Bank of America's Swift Code
Bank of America's primary Swift code is BOFAUS3N. This nine-character code identifies Bank of America for international wire transfers and is the one you'll use for most outgoing wires to accounts outside the United States.
Swift codes work like a postal address for banks — they tell the sending bank's system exactly which financial institution should receive your money and where. Without the correct code, your wire can be delayed, sent to the wrong place, or rejected entirely. Bank of America maintains multiple Swift codes for different divisions and purposes, but BOFAUS3N covers the vast majority of personal and business wire transfers.
The code breaks down as follows: BOFA is the bank identifier, US indicates the country (United States), and 3N is the branch code for Bank of America's main clearing centre. You don't need to memorize this structure — you just need to know which code to provide.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America's standard Swift code for international wires is BOFAUS3N, and this is what most customers need to provide when sending money abroad.
- The receiving bank's Swift code is required by the sending bank before a wire can be processed, so you must obtain it from the recipient or their bank.
- Bank of America may ask for additional information beyond the Swift code, including the recipient's IBAN (in Europe) or account number, depending on the destination country.
- Verify the Swift code with the recipient's bank directly or through their official website before sending a wire, because an incorrect code can cause delays or failed transfers.
When You Need Bank of America's Swift Code
You provide Bank of America's Swift code to someone else when they are sending you money from outside the United States. If you're the one initiating the wire, you'll need the recipient's bank's Swift code instead — not Bank of America's.
This is a common source of confusion. When you walk into a Bank of America branch or log into online banking to send an international wire, the system asks you for details about where the money is going, not where it's coming from. You'll enter the recipient's bank's Swift code, their account number, and their bank's address. Bank of America already knows its own code.
The only time you give out Bank of America's Swift code is when you're receiving a wire from abroad and the sender asks you for your bank's details. In that case, you provide BOFAUS3N along with your account number and routing number.
How to Find the Recipient's Swift Code
If you're sending money internationally, you need the recipient's bank's Swift code, not Bank of America's. The fastest way to find it is to ask the person receiving the money directly — they can get it from their bank's website, a bank statement, or by calling their bank's customer service line.
Most banks outside the United States publish their Swift codes publicly on their websites. Search for "[Bank Name] Swift code" and you'll usually find it within seconds. Some banks list multiple codes for different branches or services, so confirm you have the right one for the account type and location where the money is going.
If you can't find the code online, call the recipient's bank directly. Have the recipient's full name, account number, and branch location ready. The bank can confirm the correct code and may also provide an IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which some countries require in addition to or instead of a Swift code.
Additional Information Bank of America May Request
Beyond the Swift code, Bank of America will ask for several other pieces of information before processing an international wire. These requirements vary depending on the destination country and the receiving bank's rules.
You'll typically need the recipient's full legal name exactly as it appears on their bank account, their complete account number, and the name and address of their bank. For transfers to Europe, you may also need the recipient's IBAN, which is a longer standardized account number that includes country and bank information. Some countries require both the Swift code and the IBAN.
Bank of America may also ask for the purpose of the transfer (such as "payment for services" or "family support"), the recipient's address, and your relationship to the recipient. These details help the bank comply with anti-money-laundering regulations. Have all this information ready before you initiate the wire to avoid delays.
Fees and Processing Time for International Wires
Bank of America charges a fee for outgoing international wire transfers, though the exact amount depends on whether you're sending through a branch, online, or by phone. The fee typically ranges from $15 to $45 for a standard wire, and you can confirm the current amount by calling Bank of America or checking their website.
Processing time for international wires is usually one to three business days, though it can take longer depending on the destination country, the receiving bank's processing speed, and whether any additional verification is needed. Weekends and holidays can extend the timeline. Once you initiate the wire, Bank of America will provide you with a confirmation number and an expected delivery date.
Some countries have correspondent banks — intermediary banks that handle the transfer on behalf of the receiving bank. If your wire goes through a correspondent bank, it may take an extra day or two and could incur additional fees charged by that bank. Ask Bank of America whether a correspondent bank will be involved before you send the wire.
What to Do If Your Wire Doesn't Arrive
If the recipient hasn't received the money within the timeframe Bank of America provided, contact Bank of America's wire transfer department with your confirmation number. They can trace the wire and determine where it is in the system.
If the wire was sent to the wrong bank or account due to an incorrect Swift code, it may be held by that bank or returned to Bank of America. The receiving bank can refuse the transfer if the account details don't match. In these cases, Bank of America can attempt to retrieve the funds, but it may take several days or weeks and isn't always successful.
To avoid this problem, always verify the Swift code and account number with the recipient before sending. Ask them to confirm the details in writing or have them provide a bank statement showing their account number. A few minutes of verification can save you significant time and frustration if something goes wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BOFAUS3N the only Swift code Bank of America uses?
BOFAUS3N is the primary code for most transfers, but Bank of America maintains other codes for specific divisions and purposes. For personal and business wire transfers, BOFAUS3N is what you need. If you're dealing with a specialized service or a Bank of America subsidiary, you may receive a different code, but this is rare.
Do I need both a Swift code and a routing number?
Swift codes and routing numbers serve different purposes. Routing numbers are used for domestic U.S. transfers, while Swift codes are for international transfers. If you're sending money within the United States, you need a routing number. For international wires, you need a Swift code. Bank of America can provide both if you ask.
What happens if I use the wrong Swift code?
If you provide an incorrect Swift code, the wire may be sent to the wrong bank or rejected entirely. The sending bank will attempt to return the funds to you, but this can take several weeks. Always verify the Swift code with the recipient's bank before sending to avoid delays and potential fees.
Can I send an international wire through Bank of America's mobile app?
Bank of America's mobile app allows you to view wire transfer options, but most international wires must be initiated through online banking, a branch visit, or by phone. Check your app or call Bank of America to confirm what methods are available for your specific transfer.