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

Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N

When you send money internationally from Bank of America, you need a SWIFT code — a standardized identifier that tells the sending bank which financial institution should receive your money. Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N. This code works for most wire transfers sent to Bank of America accounts in the United States.

The code breaks down as follows: BOFA identifies Bank of America, US shows the country, and 3N is the branch identifier. You will enter this code into your wire transfer form, usually in a field labeled "SWIFT code," "BIC code," or "Bank code." Different banks may use slightly different terminology, but they are asking for the same thing.

If you are sending money to a Bank of America account held by someone else, you will provide this SWIFT code along with the recipient's account number and full name. The receiving bank uses the SWIFT code to route the payment correctly through the international banking network.

Key Takeaways

Bank of America's SWIFT code for most U.S. wire transfers is BOFAUS3N, which you enter on the wire transfer form from your own bank.
SWIFT codes are eight or eleven characters long and identify both the bank and the country where the account is held.
You need the recipient's full name, account number, and the SWIFT code to send an international wire to a Bank of America account.
Some Bank of America branches may have different SWIFT codes for specialized services, so confirm with the recipient's bank if a transfer fails.

When you need a SWIFT code versus other routing information

SWIFT codes are used for international wire transfers — money moving across borders. If you are sending money within the United States, you do not need a SWIFT code. Instead, you use a routing number, which is a nine-digit code specific to the bank branch.

Bank of America's domestic routing number varies by state and branch, so you cannot use a single number for all U.S. transfers. You can find the correct routing number by calling Bank of America directly, checking a statement, or asking the person receiving the money to provide it.

For international transfers, the SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N) is what the sending bank needs. Some countries also require an IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which is a longer code that includes the account number and country information. Bank of America accounts do not use IBANs — that system is used primarily in Europe and some other regions. If you are sending to a Bank of America account from outside the U.S., the SWIFT code is sufficient.

How to provide the SWIFT code when sending a wire

When you initiate a wire transfer through your own bank, you will fill out a form with the recipient's information. The form will have a field for the SWIFT code, though the label may vary. Common labels include "SWIFT code," "BIC code," "Bank code," or "International bank code." Enter BOFAUS3N in whichever field your bank provides.

You will also need to provide the recipient's full legal name exactly as it appears on their Bank of America account, their account number, and the amount you are sending. Some banks ask for the recipient's address as well. Double-check all details before submitting — wire transfers are difficult to reverse once sent.

If you are sending the wire through Bank of America itself (because you hold an account there), you can do this online, by phone, or in person at a branch. Bank of America staff can confirm the SWIFT code and help you complete the form correctly.

What happens if you use the wrong SWIFT code

If you enter an incorrect SWIFT code, the sending bank may reject the transfer before it leaves, or the money may be routed to the wrong financial institution. In either case, the transfer will not reach the intended recipient's Bank of America account.

If the money is rejected, it typically returns to your account within a few business days, though some banks charge a fee for the failed transfer. If the money reaches a different bank by mistake, recovering it is more complicated and may require the sending bank to contact the receiving bank to trace and reverse the transaction. This process can take weeks.

To avoid this, always confirm the SWIFT code with the recipient before sending. Ask them to provide it from their Bank of America account information or statement, or have them contact their bank directly. Using BOFAUS3N is correct for standard Bank of America accounts, but it is worth verifying if the transfer is large or time-sensitive.

SWIFT codes for Bank of America branches outside the U.S.

Bank of America operates in some countries outside the United States, and those branches may have different SWIFT codes. If you are sending money to a Bank of America account in a country other than the U.S., the SWIFT code will not be BOFAUS3N.

For example, Bank of America has operations in some Latin American countries and the Caribbean. Each location has its own SWIFT code that reflects the country code. If you are unsure which country the account is in, ask the recipient to confirm their bank's location and provide the correct SWIFT code from their account documents.

You can also search for Bank of America SWIFT codes by country on the SWIFT directory website (swift.com), though you will need to know the specific branch location. When in doubt, contact Bank of America directly or ask the recipient to provide the code from their account information.

Fees and timing for international wire transfers

Sending an international wire to a Bank of America account costs money. Your bank (the sending bank) charges an outgoing wire fee, which typically ranges from $15 to $50 depending on the bank and whether you are a customer. Bank of America, as the receiving bank, may also charge an incoming wire fee to the recipient, though many banks do not charge for incoming wires.

The transfer itself usually takes one to three business days, depending on the time of day you send it and the banking systems in the countries involved. Wires sent after business hours or on weekends may not process until the next business day. The receiving bank may take an additional day to credit the money to the recipient's account.

Exchange rates also affect the final amount received if you are converting currency. Your bank will show you the rate they are using before you confirm the transfer. Bank of America and other large banks often charge a markup on the exchange rate, so the recipient may receive slightly less than the official rate would suggest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BOFAUS3N the only SWIFT code Bank of America uses?

BOFAUS3N is the standard SWIFT code for Bank of America accounts in the United States. Some specialized services or branches may use different codes, but this is the code you should use for most transfers. If a transfer fails, contact Bank of America to confirm whether a different code applies to the specific account.

Do I need both a SWIFT code and an account number?

Yes. The SWIFT code tells the international banking system which bank to send the money to, and the account number tells that bank which specific account within the bank should receive it. You must provide both, along with the recipient's full name, for the transfer to reach the correct person.

Can I look up a SWIFT code if I do not know it?

You can search the SWIFT directory at swift.com, but you will need to know the bank name and country. For Bank of America, the easiest approach is to ask the recipient to provide the code from their account statement or online banking portal, or to call Bank of America directly at their customer service number.

What if the recipient's bank is not Bank of America but they have an account there too?

If the recipient holds accounts at multiple banks, you must use the SWIFT code for the specific bank where you are sending the money. Confirm with the recipient which account you are sending to and use that bank's SWIFT code, not Bank of America's, unless the account is actually at Bank of America.

Do I need a SWIFT code to send money within the U.S.?

No. Domestic wire transfers within the United States use routing numbers, not SWIFT codes. SWIFT codes are only for international transfers. If you are sending money to a U.S. Bank of America account from another U.S. bank, ask for the routing number instead.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.