Bank of America does not issue IBAN numbers to U.S. customers

Bank of America accounts in the United States do not come with an IBAN (International Bank Account Number). Instead, U.S. banks use a different system: your routing number and account number together serve the same purpose that an IBAN serves in other countries.

An IBAN is a standardized format used mostly in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and some other regions to identify a bank account internationally. It's a longer number — typically 15 to 34 digits — that includes a country code, check digits, and bank and account information all in one. The United States never adopted this system. If you're sending or receiving money internationally with Bank of America, you'll use your routing number and account number instead, along with the bank's SWIFT code.

This can be confusing if you're working with someone outside the U.S. who asks for your IBAN. The short answer is: you don't have one, and that's normal for a U.S. bank account.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America U.S. accounts use a routing number and account number instead of an IBAN.
  • IBANs are used in Europe and other regions, but the United States uses a different system for domestic and international transfers.
  • For international wire transfers from Bank of America, you will need your routing number, account number, and the bank's SWIFT code.
  • If someone asks for your IBAN, you can explain that U.S. banks do not issue them and provide your routing and account numbers instead.

What you need instead: routing number and account number

Your Bank of America routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the specific Bank of America branch or processing center handling your account. Your account number is unique to you and appears on your checks and statements. Together, these two pieces of information do what an IBAN does: they tell another bank exactly where to send your money.

You can find both numbers on the bottom left of any check you have. The routing number comes first (nine digits), then your account number (usually 10 to 12 digits). You can also log into your Bank of America online account or call 1-800-432-1000 to ask for these numbers.

For international transfers, Bank of America also provides a SWIFT code (also called a BIC code). Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N. This code tells foreign banks that the money is going to Bank of America in the United States.

How to send money internationally from Bank of America

If you're sending money out of the U.S. to another country, Bank of America will ask you for the recipient's IBAN if they're in a country that uses them (most of Europe, for example). You'll provide your own routing number and account number as the source of the funds.

To set up an international wire transfer, log into your Bank of America account online, call the bank, or visit a branch. You'll need the recipient's full name, their bank's SWIFT code, their account number or IBAN (depending on their country), and the amount you want to send. Bank of America charges a fee for outgoing international wires, which varies depending on the destination country.

The transfer usually takes three to five business days, though some countries are faster. Bank of America will give you a confirmation number and tracking information so you can follow the money.

Receiving international money at Bank of America

If someone outside the U.S. is sending you money to your Bank of America account, give them your routing number (the nine-digit code), your account number, and Bank of America's SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N). You do not have an IBAN to give them.

Some countries' banks may have a form that asks specifically for an IBAN and won't accept U.S. routing numbers. If that happens, ask the sender's bank if they have an alternative field for U.S. accounts, or ask them to contact Bank of America directly. Bank of America's international incoming wire department can also help — call 1-800-432-1000 and ask to speak with someone about receiving an international wire.

Incoming international wires to Bank of America usually arrive within one to three business days. The sender's bank may charge a fee, and Bank of America may charge a small fee to receive the wire, depending on the country it's coming from.

Why the U.S. uses a different system

The United States developed its routing and account number system long before IBANs were created in the 1990s. When IBANs became the international standard, the U.S. banking system was already so established that switching would have been expensive and disruptive. Instead, U.S. banks kept their existing system and added SWIFT codes to make international transfers possible.

This means that if you move to another country or work with international partners, you'll need to explain that U.S. accounts work differently. Most banks and money transfer services outside the U.S. are familiar with U.S. routing numbers and SWIFT codes, so this is rarely a real problem — it's just a difference in how the systems are organized.

Bank of America accounts for non-U.S. residents

If you're a non-U.S. resident trying to open a Bank of America account, the bank has specific requirements. You'll typically need a U.S. address, a U.S. phone number, and a U.S. tax identification number (usually a Social Security Number or ITIN). Even if you open an account, it will still use the U.S. routing and account number system — not an IBAN.

Some Bank of America branches in other countries may operate under different rules, but the main U.S. bank does not issue IBANs. If you need an IBAN for work or residency reasons, you would need a bank account in a country that uses the IBAN system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IBAN from Bank of America?

No. Bank of America does not issue IBANs to any customers, whether in the U.S. or abroad. U.S. banks use routing numbers and account numbers instead. If you need an IBAN, you would need to open an account with a bank in a country that uses the IBAN system, such as a European bank.

What do I give someone who asks for my Bank of America IBAN?

Tell them you have a U.S. bank account and provide your routing number, account number, and Bank of America's SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N) instead. Most banks outside the U.S. accept this information for international transfers, even though it's not in IBAN format.

Is my routing number the same as an IBAN?

No, but they serve a similar purpose. Your routing number identifies your bank, and your account number identifies your specific account. Together they do what an IBAN does — direct money to the right place. An IBAN combines all that information into one longer number.

Do I need a SWIFT code to receive money from outside the U.S.?

Yes. The sender's bank will need Bank of America's SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N) along with your routing number and account number to send you money. Some senders may also ask for your full name and address to confirm the transfer.

What if the foreign bank's form only has a field for IBAN?

Contact the sender's bank and ask if they have an alternative field for U.S. accounts, or ask them to call Bank of America directly. You can also call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and ask the international wire department to help coordinate with the sender's bank.