Bank of America's Swift Code for Wire Transfers

Bank of America's Swift code is BOFAUS3N. You need this code when sending money internationally to a Bank of America account, or when receiving a wire transfer from outside the United States to your Bank of America account. The code tells the sending bank's system exactly which Bank of America branch and location will receive or process the transfer.

The Swift code works alongside your account number and routing number — all three pieces of information are required to complete an international wire. If you're sending money out of the country, your bank will ask for the recipient's Swift code. If you're receiving money from abroad, you'll give the sender this code so their bank can route the funds correctly to you.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America's Swift code is BOFAUS3N and is used for all international wire transfers to or from Bank of America accounts in the United States.
  • You will also need the recipient's account number, routing number, and full name to complete an international wire transfer.
  • Swift codes are eight or eleven characters long; BOFAUS3N is the eight-character version that works for most transfers.
  • Your bank or the receiving bank may charge a fee for processing international wire transfers, which varies by institution.
  • International wires typically take three to five business days to arrive, though timing depends on the receiving country and bank.

What Each Part of the Swift Code Means

A Swift code is broken into four sections, each telling the receiving bank something different. BOFAUS3N breaks down as: BOFA (the bank code for Bank of America), US (the country code for the United States), 3N (the location code for the specific branch or processing center). This structure is standardized worldwide so banks can identify each other without confusion.

The eight-character version (BOFAUS3N) is the most common for routine transfers. Bank of America also has an eleven-character version, BOFAUS3NXXX, where the last three X's represent additional branch details. Most international transfers work fine with the shorter code, but some banks or countries may request the longer version. If you're unsure which one to use, ask the sending bank or the recipient's bank — they can tell you which format they need.

When You Need This Code

You need Bank of America's Swift code when you are receiving money from someone in another country. The sender's bank will ask for it as part of the wire instructions. You also need it if you are sending money out of the country and the recipient's bank is Bank of America — though in that case, you would provide your own Swift code to the sender, not request theirs.

Domestic wire transfers within the United States do not use Swift codes. Instead, they use routing numbers and account numbers. Swift codes are only for international transfers, so if you're wiring money to another U.S. bank, you won't need this code at all.

How to Find Your Bank of America Account Information for a Wire

To receive an international wire, you need to give the sender four pieces of information: your full name as it appears on your account, your account number, your bank's routing number (121000248 for Bank of America), and the Swift code (BOFAUS3N). You can find your account number on the front of your debit card, on your monthly statement, or by logging into your Bank of America online account.

If you're unsure about any of this information, call Bank of America's customer service line or visit a local branch. They can confirm your account number and routing number and answer questions about the wire process. Having all four pieces correct before the sender initiates the transfer prevents delays and rejected transfers.

Fees and Timing for International Wires

Bank of America charges a fee to receive international wire transfers, though the amount varies depending on whether the wire comes through the Federal Reserve system or through a correspondent bank. As of recent years, incoming international wires typically cost between $15 and $20, but you should confirm the current fee with Bank of America before the transfer is sent. Some senders may also be charged a fee by their own bank, so the total cost can vary.

International wire transfers usually take three to five business days to arrive in your account, though this depends on the sending country, the sending bank, and whether any intermediate banks are involved. Weekends and holidays can add time. Once the money arrives, it will show in your account, though it may be held for a day or two while the bank verifies the transfer. If a wire does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact Bank of America with the sender's bank details and the transfer reference number.

Sending Money Out of the Country From Bank of America

If you are sending money internationally from a Bank of America account, you will initiate the wire through Bank of America's online banking platform, by phone, or in person at a branch. You will need the recipient's full name, account number, bank name, and their bank's Swift code. Bank of America will also ask for the purpose of the transfer and may require documentation for larger amounts.

Bank of America charges an outgoing international wire fee, typically between $25 and $45 depending on the destination country and whether the transfer goes through a correspondent bank. The recipient's bank may also charge a fee on their end. Ask Bank of America for the total estimated cost before you authorize the transfer, and confirm the recipient's bank details are correct — wires cannot be reversed once they are sent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BOFAUS3N the same for all Bank of America locations?

Yes. BOFAUS3N is the universal Swift code for all Bank of America branches in the United States. You do not need to look up a code for a specific branch location. The code routes the transfer to Bank of America's system, and the routing number and account number direct it to the correct branch and account from there.

What if I receive a wire and it doesn't arrive?

Contact Bank of America immediately with the sender's bank details, the amount sent, and the date the transfer was initiated. Bank of America can trace the wire and determine whether it was rejected, delayed, or sent to the wrong account. If the wire was sent to an incorrect account number, recovery is difficult, so always verify account details before the sender initiates the transfer.

Can I use a Swift code for a domestic wire transfer within the U.S.?

No. Domestic wires use routing numbers and account numbers only. Swift codes are only for international transfers. If you try to use a Swift code for a domestic wire, the transfer will be rejected or delayed.

Do I need the eleven-character version of the Swift code?

Most of the time, no. The eight-character code BOFAUS3N works for nearly all international transfers. Some banks or countries may request the eleven-character version (BOFAUS3NXXX), but this is less common. If you are unsure, ask the sending bank or the recipient's bank which version they need.

What happens if I give the sender the wrong Swift code?

If you provide an incorrect Swift code, the transfer will likely be rejected by the receiving bank's system, and the money will be returned to the sender. This can take several days or weeks. Always double-check the code before giving it to the sender — BOFAUS3N is correct for Bank of America in the United States.