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

Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N, used when you send money internationally to a Bank of America account

When you wire money from outside the United States to a Bank of America account, you need a SWIFT code — a standardized identifier that tells the sending bank which institution will receive the funds. Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N. This code works for most Bank of America locations and wire transfers coming from abroad.

SWIFT stands for Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication. It is not the same as a routing number (which you use for domestic transfers) or an account number (which identifies your specific account). The SWIFT code identifies the bank itself on the international payment network.

You will need this code when someone outside the United States is sending you money, or when you are sending money to a Bank of America account from another country. The sending bank's system uses the SWIFT code to route the transfer through the correct international channels to Bank of America.

Key Takeaways

Bank of America's primary SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N and works for international wire transfers to most Bank of America accounts.
SWIFT codes are required for incoming international wires but not for domestic transfers within the United States.
You may also need the receiving account number, the account holder's name, and sometimes a bank address, depending on the sending country's requirements.
Different Bank of America divisions or specific branches may have different SWIFT codes, so confirm with your bank if the transfer fails.

When you need Bank of America's SWIFT code

You need the SWIFT code when money is coming into a Bank of America account from outside the United States. The person or business sending the money will ask you for it as part of the wire transfer details. Without the correct code, the transfer may be delayed or sent to the wrong institution.

You do not need a SWIFT code for transfers between two accounts within the United States, even if both are at Bank of America. Domestic transfers use routing numbers instead. SWIFT codes are only for international payments.

Some countries require additional information beyond the SWIFT code. The sending bank may also ask for the receiving account number, the account holder's full name, and sometimes the bank's address in the United States. Ask the person sending the money what their bank requires before you provide information.

How BOFAUS3N breaks down

The SWIFT code BOFAUS3N has a specific structure. The first four letters, BOFA, identify Bank of America. The next two letters, US, indicate the country (United States). The last two characters, 3N, identify the specific branch or processing center.

Some SWIFT codes end with an X or additional letters that refer to a particular branch location. Bank of America's main code, BOFAUS3N, is the general code used for most international transfers. If a transfer is rejected or delayed, the sending bank may ask whether there is a more specific branch code, but BOFAUS3N handles the majority of incoming international wires.

What to do if an international wire fails or is delayed

If money you expected to receive has not arrived, ask the sending bank to confirm they used BOFAUS3N. Verify that the account number and account holder name they have on file match your Bank of America account exactly. Even a small spelling difference can cause a delay.

Contact Bank of America directly with the wire transfer details — the amount, the sending bank's name, and the date it was sent. Bank of America can trace the transfer and tell you whether it arrived at the bank but has not been posted to your account yet, or whether it is still in transit. International wires typically take three to five business days, though some take longer depending on the sending country and intermediate banks involved.

If the transfer was sent to the wrong bank by mistake, the sending bank may be able to recall it. The sooner you report the problem, the better the chance of recovery. After several days, the money may be returned to the sender's account automatically, but this is not may provide.

Other Bank of America codes you might encounter

Bank of America has multiple SWIFT codes depending on the type of transaction and the specific division handling it. BOFAUS3N is the most common for general international wire transfers. However, you may see other codes listed on Bank of America's website or in transfer instructions for specific services like investment accounts or business banking.

If you are sending money to a Bank of America investment account, a business account, or a specialized service, confirm the correct SWIFT code with Bank of America before initiating the transfer. Using the wrong code will not send the money to the wrong person — it will straightforward delay the transfer while the receiving bank sorts out where it should go.

Information you will need to provide along with the SWIFT code

The SWIFT code alone is not enough to complete an international wire. You will also need to provide the account number of the Bank of America account receiving the funds, and the full name of the account holder exactly as it appears on the account. Some sending banks also ask for the account holder's address.

If the sending bank is in a country that requires additional details, they may ask for the bank's address in the United States. Bank of America's main address can be found on their website, but for wire transfer purposes, providing BOFAUS3N and the account details is usually sufficient. The sending bank will tell you if they need anything else.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BOFAUS3N the same as my Bank of America routing number?

No. Your routing number is a nine-digit code used only for domestic transfers within the United States. BOFAUS3N is the SWIFT code used for international transfers. They serve different purposes and are not interchangeable. You need the routing number for domestic wires and the SWIFT code for international ones.

Can I use BOFAUS3N to send money out of my Bank of America account?

BOFAUS3N is used by people sending money to you at Bank of America from outside the United States. If you are sending money from your Bank of America account to someone abroad, your bank will provide you with the outgoing wire instructions and fees. You do not use BOFAUS3N to send money out.

What if the wire transfer was rejected and the bank says the SWIFT code is wrong?

Confirm with Bank of America that BOFAUS3N is correct for your account type. In rare cases, specialized accounts (such as trust accounts or certain business accounts) may use a different code. Contact Bank of America's wire transfer department directly with the rejected transfer details, and they can tell you the correct code for your specific account.

How long does an international wire take if I provide the correct SWIFT code?

International wires typically take three to five business days once the sending bank initiates the transfer. The time depends on the sending country, any intermediate banks involved, and how quickly each bank processes the payment. Providing the correct SWIFT code does not speed up the process, but using an incorrect code will cause delays while the transfer is rerouted or rejected.

Do I need to tell Bank of America I am expecting an international wire?

You do not need to notify Bank of America in advance for a standard international wire transfer. However, if you are expecting a large transfer, some people contact their bank beforehand to confirm the account is set up to receive international payments. This is optional but can prevent surprises if there are any holds or additional verification steps.

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.