How to Find Bank of America's SWIFT Code for International Transfers

Bank of America's SWIFT Code

Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N. This is the code you give to someone sending you money from outside the United States, or that you provide when you send money internationally to a Bank of America account.

SWIFT stands for Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication. It is a standardized system that banks worldwide use to identify each other during international wire transfers. The code itself is eight or eleven characters long — Bank of America's eight-character version (BOFAUS3N) works for most transfers, though some banks or transfer services may ask for the full eleven-character version.

The full eleven-character SWIFT code for Bank of America is BOFAUS3NXXX. The "XXX" at the end is a default branch designator that some systems require. Either version will route your transfer correctly.

Key Takeaways

• Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N (eight characters) or BOFAUS3NXXX (eleven characters) — both work for international transfers.
• You need a SWIFT code when receiving money from abroad or sending money internationally to a Bank of America account.
• The SWIFT code identifies Bank of America to foreign banks; your account number identifies which account at Bank of America receives the funds.
• Bank of America does not charge a fee for receiving international wire transfers, though the sending bank may charge on their end.
• International transfers typically take three to five business days to arrive, depending on the sending country and intermediate banks involved.

When You Need a SWIFT Code

You need a SWIFT code in two situations. First, when someone outside the United States wants to send you money to your Bank of America account — they will ask you for it. Second, when you are sending money from your Bank of America account to someone with a bank account outside the United States.

If you are receiving a transfer, you will also need to provide your account number and routing number. The SWIFT code tells the foreign bank which U.S. bank to send the money to; your account number tells Bank of America which account within the bank should receive it. Without the account number, the SWIFT code alone is not enough.

For outgoing transfers, Bank of America's online banking platform and phone banking service both ask you to enter the recipient's SWIFT code along with their account number and bank details. If you are unsure whether you need an international transfer, your Bank of America representative can confirm based on where the recipient's bank is located.

How SWIFT Codes Are Structured

A SWIFT code breaks down into four parts, each with a specific meaning. Bank of America's code BOFAUS3N works like this: "BOFA" identifies the bank (Bank of America), "US" identifies the country (United States), "3N" identifies the location or branch code, and the eleventh and twelfth characters (if included as "XX") are a branch designator.

The eight-character version is sufficient for most international transfers because it routes to Bank of America's main processing center. The eleven-character version with "XXX" added is the formal, complete code that some international banks or transfer services prefer. Neither is more correct than the other — they both work, and the receiving bank's system will recognize either one.

Other U.S. banks have different SWIFT codes. For example, JPMorgan Chase's is CHASUS33, and Wells Fargo's is WFBIUS6S. If you are sending money to a different bank, you will need that bank's SWIFT code instead.

Providing Your SWIFT Code to Others

When someone asks you for your SWIFT code so they can send you money, give them BOFAUS3N or BOFAUS3NXXX — both are correct. You do not need to look up a different code based on which Bank of America branch you use or which state your account is in. The code is the same for all Bank of America accounts in the United States.

Along with the SWIFT code, the sender will need your full name as it appears on your account, your account number, and sometimes your routing number (which is 026009593 for Bank of America). Some countries or banks require additional information like your address. Ask the sender what their bank requires before you provide your details.

If you are unsure whether the person has all the information they need, contact Bank of America directly. You can call their customer service line, visit a branch, or use the messaging feature in your online banking account. They can confirm what details the sender needs and verify that the information you are providing is correct.

Sending Money Internationally From Bank of America

To send an international wire transfer from Bank of America, you will need the recipient's SWIFT code, their account number, their full name, and their bank's name and address. You can initiate the transfer through Bank of America's online banking platform, by calling their international wire transfer line, or by visiting a branch in person.

Bank of America charges a fee for outgoing international wire transfers — the amount varies depending on whether you are sending to a country within the SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) zone or elsewhere. Check your account agreement or call Bank of America to confirm the current fee for the country you are sending to.

The transfer typically takes three to five business days to arrive, though some countries or banks may take longer. Bank of America will provide you with a confirmation number and tracking information. You can use this to follow up if the recipient says they have not received the funds within the expected timeframe.

Receiving International Transfers at Bank of America

When you receive an international wire transfer, Bank of America does not charge you a fee. The sending bank may charge the sender, and intermediate banks in the transfer chain may deduct fees from the amount sent, but Bank of America does not take a cut from incoming transfers.

The transfer will appear in your account as a credit, usually within three to five business days of being sent. The deposit will show the sender's name and bank information so you can verify it came from the person you expected. If you do not recognize the transfer or it does not match what you were expecting, contact Bank of America when ready.

If a transfer arrives with less money than was sent, it is because intermediate banks deducted fees. This is common in international transfers. If you need the full amount, you may need to ask the sender to send additional funds to cover the fees, or to use a different transfer method that does not involve intermediate banks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bank of America's SWIFT code different for each branch?

No. BOFAUS3N is the same for all Bank of America accounts in the United States, regardless of which branch you use or which state your account is in. You do not need to look up a branch-specific code.

What is the difference between a SWIFT code and a routing number?

A routing number identifies a specific bank or branch within the United States and is used for domestic transfers. A SWIFT code identifies a bank internationally and is used for transfers from outside the U.S. Bank of America's routing number is 026009593; its SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N. You need the routing number for domestic transfers and the SWIFT code for international ones.

Can I use BOFAUS3NXXX instead of BOFAUS3N?

Yes. Both codes work for international transfers to Bank of America. Some banks or transfer services prefer the eleven-character version with "XXX" at the end, while others accept the eight-character version. Either one will route your transfer correctly.

How long does an international transfer take?

Most international wire transfers to Bank of America arrive within three to five business days. The exact timing depends on the sending country, the banks involved, and whether intermediate banks are in the transfer chain. Bank of America will provide a confirmation number you can use to track the transfer if it takes longer than expected.

What information do I need to give someone sending me money internationally?

You need to provide your SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N), your account number, your full name as it appears on your account, and Bank of America's name and address. Some countries or banks may ask for your routing number or your address as well. Ask the sender what their bank requires before you provide your details.