U.S., but not for domestic wire transfers within America.
  • The receiving bank's address and account holder information are just as important as the SWIFT code for the transfer to reach the right person.
  • You can find BOA's SWIFT code on your statement, on the BOA website, or by calling customer service at 1-800-788-8000.

Bank of America's SWIFT Code

Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N. This code applies to all Bank of America locations in the United States. You do not need a different code for different branches or account types.

The code breaks down as follows: BOFA is the bank identifier, US indicates the country, and 3N is the branch code for the main clearing center. When you provide this code to someone sending you money from abroad, or when you initiate an outgoing international wire, this is the code you use.

When You Need to Provide BOA's SWIFT Code

You need Bank of America's SWIFT code when someone outside the United States is sending you money. The sender's bank will ask for your SWIFT code, your account number, and your name to route the funds correctly. Without the SWIFT code, the sending bank cannot identify which U.S. bank should receive the transfer.

You do not need a SWIFT code for wire transfers between two accounts within the United States. Domestic wires use a different routing system based on the nine-digit routing number instead. If you are sending money to someone in another country, you will need their bank's SWIFT code, not BOA's.

How to Find BOA's SWIFT Code If You Don't Have It Memorized

The easiest way to find Bank of America's SWIFT code is to log into your BOA online account or mobile app. Most banks display the SWIFT code in the wire transfer section or in account details. You can also check your most recent bank statement, which often lists the SWIFT code in the header or footer.

If you do not have online access or cannot locate it on your statement, call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-788-8000. A representative can confirm the SWIFT code and answer questions about your specific transfer. You can also visit a BOA branch in person and ask a teller to write it down for you.

What Information You Need Alongside the SWIFT Code

The SWIFT code alone is not enough to complete an international wire transfer. You will also need to provide the receiving bank's full name and address, the recipient's full name exactly as it appears on their account, and the recipient's account number or IBAN (International Bank Account Number). Some countries require an IBAN instead of or in addition to the account number.

Double-check all of this information before submitting the wire. A single digit wrong in the account number or a misspelled name can cause the transfer to be rejected or sent to the wrong account. Many banks allow you to reverse a wire only within a narrow window, so accuracy matters more than speed.

Wire Transfer Fees and Processing Time

Bank of America charges a fee for outgoing international wire transfers. The fee varies depending on whether you are sending the wire through online banking, by phone, or in person at a branch, and whether the receiving bank is in a country BOA has a direct relationship with. As of the most recent update, outgoing international wire fees typically range from $15 to $45, but you should confirm the exact amount with BOA before you initiate the transfer.

International wires typically take one to three business days to arrive, though this depends on the receiving bank's processing speed and whether there are any compliance holds. Some countries have additional security checks that can add time. BOA will provide you with a confirmation number and expected delivery date when you send the wire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BOA's SWIFT code different for checking versus savings accounts?

No. Bank of America uses the same SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N) for all account types. The account type does not change the SWIFT code; the receiving bank identifies the account type based on the account number you provide.

Can I use BOA's SWIFT code to receive money from outside the U.S.?

Yes. When someone abroad sends you money, they will use BOA's SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N) along with your account number to route the funds to your Bank of America account. Make sure to give them the correct SWIFT code so the money reaches you.

What if I send a wire with the wrong SWIFT code?

If you use an incorrect SWIFT code, the sending bank may reject the transfer outright, or the money may be sent to the wrong bank. Contact Bank of America immediately if this happens. Some wires can be recalled within a short window, but not all. The sooner you report the error, the better your chances of recovery.

Do I need an IBAN in addition to the SWIFT code?

It depends on the receiving country. Many European and international banks require an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) instead of or alongside the account number. Ask the recipient or their bank whether they need an IBAN, account number, or both before you send the wire.