Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N

SWIFT stands for Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication. It is a standardized code that banks use to identify each other when money moves between countries. Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N, and you will need it when you send money internationally or receive a wire from outside the United States.

The code works like a postal address for your bank. When you initiate an international wire transfer, you provide the recipient's bank SWIFT code so the sending bank knows exactly which institution to route the money to. Without it, the transfer either fails or gets delayed while the banks sort out where the payment should go.

Bank of America uses the same SWIFT code across all its U.S. locations. You do not need a different code for different branches or different states. If you are sending money to or from any Bank of America account in the United States, BOFAUS3N is the code you use.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America's SWIFT code for all U.S. locations is BOFAUS3N.
  • You need a SWIFT code when sending money internationally or receiving a wire from outside the United States.
  • The code is the same regardless of which Bank of America branch you use or which state you are in.
  • SWIFT codes are eight or eleven characters long; Bank of America's is eleven characters.
  • Your bank routing number and SWIFT code are different; both may be required for international transfers.

When you need a SWIFT code versus a routing number

A routing number is used for domestic transfers within the United States. A SWIFT code is used for international transfers. If you are sending money to another U.S. bank or receiving a domestic wire, you use the routing number. If the money is crossing a border, you use the SWIFT code.

Some international transfers require both. The sending bank uses the SWIFT code to identify Bank of America globally, and then Bank of America uses the routing number internally to direct the money to the correct account. When you fill out an international wire form, the form will ask for both pieces of information.

How SWIFT codes are structured

A SWIFT code has either eight or eleven characters. Bank of America's code, BOFAUS3N, has eleven. The first four letters identify the bank (BOFA for Bank of America). The next two letters are the country code (US for United States). The next two characters identify the location or branch type (3N in this case). The final three characters, when present, specify a particular branch or department.

Because Bank of America operates nationwide with a centralized international payment system, the same eleven-character code works for all U.S. locations. You do not need to look up a code specific to your branch or state.

Where to find the SWIFT code on your statements or online

Your Bank of America statement or account documents may list the SWIFT code. Log into your Bank of America online account, go to the account details or account information section, and look for international transfer information. The code is often listed alongside your routing number.

If you cannot find it in your account, call Bank of America directly at the number on the back of your debit card or visit a branch. The staff can confirm the code and answer questions about your specific transfer. You can also find the code on Bank of America's official website in the international banking section.

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, or the money may arrive at the wrong bank. Either way, the transfer does not reach Bank of America. The sending bank will usually return the funds to the sender, but this can take several business days.

If the money does go to the wrong institution, recovering it becomes more complicated. The sending bank has to contact the receiving bank, which has to investigate and initiate a reversal. This process can take weeks. Using the correct code—BOFAUS3N—avoids this delay entirely.

International transfers to Bank of America accounts

When someone outside the United States sends you money to your Bank of America account, they will need BOFAUS3N plus your account number and your full name. Some banks also ask for your address. The sending bank uses the SWIFT code to route the payment to Bank of America, and then your account number tells Bank of America which account receives the funds.

International incoming transfers typically take three to five business days, though some routes are faster. The exact timing depends on the sending bank, the intermediate banks involved, and the country the money is coming from. Bank of America will credit your account once the funds arrive and clear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the SWIFT code the same for all Bank of America branches?

Yes. Bank of America uses BOFAUS3N for all U.S. locations. You do not need a different code for different branches or states. The code is centralized across the entire U.S. network.

Do I need a SWIFT code for a domestic wire transfer?

No. Domestic transfers within the United States use a routing number, not a SWIFT code. You only need a SWIFT code when the money is crossing an international border.

What if the bank asks for a SWIFT code with a different format?

Some banks accept eight-character SWIFT codes (BOFA US3N without the final character). Both formats refer to Bank of America. If the form requires an eleven-character code, use BOFAUS3N. If it accepts eight characters, BOFAUS3N still works—the system will recognize it.

Can I use the SWIFT code to send money from Bank of America to another country?

No. The SWIFT code identifies the receiving bank, not the sending bank. When you send money from Bank of America to an account abroad, you provide the receiving bank's SWIFT code, not Bank of America's. Bank of America will use its own internal systems to process the outgoing transfer.

How long does an international transfer take with the correct SWIFT code?

Using the correct SWIFT code does not speed up the transfer itself. International transfers typically take three to five business days regardless. The correct code ensures the money reaches the right bank; the timing depends on the banking systems involved and the countries connected.