A SWIFT code is a standardized set of letters and numbers that identifies a specific bank during international money transfers

When you send money to someone outside the United States, banks need a way to route that payment to the correct institution in the correct country. A SWIFT code (also called a BIC code) is that routing address. It tells the sending bank which bank should receive the money and where that bank is located.

Think of it like a postal address for banks. Just as your home address tells the mail carrier where to deliver a letter, a SWIFT code tells the financial system where to send your money. Without it, an international transfer could go to the wrong bank or the wrong country entirely.

Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N. This code works for most transfers to Bank of America accounts in the United States. However, the exact code you need depends on which Bank of America location or service is receiving the money, so it is worth confirming with your bank before you send.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America's primary SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N, used for most international transfers to U.S. accounts.
  • SWIFT codes are required by the sending bank to route international payments to the correct institution and country.
  • Different Bank of America locations or services may have different SWIFT codes, so confirm with your bank before sending money.
  • You will need the SWIFT code of the receiving bank, not your own bank, when you are the one sending money internationally.
  • SWIFT codes are different from routing numbers; routing numbers are used for domestic U.S. transfers only.

How SWIFT codes are structured and what each part means

A SWIFT code is always eight or eleven characters long. Bank of America's code, BOFAUS3N, breaks down as follows: the first four letters (BOFA) identify the bank itself, the next two letters (US) indicate the country, the following two characters (3N) identify the specific branch or location, and if there is an eleventh character, it specifies a particular department or service.

Not every SWIFT code you encounter will follow this exact pattern in the last section. Some banks use numbers, some use letters, and some use a combination. The important thing is that the entire code together points to one specific bank in one specific place. When you are sending money, the sending bank's system reads this code and knows exactly where to send your funds.

You do not need to memorize or understand the structure of a SWIFT code to use one. You straightforward need to have the correct code for the bank that will receive your money. If you are unsure whether you have the right code, call Bank of America directly or ask the person or business you are sending money to for confirmation.

When you need a SWIFT code versus other bank identifiers

You need a SWIFT code only when you are sending money internationally—that is, outside the United States. If you are sending money to another account within the U.S., you will use a routing number instead. Routing numbers are nine digits and work only for domestic transfers.

If you are receiving money from abroad, the person sending it will need your SWIFT code, not your routing number. This is a common source of confusion. When someone asks you for your bank information for an international transfer, give them your SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N for Bank of America) along with your account number and full name.

Some countries also use additional codes for international transfers, such as an IBAN (International Bank Account Number). Bank of America accounts do not have IBANs, but if you are working with a bank outside the U.S., they may ask for one. In that case, tell them you have a U.S. account and provide your SWIFT code and account number instead.

Where to find Bank of America's SWIFT code and confirm it is correct

Bank of America's main SWIFT code, BOFAUS3N, is publicly available and does not change. You can find it on Bank of America's official website, in your account statements, or by calling Bank of America directly at the number on the back of your debit or credit card.

Before you use a SWIFT code for a large transfer, it is worth taking one extra step: confirm it with the person or business you are sending money to. Ask them to verify the code themselves with their bank. This takes only a few minutes and can prevent your money from being sent to the wrong place.

If you are receiving money and someone asks you for your bank's SWIFT code, you can safely give them BOFAUS3N. However, also provide your full account number and your full legal name exactly as it appears on your Bank of America account. The receiving bank will use all three pieces of information to make sure the money lands in the right place.

What happens if you use the wrong SWIFT code

If you provide an incorrect SWIFT code, the sending bank may reject the transfer before it leaves, which means your money stays in your account. This is the best-case scenario because you will know when ready that something went wrong.

In some cases, the money may be sent to a different bank or a different country. When this happens, the receiving bank will usually reject it and send it back, but this process can take weeks. During that time, your money is stuck in transit and you cannot access it. The sending bank may also charge a fee for the return transfer.

If a transfer goes to the wrong place and does not come back automatically, you will need to contact the sending bank and ask them to trace it. This is time-consuming and may not always succeed. This is why confirming the SWIFT code before you send is so important.

SWIFT codes for specific Bank of America locations or services

Bank of America has multiple locations and services across the United States. While BOFAUS3N works for most international transfers to Bank of America accounts, some specific branches or services may have their own codes. For example, Bank of America's investment services or certain regional offices might use a different code.

If you are sending money to a Bank of America account that is part of a specific service or location, ask the account holder or the receiving business which SWIFT code they use. They will know whether the standard code applies or whether a different one is needed.

When in doubt, start with BOFAUS3N. If that code does not work or if the receiving bank tells you a different code is needed, ask Bank of America directly. They can tell you the correct code for your specific situation in just a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BOFAUS3N the only SWIFT code Bank of America uses?

BOFAUS3N is the primary code for most Bank of America accounts in the United States. However, some specific services, branches, or account types may use different codes. If you are unsure, confirm with Bank of America or the person receiving the money.

Do I need a SWIFT code to send money within the United States?

No. Domestic transfers within the U.S. use a routing number instead. SWIFT codes are only for international transfers. If you are sending money to another U.S. bank account, ask for the routing number, not the SWIFT code.

Can I use a SWIFT code to receive money from another country?

Yes. When someone outside the U.S. wants to send you money, give them Bank of America's SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N), your account number, and your full legal name. They will use this information to route the transfer to your account.

What is the difference between a SWIFT code and a routing number?

A routing number is a nine-digit code used only for transfers between U.S. banks. A SWIFT code is an eight or eleven-character code used for international transfers. They serve the same purpose but work in different systems.

How long does an international transfer take if I have the correct SWIFT code?

Having the correct SWIFT code helps may support the money reaches the right bank, but it does not control how fast the transfer arrives. International transfers typically take three to five business days, depending on the sending bank, the receiving bank, and the countries involved.