Bank of America's SWIFT Code and How to Use It for International Transfers

Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N

Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N. You use this code when you send or receive money internationally and need to identify Bank of America to the sending bank. The code tells the sending institution which bank will receive the funds and routes the transfer through the global banking network.

SWIFT stands for Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication. It is a standardized system that banks worldwide use to communicate payment instructions. Every bank that participates in international transfers has a unique SWIFT code, similar to how your bank account has a routing number for domestic transfers.

Bank of America uses the same SWIFT code — BOFAUS3N — for all its U.S. locations. You do not need a different code based on which branch you use or which state your account is in. The code works the same whether you are receiving a wire transfer from abroad or sending money out of the country.

Key Takeaways

• Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N, and it is the same for all U.S. branches and account types.
• You provide this code to the sending bank when you are receiving an international transfer into a Bank of America account.
• The sending bank uses the SWIFT code to route your money through the global banking system to the correct institution.
• You may also need your account number, routing number, and full name for the transfer, depending on the sending bank's requirements.

When you need to provide Bank of America's SWIFT code

You provide Bank of America's SWIFT code when someone outside the United States sends you money and asks for your banking details. The sender's bank requires this information to process the international wire transfer. Without it, the sending bank cannot identify which U.S. bank should receive the funds.

Common situations where you would share this code include receiving a wire transfer from a family member abroad, getting paid by an international employer or client, or receiving funds from a business partner in another country. The sender's bank will ask for the code as part of their standard international transfer process.

You do not need to provide the SWIFT code for domestic transfers within the United States. For those, you only need your routing number and account number. The SWIFT code is specifically for transfers that cross international borders.

What information to give along with the SWIFT code

The sending bank will typically ask for several pieces of information beyond just the SWIFT code. You should have ready your full name as it appears on your Bank of America account, your account number, and your Bank of America routing number (which is 026009593 for most U.S. accounts, though some accounts may have a different routing number depending on where they were opened).

Some sending banks also ask for your address or the address of the Bank of America branch where you opened your account. The exact information required varies by the sending bank's policies and the country the transfer is coming from. When someone tells you they are sending you an international transfer, ask them what information their bank requires so you can provide it all at once.

Double-check that you have given the correct account number and spelling of your name. International transfers can take several days to process, and errors in these details can cause delays or send the money to the wrong account.

How the SWIFT code works in the transfer process

When someone sends you an international wire transfer, their bank uses the SWIFT code to identify Bank of America in the global banking network. The sending bank enters BOFAUS3N into their system, which connects them to Bank of America through a series of intermediary banks and financial networks. This routing ensures your money reaches the correct institution.

The SWIFT code tells the sending bank that the funds are going to Bank of America in the United States, not to a Bank of America branch in another country or to a different bank with a similar name. Once the transfer reaches Bank of America, your account number tells the bank which specific account to deposit the money into.

The entire process typically takes three to five business days, though it can be faster or slower depending on the sending bank, the receiving bank, and any intermediary banks involved. Bank of America will deposit the funds into your account once the transfer arrives and clears.

Difference between SWIFT code and routing number

Bank of America's SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N) and routing number (026009593) serve similar purposes but are used in different situations. The routing number is for domestic transfers within the United States, while the SWIFT code is for international transfers. You cannot use one in place of the other.

The routing number identifies Bank of America within the U.S. banking system and is used for ACH transfers, wire transfers between U.S. banks, and checks. The SWIFT code identifies Bank of America within the global banking system and is used only for international transfers. Both are nine-digit codes, but they are formatted differently and carry different information.

If you are receiving money from outside the United States, provide the SWIFT code. If you are receiving money from another U.S. bank, provide the routing number. The sending bank will tell you which one they need.

Finding Bank of America's SWIFT code if you need it again

You can find Bank of America's SWIFT code on the bank's official website, in your account statements, or by calling Bank of America directly. The code is public information and does not change, so you can write it down or save it for future reference.

If you are unsure whether you have the correct code, call Bank of America's customer service line or visit a local branch. Bank of America staff can confirm the code and answer questions about what other information the sending bank will need. Having the correct code from the start prevents delays in receiving your transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a different SWIFT code for different types of Bank of America accounts?

No. Bank of America uses BOFAUS3N for all account types — checking, savings, money market, and others. The SWIFT code does not change based on your account type or which branch you use. Your account number is what directs the money to your specific account once it arrives at Bank of America.

What if the sending bank asks for a SWIFT code and I have a Bank of America account outside the U.S.?

Bank of America operates in multiple countries, and each location has its own SWIFT code. BOFAUS3N is only for U.S. accounts. If your account is in another country, contact Bank of America in that country to get the correct SWIFT code for your location.

Can I use Bank of America's SWIFT code to send money internationally?

You do not provide Bank of America's SWIFT code when you are sending money out. Instead, you provide the SWIFT code of the bank where the recipient's account is located. Bank of America will ask you for the recipient's bank's SWIFT code, not its own.

How long does an international transfer take once Bank of America receives it?

Once the transfer arrives at Bank of America, it typically deposits into your account within one business day. The total time from when the sending bank initiates the transfer to when you see the money in your account is usually three to five business days, depending on the sending bank and any intermediary banks involved.

What happens if I give the wrong SWIFT code?

If the sending bank enters an incorrect SWIFT code, the transfer may be rejected, delayed, or sent to the wrong bank. This is why it is important to double-check the code before the sender initiates the transfer. If a transfer goes to the wrong place, contact Bank of America and the sending bank when ready to trace and recover the funds.