What a SWIFT Code Is and How to Find Bank of America's

A SWIFT code is a standardized bank identifier that routes international wire transfers to the correct financial institution

When you send money to someone outside the United States, your bank needs a way to tell the receiving bank which institution should get the funds. A SWIFT code (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) is an 8 or 11-character alphanumeric code that identifies a specific bank and branch. Bank of America's main SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N. This code tells the international banking network that your money is headed to Bank of America, and the receiving branch processes it from there.

SWIFT codes are used only for international transfers — if you're sending money within the United States, you'll use a routing number instead. The SWIFT system is managed by a cooperative organization based in Belgium, and nearly every bank in the world participates. Without SWIFT codes, international payments would require banks to maintain direct relationships with thousands of other institutions.

Key Takeaways

• Bank of America's primary SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N, used for most international wire transfers to the bank.
• SWIFT codes are 8 or 11 characters long and identify both the bank and often a specific branch or location.
• Different Bank of America branches or departments may have different SWIFT codes, so you should confirm the correct code with your recipient or Bank of America directly.
• You need a SWIFT code only for international transfers; domestic U.S. transfers use a routing number instead.
• The receiving bank uses the SWIFT code to route your money through the international banking network to the correct institution.

How SWIFT codes are structured

A SWIFT code breaks down into four parts, each carrying specific information. The first four characters are the bank code — for Bank of America, that's BOFA. The next two characters represent the country code, which is US for the United States. The third pair of characters identifies the location or region, and the final one or three characters (if present) pinpoint a specific branch or department.

Bank of America's standard SWIFT code BOFAUS3N follows this pattern: BOFA (bank), US (country), 3N (location code for New York). If you're sending money to a different Bank of America location or a specialized department, you may need a different code. Some Bank of America branches have their own SWIFT codes, though BOFAUS3N works for most international transfers to the bank's main operations.

When you need to provide a SWIFT code

You'll need a SWIFT code when you're the one sending money internationally and your bank asks for the recipient's bank details. If someone outside the U.S. is sending you money to your Bank of America account, they will ask you for Bank of America's SWIFT code. You provide it to them, and they give it to their bank so the funds route correctly.

The sender's bank uses the SWIFT code to connect with Bank of America through the international banking network. The money then travels through one or more intermediary banks (called correspondent banks) before arriving at Bank of America, which credits your account. The entire process typically takes 3 to 5 business days, though it can be faster or slower depending on the banks and countries involved.

Bank of America SWIFT codes for different purposes

While BOFAUS3N is the most commonly used SWIFT code for Bank of America, the bank operates multiple codes depending on the type of transaction or the specific division handling the transfer. If you're sending money for a specific purpose — such as a loan payment, investment account, or business transfer — Bank of America may provide you with a different code. Always confirm the correct code with the person or organization receiving your funds before you initiate a transfer.

Bank of America also maintains SWIFT codes for its various international branches and subsidiaries. If you're sending money to Bank of America's operations in another country, you would use that country's SWIFT code, not the U.S. code. The bank's customer service team can provide the exact code you need based on where the funds are going and what type of account will receive them.

How to find the right SWIFT code

The safest way to get a SWIFT code is to ask the person or organization that will receive your money. They know which account the funds are going to and can tell you the exact code their bank uses. If you're sending money to Bank of America, you can call Bank of America's customer service line or visit a branch and ask for the SWIFT code for the specific account or purpose you have in mind.

You can also search for SWIFT codes online using the bank's official website or a SWIFT code directory, but always verify the code with your recipient or Bank of America before sending money. Using an incorrect SWIFT code can cause your transfer to be delayed or sent to the wrong bank, and recovering misdirected funds can take weeks or months. When in doubt, make a phone call — it takes five minutes and prevents costly mistakes.

SWIFT codes versus routing numbers

A routing number is used for transfers within the United States, while a SWIFT code is used for international transfers. Bank of America's routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the bank and the specific branch within the U.S. banking system. If you're sending money to someone in another country, you use their bank's SWIFT code. If you're sending money to another U.S. bank, you use that bank's routing number.

Some international transfers may require both a SWIFT code and a routing number, depending on the banks involved and the path the money takes through the international network. Your bank will tell you which information you need to provide. The key difference is that routing numbers work only within the U.S. Federal Reserve system, while SWIFT codes connect banks across the entire world.

What happens after you provide a SWIFT code

Once you provide Bank of America's SWIFT code to the sender's bank, that bank enters it into the international payment system. The SWIFT network routes the message to Bank of America, which receives the payment instruction and credits your account. Bank of America may use intermediary banks to complete the transfer, especially if the sending country has restrictions on direct transfers or if the banks don't have a direct relationship.

You'll typically see the funds in your Bank of America account within 3 to 5 business days, though some transfers take longer depending on time zones, holidays, and the number of intermediary banks involved. Bank of America will notify you when the transfer arrives, usually through your online banking portal or by email. If the transfer doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe, contact Bank of America with the sender's bank details and the transfer reference number to track down the payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BOFAUS3N the SWIFT code for all Bank of America accounts?

BOFAUS3N is the primary SWIFT code for Bank of America and works for most international transfers to the bank. However, some specialized accounts or departments may have different codes. Always confirm with the person or organization receiving your funds to make sure you're using the correct code for their specific account.

What if I use the wrong SWIFT code?

If you use an incorrect SWIFT code, your transfer may be delayed, rejected, or sent to the wrong bank. The sending bank should catch obvious errors, but if the code belongs to a real bank, the money could end up in the wrong account. Contact your bank when ready if this happens — they can attempt to recover the funds, but the process can take several weeks.

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

Yes. The person sending you money will need Bank of America's SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N in most cases) to route the transfer to your account. You should provide this code to anyone sending you international funds. You may also need to provide your Bank of America account number and your full name so the sender's bank can match the payment to your account.

Can I look up a SWIFT code online?

Yes, SWIFT code directories exist online, but always verify the code with your recipient or Bank of America before using it. Using an incorrect code from an unreliable source can cause your transfer to fail or be misdirected. Bank of America's official website and customer service team are the most reliable sources.

How long does an international transfer take with a SWIFT code?

Most international transfers using SWIFT codes take 3 to 5 business days to complete. The timeline depends on the sending bank, the receiving bank, any intermediary banks involved, time zone differences, and whether the transfer occurs on a business day or holiday. Some transfers arrive faster, and some take longer — your bank can provide a more specific estimate based on the destination country.