Bank of America's SWIFT Code and How to Use It for Wire Transfers

Bank of America's SWIFT Code for domestic and international wires

Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N. You use this code when you are sending money to a Bank of America account from outside the United States, or when a foreign bank is sending money into a Bank of America account. The code tells the sending bank's system which financial institution will receive the funds.

SWIFT codes are required for international wire transfers but not for domestic U.S. transfers. If you are sending money from one U.S. bank account to another U.S. bank account, you need the recipient's routing number and account number instead. The SWIFT code is specifically for cross-border payments that move through the international banking network.

Bank of America has one primary SWIFT code for all its U.S. operations. Some banks maintain separate codes for different branches or services, but Bank of America does not — BOFAUS3N works for all their U.S. locations and account types.

Key Takeaways

Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N and is used only for international wire transfers, not domestic U.S. transfers.
The code tells foreign banks and international payment systems that funds should be routed to Bank of America in the United States.
You will also need the recipient's full name, account number, and sometimes their address when sending an international wire to a Bank of America account.
International wires typically take three to five business days to arrive and may include fees charged by both the sending and receiving banks.

When you need to provide the SWIFT code

You provide Bank of America's SWIFT code when you are the one sending money internationally and the recipient has a Bank of America account. The sending bank — whether it is located in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, or anywhere else — needs this code to route your payment correctly through the international banking system.

You also provide it when you are receiving an international wire and need to give the sender your bank's details. If someone outside the U.S. is paying you and asks for your bank information, you give them BOFAUS3N along with your account number and full name.

You do not need the SWIFT code for transfers between two U.S. bank accounts, even if both are at Bank of America. Domestic transfers use routing numbers, which are a separate nine-digit code specific to each bank's location.

Information to have ready when sending an international wire

Before you initiate an international wire transfer to a Bank of America account, gather these details:

Recipient's full legal name (as it appears on their account)
Recipient's Bank of America account number
Bank of America's SWIFT code: BOFAUS3N
Recipient's mailing address (some banks require this)
The amount in U.S. dollars
The purpose of the transfer (some countries require this for compliance)

Your own bank will ask for this information when you request the wire. Some banks allow you to set this up online, while others require you to visit a branch or call. The sending bank may also ask for your account number and identification to verify you are authorized to send the funds.

Timing and fees for international wires to Bank of America

International wire transfers typically arrive within three to five business days, though some routes take longer depending on the sending country and any intermediate banks involved. The funds are not instant like a domestic transfer.

Both the sending bank and Bank of America may charge fees. The sending bank usually deducts their fee from the amount you send, so the recipient receives less than you transferred. Bank of America may charge a receiving fee as well, which they deduct from the incoming funds. Ask your sending bank what their fee is before you initiate the transfer, and ask Bank of America what they charge to receive international wires.

Some international transfers pass through correspondent banks — intermediary institutions that help route the payment. Each correspondent bank may also take a fee, further reducing what the recipient receives. This is why the amount that arrives is often smaller than the amount you sent.

Differences between SWIFT codes and other bank identifiers

A SWIFT code is an eight- or eleven-character code used for international transfers. Bank of America's is BOFAUS3N (eleven characters). The code breaks down as: BOF (Bank of America), A (United States), US (country code), and N (branch code for the main office).

A routing number is a nine-digit code used only for domestic U.S. transfers. Bank of America has multiple routing numbers depending on which state or region the account is in. You use the routing number when sending money between U.S. banks, not the SWIFT code.

An IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is used in Europe and some other regions but not in the United States. U.S. banks do not issue IBANs. If someone asks for your IBAN and you have a U.S. bank account, tell them you do not have one and provide your account number instead.

What to do if a wire to Bank of America is delayed or missing

If you sent an international wire to a Bank of America account and it has not arrived within the expected timeframe, contact Bank of America's customer service with the wire reference number (also called the SWIFT reference or transaction ID). Your sending bank should have provided this number when you initiated the transfer.

Bank of America can search their system using this reference number to see if the funds arrived and are pending, or if they were rejected. If the wire was rejected, it usually means there was an error in the account number, name, or SWIFT code. The funds are typically returned to the sending bank within five to ten business days.

If you sent the wire and provided incorrect information — such as a wrong account number or misspelled name — the funds may go to the wrong account or be rejected entirely. This is why it is important to double-check all details before sending an international wire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BOFAUS3N the only SWIFT code Bank of America uses?

Yes, BOFAUS3N is Bank of America's primary SWIFT code for all U.S. operations. You use this code regardless of which state your account is in or what type of account you have. Some older references may list different codes, but BOFAUS3N is the current standard.

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

No. Domestic U.S. transfers use routing numbers, not SWIFT codes. If you are sending money from one U.S. bank to another U.S. bank, ask the recipient for their routing number and account number instead. Using a SWIFT code for a domestic transfer will cause the wire to be rejected or delayed.

What happens if I provide the wrong SWIFT code?

If you provide an incorrect SWIFT code, the sending bank's system may reject the transfer before it is sent, or the funds may be routed to the wrong bank. Either way, the money will not reach the intended Bank of America account. The sending bank should catch this error, but it is your responsibility to verify the code before sending.

Do I need the SWIFT code if I am receiving a wire at Bank of America?

Yes. When someone outside the U.S. is sending you money, you must provide them with Bank of America's SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N) along with your account number and full name. Without the SWIFT code, the sending bank cannot route the funds to the correct institution.

How much does it cost to receive an international wire at Bank of America?

Bank of America charges a fee to receive international wires, but the amount varies. Contact Bank of America directly or check your account agreement to find the current receiving fee. The fee is deducted from the incoming funds, so you receive less than the sender transferred.

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.