Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N

Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N. This eight-character code identifies Bank of America for international wire transfers. When you send money from a bank outside the United States to a Bank of America account, the sending bank uses this code to route your transfer to the correct institution.

The code breaks down as: BOFA (the bank identifier), US (the country), 3N (the location code for Bank of America's New York operations center). Different banks use different location codes; Bank of America has multiple SWIFT codes depending on which of its divisions or branches handles the transfer, but BOFAUS3N is the primary code used for most international incoming transfers to consumer and business accounts.

You do not need to memorize or look up this code yourself in most cases. When someone sends you money from abroad, their bank will ask them for your bank's SWIFT code. You can provide BOFAUS3N, or you can direct them to Bank of America's website or call their international services line to confirm the exact code for your specific account type or branch.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America's primary SWIFT code for international transfers is BOFAUS3N, used to identify the bank in the U.S. payment system.
  • The code is required by the sending bank, not by you — the person transferring money to your account provides it to their own bank.
  • BOFAUS3N works for most consumer and business accounts, but some specialized accounts or divisions may use different codes.
  • You will also need your account number and routing number to complete an international transfer, along with the SWIFT code.

When you need to provide your SWIFT code

You provide your SWIFT code when someone outside the United States is sending you money directly to your Bank of America account. This happens in situations like receiving a wire transfer from a family member abroad, payment from an international client or employer, or funds from a foreign business partner.

The person sending the money will go to their own bank and request an international wire transfer. Their bank will ask them for your bank's SWIFT code, your account number, and your name. You give them BOFAUS3N along with your Bank of America account number. Their bank uses the SWIFT code to find Bank of America in the international payment network and route the transfer correctly.

You do not initiate the transfer yourself or submit anything to Bank of America. The sending bank handles all the routing. Your role is to provide the correct information to the person sending the money.

SWIFT codes versus routing numbers

A SWIFT code is used for international transfers between banks in different countries. A routing number is used for domestic transfers within the United States. Bank of America's routing number varies by state and branch, but SWIFT codes are standardized globally.

When someone in the U.S. sends you money, they use your Bank of America routing number. When someone outside the U.S. sends you money, they use your SWIFT code. Some international transfers may ask for both, along with your account number and full name.

If you are unsure which code to provide, ask the person sending the money what their bank requires. Most international banks will specify whether they need a SWIFT code, a routing number, or both.

How long an international transfer takes

Once the sending bank submits the transfer using BOFAUS3N, the money typically arrives in your Bank of America account within one to five business days. The exact timing depends on the sending bank's processing speed, any intermediate banks involved, and whether the transfer is sent during a business day or weekend.

Some transfers clear faster than others. A transfer sent on a Friday afternoon may not begin processing until Monday. Transfers sent during business hours on weekdays usually move more quickly. Bank of America will credit your account once the funds arrive and clear, and you can see the transaction in your account history.

If a transfer does not arrive within five business days, contact Bank of America's international services team with the transfer reference number from the sending bank. They can trace the payment and determine where it is in the system.

Other Bank of America SWIFT codes

Bank of America has additional SWIFT codes for specific purposes. BOFAUS6S is used for transfers to Bank of America's Los Angeles operations center. BOFAUS7S is used for the Chicago center. These codes serve the same function as BOFAUS3N but route through different processing locations within the bank.

For most incoming international transfers to a standard Bank of America account, BOFAUS3N is sufficient and is the code most foreign banks recognize. If your transfer is rejected or delayed, the sending bank may ask whether you have an alternate SWIFT code. In that case, you can contact Bank of America directly to confirm which code applies to your specific account.

Bank of America also maintains separate SWIFT codes for its investment banking division and other specialized services, but these are not used for standard consumer or small business account transfers.

What information you need to give someone sending you money

To receive an international wire transfer to your Bank of America account, provide the sender with the following information in writing:

  • Bank of America's SWIFT code: BOFAUS3N
  • Your full name as it appears on your Bank of America account
  • Your Bank of America account number
  • Your Bank of America routing number (some banks request this in addition to the SWIFT code)
  • The amount and currency being sent

Double-check that your account number and name are correct before sending this information. A mistake in the account number can cause the transfer to be rejected or sent to the wrong account. The sender's bank will verify the information before processing the transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to tell Bank of America I am expecting an international transfer?

No. Bank of America does not require advance notice of incoming international transfers. The transfer will arrive in your account once the sending bank processes it. However, if you are expecting a large transfer, you can contact Bank of America beforehand to confirm your account is set up to receive international funds and to ask about any limits on transfer size.

What if the sender's bank says BOFAUS3N is not valid?

This is rare, but some smaller or regional banks may not recognize the code in their system. Ask the sender to contact their bank's international services department and request the correct SWIFT code for Bank of America in New York. Alternatively, you can call Bank of America's international services line and ask them to provide the code directly to the sender's bank.

Can I use BOFAUS3N to send money out of my Bank of America account?

No. BOFAUS3N identifies Bank of America as the receiving bank. When you initiate an outgoing international transfer from your Bank of America account, you provide the SWIFT code of the bank you are sending money to, not Bank of America's code. Bank of America will handle the routing on their end.

Is there a fee for receiving an international transfer?

Bank of America may charge a fee for incoming international transfers, depending on your account type and the transfer amount. The fee is typically deducted from the amount you receive. Contact Bank of America to learn the current fee structure for your account before you expect a transfer.

What happens if money is sent to the wrong account number but with the correct SWIFT code?

The transfer will go to Bank of America, but it will be deposited into the wrong account within the bank. You will not receive the funds. The sender will need to contact their bank to attempt a reversal or correction. This is why it is critical to provide the correct account number to anyone sending you money.