Bank of America SWIFT Code: What It Is and When You Need It

Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N

A SWIFT code is an 8 or 11-character identifier that banks use to send and receive money internationally. Bank of America's primary SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N. The code breaks down as: BOFA (Bank of America), US (United States), 3N (the routing hub). You need this code when someone outside the US is sending you money, or when you are sending money to a Bank of America account from abroad.

SWIFT codes are not the same as routing numbers. A routing number (also called an ABA number) is a nine-digit code used for domestic US transfers. A SWIFT code is used for international transfers. If you are receiving money from another country, the sender's bank will ask for your SWIFT code, not your routing number.

Bank of America may have additional SWIFT codes for specific branches or services, but BOFAUS3N is the one you should provide for most international wire transfers into a personal or business account.

Key Takeaways

Bank of America's main SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N, used for international money transfers into most accounts.
You need a SWIFT code when receiving money from outside the US, not for transfers between US banks.
SWIFT codes are different from routing numbers; routing numbers are for domestic transfers only.
The sender's bank will request your SWIFT code and your account number to complete an international transfer.
If you are unsure whether you need a SWIFT code, contact Bank of America directly—they can confirm based on where the money is coming from.

When you need to provide your SWIFT code

You need your SWIFT code when someone outside the United States is sending you money directly to your Bank of America account. This includes wire transfers from family members abroad, payments from international employers, refunds from overseas vendors, or transfers from banks in other countries.

The sender's bank will ask for your SWIFT code along with your account number and your name as it appears on the account. Some banks also ask for your address. Without the correct SWIFT code, the transfer may be delayed or sent to the wrong institution.

You do not need a SWIFT code for transfers between US banks, transfers within Bank of America, or domestic wire transfers. For those, you use your routing number instead.

What information to give the sender

When someone asks you for details to send money internationally to your Bank of America account, provide all of the following:

Bank of America's SWIFT code: BOFAUS3N
Your full account number (the one printed on your checks or visible in your online banking)
Your full name as it appears on the account
Your mailing address
The city, state, and ZIP code where your account is held (usually the location of your branch, though this matters less with modern banking)

Some senders' banks may also ask for an IBAN (International Bank Account Number). Bank of America does not use IBANs—those are used primarily in Europe and some other regions. If asked, tell the sender that Bank of America uses SWIFT codes and routing numbers instead.

How long international transfers take

Once the sender's bank initiates the transfer using your SWIFT code, the money typically arrives within 1 to 5 business days. The exact timeline depends on the sender's bank, any intermediary banks involved, and whether the transfer is processed during business hours.

Some transfers take longer if they go through multiple banks or if there are compliance checks. Bank of America will notify you when the money arrives. You can also check your account online or call customer service to ask whether a transfer has been received.

If a transfer does not arrive within a week, contact Bank of America with the sender's bank name, the date sent, and the amount. Bank of America can trace the transfer and determine where it is in the system.

SWIFT codes for specific Bank of America locations

Bank of America has multiple SWIFT codes for different purposes and locations. BOFAUS3N is the standard code for most personal and business accounts. However, if you are dealing with a specific Bank of America office or service, the sender's bank may request a different code.

For example, Bank of America's New York office has the code BOFAUS33, and the Los Angeles office has BOFAUS6S. If the sender's bank specifies a location-based code, ask Bank of America which code applies to your account. In most cases, BOFAUS3N will work regardless of which branch you use.

If you are unsure which code to provide, give the sender BOFAUS3N first. If their bank rejects it, contact Bank of America and they can provide the correct code for your specific account or situation.

Confirming your SWIFT code with Bank of America

You can confirm Bank of America's SWIFT code by calling customer service at 1-800-432-1000, visiting a branch in person, or checking your account statements and banking documents. Some statements list the SWIFT code in the account information section.

Bank of America's website does not prominently display SWIFT codes, so calling is often the fastest way to verify. Have your account number ready when you call. Customer service can also confirm whether your account is set up to receive international transfers—some accounts have restrictions that you may need to remove first.

If you are receiving a large international transfer, it is worth calling ahead to let Bank of America know. This can prevent the transfer from being flagged as suspicious and delayed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BOFAUS3N the same for all Bank of America accounts?

BOFAUS3N works for most personal and business accounts. Some specialized accounts or services may use different codes, but this is rare. If the sender's bank rejects BOFAUS3N, contact Bank of America to confirm the correct code for your account.

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

If the code is incorrect, the transfer may be rejected by the receiving bank, delayed, or sent to the wrong institution. The sender's bank will usually notify them of the error. Contact Bank of America when ready if you believe a transfer was sent to the wrong code, and they can help trace it.

Do I need a SWIFT code to send money out of Bank of America to another country?

Yes. When you initiate an international wire transfer from Bank of America, you will need the recipient's bank's SWIFT code, their account number, and their name. Bank of America can help you find the correct SWIFT code if you do not have it.

Can I use my routing number instead of my SWIFT code for international transfers?

No. Routing numbers are for US domestic transfers only. International transfers require a SWIFT code. If a sender tries to use your routing number for an international transfer, it will not work.

What if the sender's bank does not recognize BOFAUS3N?

This is uncommon but can happen with smaller or regional banks. Ask the sender to contact their bank's international transfer department and provide Bank of America's full name and location. You can also call Bank of America and ask them to provide the information directly to the sender's bank.

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.