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

Bank of America's SWIFT Code and What It Does

Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N. This code identifies Bank of America to banks outside the United States when you send or receive an international wire transfer. SWIFT stands for the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication — it is the messaging system that banks use to move money across borders safely and confirm the transfer is going to the right institution.

You need this code when you are sending money from your Bank of America account to someone with a bank account outside the US, or when someone outside the US is sending you money and needs to know where to direct it. The code tells the sending bank's system: "Route this to Bank of America in the United States." Without it, the transfer may be delayed or rejected.

The SWIFT code BOFAUS3N works for Bank of America's main US operations. Some Bank of America branches or subsidiaries may have different codes, but this is the one you will use for the vast majority of international transfers.

Key Takeaways

• Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N, and you need it when sending money internationally from your Bank of America account or when receiving a wire from abroad.
• The SWIFT code identifies the bank to the international payment system, but you will also need the recipient's account number, routing number, and full name to complete a wire.
• Bank of America charges a fee for outgoing international wire transfers, which varies depending on the destination country and the amount being sent.
• International wires typically take three to five business days to arrive, though some countries process faster or slower depending on their banking infrastructure.

When You Need the SWIFT Code Versus Other Numbers

The SWIFT code is only one piece of information required for an international wire. You also need the recipient's IBAN (International Bank Account Number) if the recipient is in Europe, or their account number and the bank's routing number if they are in another country. The SWIFT code tells the international system which bank to contact; the IBAN or account number tells that bank which account within the bank should receive the money.

For domestic US wire transfers — sending money to another US bank account — you do not need the SWIFT code at all. You use only the recipient's routing number and account number. The SWIFT code is specifically for crossing international borders.

If you are receiving a wire from outside the US, the sender will need your Bank of America account number, your bank's routing number (which is 026009593 for most Bank of America accounts), and the SWIFT code BOFAUS3N. Some senders may also ask for your IBAN, though the US does not use IBANs the way European banks do.

How to Provide Your Bank of America SWIFT Code to a Sender

If someone outside the US is sending you money and asks for your bank's SWIFT code, give them BOFAUS3N. You can find this code on Bank of America's website, in your account statements, or by calling Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000.

When you provide the code, also give the sender your full account number and your full name as it appears on your Bank of America account. The sender will need all three pieces of information to route the wire correctly. If any detail is wrong — especially the account number or your name — the wire may go to the wrong account or be rejected.

Ask the sender to confirm they have the correct information before they initiate the transfer. Once a wire is sent, it is difficult to stop or redirect, even if the information was wrong.

Sending Money Internationally From Bank of America

To send an international wire from your Bank of America account, you will log into your online banking portal, call a Bank of America representative, or visit a branch in person. You will need to provide the recipient's name, their bank's SWIFT code (not Bank of America's), their account number or IBAN, and the amount you want to send.

Bank of America charges an outgoing wire fee, which typically ranges from $15 to $45 depending on the destination country and whether the wire is standard or expedited. Some countries have higher fees because they require additional processing steps or documentation. Ask Bank of America for the exact fee before you confirm the transfer.

The recipient will also see a fee deducted from the amount they receive — this is called the receiving bank's fee, and Bank of America cannot control it. The total cost to the recipient depends on their bank's policies. If you are sending a specific amount and want the recipient to receive that exact amount, you may need to add extra money to cover both sets of fees.

How Long International Wires Take

An international wire from Bank of America usually takes three to five business days to arrive in the recipient's account. The timeline depends on the destination country, the recipient's bank, and whether there are any intermediate banks involved in the transfer.

Some countries have faster banking systems and process wires in one or two business days. Others — particularly in parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East — may take a week or longer. Bank of America cannot speed up a wire once it has been sent; the timeline is determined by the receiving country's banking infrastructure.

Weekends and holidays do not count as business days. If you send a wire on Friday afternoon, the clock does not start until Monday morning. If the recipient's country is observing a holiday, the wire may be delayed further.

Common Mistakes When Using the SWIFT Code

The most common error is confusing Bank of America's SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N) with the recipient's bank's SWIFT code. When you are sending money out of Bank of America, you do not use BOFAUS3N in the wire instructions — you use the SWIFT code of the bank where the recipient has their account. Bank of America's code is only used when someone is sending money to you.

Another mistake is providing an incomplete or incorrect account number. International wires are very sensitive to typos. A single digit wrong in the account number can send the money to the wrong account, and recovering it is slow and uncertain. Double-check the account number with the recipient before you send anything.

Some people also assume that providing the SWIFT code alone is enough. It is not. The SWIFT code identifies the bank, but the account number or IBAN identifies the specific account within that bank. Without both, the wire cannot be completed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

BOFAUS3N is the main SWIFT code for Bank of America's US operations and covers the vast majority of accounts. Some Bank of America subsidiaries or specialized divisions may have different codes, but if you have a standard Bank of America checking or savings account, BOFAUS3N is correct.

Can I find the SWIFT code on my Bank of America debit card or statement?

The SWIFT code does not appear on your debit card. It may appear on some statements or account documents, but the easiest way to confirm it is to log into your online banking portal, call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000, or visit a branch. Bank of America's website also lists the code in their international wire transfer section.

What happens if I give someone the wrong SWIFT code?

If the SWIFT code is wrong, the sending bank's system will likely reject the wire or route it to the wrong bank. The sender will be notified that the transfer failed, and the money will be returned to their account — usually within a few days. Always confirm the code with the recipient's bank before sending.

Do I need the SWIFT code to receive a domestic wire from another US bank?

No. For domestic US wires, you only need your Bank of America routing number (026009593 for most accounts) and your account number. The SWIFT code is only for international transfers.

Can Bank of America speed up an international wire if I pay extra?

Bank of America offers expedited wire options in some cases, but the speed depends on the destination country's banking system, not just Bank of America's processing. Some countries do not have expedited options available. Ask Bank of America whether expedited service is available to your recipient's country and what the additional cost would be.