Bank of America's SWIFT Code

Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N. This is the code you give to someone outside the United States who wants to send you money, or the code you use when you send money to a Bank of America account held by someone abroad. SWIFT codes are how international banks identify each other — they work like a postal address for your bank.

The code breaks down this way: BOFA is Bank of America, US means United States, and 3N identifies the specific routing location. Different Bank of America branches may have different SWIFT codes depending on which division handles the transfer, so if you are sending to a specific department or location, you may need to ask your bank for the exact code.

You will also need the recipient's full name, account number, and the bank's mailing address when you send an international wire. The SWIFT code alone is not enough — banks need all of this information to route the money correctly.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America's primary SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N, used for most international wire transfers to or from a Bank of America account.
  • You need the SWIFT code, recipient's full name, account number, and the bank's address to send or receive an international wire.
  • Some Bank of America divisions or locations may have different SWIFT codes, so confirm the exact code with your bank if you are unsure.
  • International wires typically take three to five business days and may include fees from both your bank and the receiving bank.
  • You can initiate a wire through Bank of America's website, mobile app, or by visiting a branch in person.

When You Need Bank of America's SWIFT Code

You need this code when someone outside the United States is sending you money to your Bank of America account. They will ask you for it — it is a standard piece of information that any international bank requires. You also need it when you are sending money from your Bank of America account to someone with an account at a bank outside the United States.

If you are receiving a wire from abroad, give the sender your SWIFT code along with your account number and full name exactly as it appears on your account. Banks are strict about matching names — if the name on the wire does not match your account name, the transfer may be delayed or rejected.

How to Send an International Wire From Bank of America

Log into your Bank of America account online or through the mobile app and look for the wire transfer option, usually under "Transfers" or "Send Money." You will enter the recipient's bank information, including their SWIFT code, their full name, their account number, and their bank's address. Bank of America will ask you to confirm all of this information before processing.

You can also visit a Bank of America branch in person to send a wire. Bring the recipient's information with you, and a banker will help you complete the form. In-person wires sometimes process faster than online ones, though both typically take three to five business days.

Bank of America charges a fee for outgoing international wires — the amount varies depending on whether the wire goes to a Bank of America account abroad or to another bank. The receiving bank may also charge a fee on their end. Ask Bank of America what the total cost will be before you confirm the transfer.

How to Receive an International Wire at Bank of America

Give the sender your SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N), your full account number, your full name as it appears on your account, and Bank of America's mailing address. The sender's bank will use this information to route the money to you. You do not need to do anything on your end except wait — the wire will arrive in your account once the sending bank processes it.

International wires can take anywhere from one to five business days, depending on the sending country and the sending bank's processing speed. Some countries have faster systems than others. Once the money arrives, Bank of America will notify you, usually by email or through your online account.

Bank of America does not charge you a fee to receive an international wire, but the sending bank may deduct a fee from the amount before it reaches you. If the sender is concerned about fees, they should ask their bank how much will be deducted.

SWIFT Code vs. Other Bank Identifiers

A SWIFT code is different from a routing number. A routing number is a nine-digit code used for domestic transfers within the United States — you use it when you set up direct deposit or send money between U.S. banks. A SWIFT code is used only for international transfers. Bank of America has one primary SWIFT code but many different routing numbers depending on which state or service you use.

Some countries also use an IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which is a longer code that includes the country, bank, and account information all in one. The United States does not use IBANs — we use SWIFT codes and routing numbers instead. If you are sending money to Europe or the Middle East, the recipient may ask for an IBAN instead of a SWIFT code.

What to Do If Your Wire Does Not Arrive

If you sent a wire and it has been more than five business days, contact Bank of America and give them the date you sent it, the amount, and the recipient's name and bank. Bank of America can trace the wire through the international banking system and tell you where it is. If the wire was rejected because of incorrect information, Bank of America can help you resend it.

If you are receiving a wire and it does not show up after five business days, ask the sender to check with their bank. The sending bank may have entered your information incorrectly, or the wire may have been rejected. Once you know the wire was actually sent, contact Bank of America with the sender's bank name and the date the wire was sent — they can search for it in their system.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

BOFAUS3N is the primary code for most Bank of America accounts and transfers. Some specific divisions or international locations may have different codes. If you are unsure, contact Bank of America directly or ask the person sending you money to confirm the code with their bank.

How much does it cost to send an international wire from Bank of America?

Bank of America charges a fee for outgoing international wires, but the amount varies. The fee is typically between $15 and $50 depending on whether the wire goes to another Bank of America account or to a different bank. Ask Bank of America for the exact fee before you send the wire.

Can I send an international wire on a weekend?

You can initiate a wire online or through the app on a weekend, but it will not process until the next business day. If you send it in person at a branch on a weekend when the branch is closed, it will process on Monday. International wires typically take three to five business days after they are sent.

What happens if I give the sender the wrong SWIFT code?

If the SWIFT code is wrong, the wire may be rejected by the receiving bank, or it may be sent to the wrong bank entirely. The money will either be returned to the sender or held by the receiving bank. Contact Bank of America when ready if you think you gave out an incorrect code.

Do I need a SWIFT code to receive money from someone in Canada?

Yes, you still need to provide your SWIFT code for transfers from Canada, even though Canada is close to the United States. International transfers between any two countries use SWIFT codes. You can also provide your routing number, and many Canadian banks accept that as an alternative.