BOA'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 money internationally. Every bank has one — it is a standardized identifier that replaces having to know a bank's full legal name and address.

The code itself breaks into four parts: BOFA (the bank name), US (the country), 3N (the location code for the main U.S. office). When you wire money out of a BOA account to someone abroad, you give your bank this code so they know where to route your payment. When someone abroad sends you money to your BOA account, they use this same code to make sure it lands in the right place.

BOA also maintains additional SWIFT codes for specific branches and services, but BOFAUS3N is the primary code used for most international transfers to and from consumer accounts. If you are wiring from a BOA business account or to a specialized division, your BOA representative may provide a different code — but for standard personal wire transfers, this is the one you need.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America's main SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N, and this is the code to provide when sending or receiving international wire transfers.
  • SWIFT codes are required by the sending bank to route money correctly across international banking networks.
  • You will also need the recipient's IBAN (International Bank Account Number) or account number, depending on the country receiving the wire.
  • BOA may charge a wire fee, and the receiving bank may charge a fee as well — ask BOA for the current fee before you send.
  • International wires typically take three to five business days, though some corridors are faster and others slower.

When You Need BOA's SWIFT Code

You need this code when you are sending money out of your BOA account to a bank account outside the United States. The sending bank (BOA) uses it to tell the international banking network where the money is coming from. You provide it to BOA when you initiate the wire — either online, by phone, or in person at a branch.

You also need it when someone outside the U.S. is sending you money into your BOA account. In this case, you give them the SWIFT code so their bank knows where to send the funds. Many international senders will ask you for your SWIFT code, your account number, and sometimes your full name and address — all of these together may support the money reaches your specific account.

If you are receiving a wire from abroad and the sender asks for routing information, do not give them your nine-digit routing number (that is for domestic U.S. transfers only). Give them the SWIFT code instead, along with your full account number.

How to Initiate a Wire Transfer Using BOA

Log into your BOA online banking account and select "Wire Funds" or "Send Money Internationally" — the exact label depends on whether you are using the classic BOA website or the newer mobile app. You will be asked to enter the recipient's bank details, including their SWIFT code (or their IBAN, which some countries require instead).

BOA will ask you to confirm the recipient's name, the amount, the currency, and the purpose of the transfer. Double-check all of this information before you submit — international wires cannot be reversed once they leave BOA's system. If you make a mistake with the recipient's account number or bank code, the money may be sent to the wrong account or returned after several days.

You can also call BOA's wire transfer line or visit a branch in person. A representative will walk you through the same information and may ask additional questions if the transfer is large or to a country with higher compliance requirements. BOA will deduct the wire fee from your account at the time of transfer.

What Information the Recipient Needs From You

When someone abroad wants to send you money, give them the following details in writing: BOA's SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N), your full account number, your full name as it appears on your account, and your address. Some countries also require your account type (checking or savings) — you can find this on your BOA statements or by logging into your account online.

Do not send this information by text or unsecured email if you can avoid it. Use a phone call, a find messaging app, or a platform the sender already uses for banking. The recipient's bank will use this information to route the wire correctly, and providing it securely protects your account.

If the recipient's bank asks for a "reference number" or "IBAN", tell them you are in the United States and your account uses a different system — they should use your account number and the SWIFT code instead. Some international banks are familiar with U.S. accounts and will know what to do; others may need you to clarify.

Fees and Timing for International Wires

Bank of America charges a fee to send an international wire, and this fee varies depending on whether you are sending to a BOA account abroad or to another bank. As of the most recent update, BOA's outgoing wire fee ranges from $15 to $45 for most countries, but you should confirm the exact amount before you send by checking your account online or calling BOA directly. The fee changes periodically and may differ based on your account type.

The receiving bank may also charge a fee to accept the wire — this is separate from BOA's fee and comes out of the money that arrives. If you are sending $500 and both banks charge $20, the recipient receives $460. Ask the recipient to confirm with their bank what they will charge before you send.

International wires typically take three to five business days to arrive, though some routes are faster. Wires sent on a weekend or holiday are processed on the next business day. If a wire does not arrive within five business days, contact BOA to trace it — provide them with the date you sent it, the amount, the recipient's name, and the recipient's bank details.

BOA SWIFT Code vs. Routing Number

Do not confuse BOA's SWIFT code with its routing number. The routing number (usually 026009593 for most BOA accounts) is used only for domestic U.S. transfers — ACH payments, checks, and wires between U.S. banks. The SWIFT code is used only for international transfers. If you give a foreign bank your routing number, they will not know what to do with it.

Some people ask whether they can use the routing number for an international wire. The answer is no — the international banking system does not recognize U.S. routing numbers. You must use the SWIFT code. If a recipient's bank is asking for a routing number and they are outside the U.S., politely explain that you are in the United States and provide the SWIFT code instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

BOFAUS3N is the primary code for most BOA consumer and business accounts in the United States. BOA maintains additional codes for specific divisions and international branches, but this is the one to use for standard wire transfers. If you have a specialized account (such as a trust or investment account), ask BOA directly whether a different code applies.

What happens if I give the wrong SWIFT code?

If the SWIFT code is incorrect, the sending bank may reject the transfer before it leaves, or the money may be sent to the wrong bank and returned after several days. This is why it is important to copy the code exactly as written — BOFAUS3N, all capitals, no spaces. If you are unsure, call BOA and ask them to confirm the code before the sender initiates the transfer.

Do I need an IBAN as well as a SWIFT code?

It depends on the country. The United States does not use IBANs — we use account numbers instead. If someone is sending you money from Europe or another region that uses IBANs, they will need your SWIFT code and your account number. They do not need an IBAN from you. If they ask, explain that the U.S. system uses account numbers, not IBANs.

Can I wire money to BOA accounts in other countries using this code?

BOFAUS3N is specifically for BOA's U.S. operations. If you are sending money to a BOA account in another country (such as Mexico or the UK), that country's BOA branch has its own SWIFT code. Ask the recipient which country their BOA account is in, and they can provide you with the correct code for that location.

How long does an international wire take to show up in my BOA account?

Most international wires arrive within three to five business days after the sending bank processes them. The exact timing depends on the sending country, the receiving country, and whether any intermediate banks are involved. Wires sent on Friday may not arrive until the following Tuesday or Wednesday. If a wire has not arrived after five business days, contact BOA with the sender's bank details so they can trace it.