If you are sending or receiving an international wire transfer with Bank of America, the first thing to know is that Bank of America does not use IBANs. The U.S. banking system relies on SWIFT/BIC codes plus account numbers for international payments. This guide explains why Bank of America has no IBAN, which SWIFT codes to use, and exactly what information a sender needs.
Quick Answer: Does Bank of America Use IBAN or SWIFT?
Bank of America does not use IBANs. For international wire transfers, use Bank of America's SWIFT/BIC code together with your full account number.
- BOFAUS3N: incoming international wire in U.S. dollars
- BOFAUS6S: incoming international wire in foreign currency
You do not need to provide an IBAN when sending money to a Bank of America account from a country that uses IBANs.
What Is an IBAN?
An IBAN, or International Bank Account Number, is a standardized account identifier used mainly in Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Africa and the Caribbean. It can be up to 34 characters long and typically starts with a two-letter country code, two check digits, and then a national bank and account number.
The purpose of an IBAN is to help banks in participating countries process cross-border payments without manual errors. It identifies both the bank and the specific account in one code.
The United States does not use the IBAN system. U.S. banks use ABA routing numbers for domestic payments and SWIFT/BIC codes for international payments.
Does Bank of America Have an IBAN?
No. Bank of America does not use IBANs because the U.S. banking system has not adopted the IBAN standard. If someone asks for your Bank of America IBAN, you should tell them that Bank of America accounts do not have IBANs.
Instead, the sender needs your Bank of America account number and the correct SWIFT/BIC code.
Bank of America SWIFT/BIC Codes
A SWIFT/BIC code identifies the bank in an international payment. Bank of America's main SWIFT/BIC code is BOFAUS3N, used for incoming international wires in U.S. dollars. For wires sent in foreign currencies, Bank of America lists BOFAUS6S as the relevant code.
| Purpose | Bank of America SWIFT/BIC Code |
|---|---|
| Incoming international wire in U.S. dollars | BOFAUS3N |
| Incoming international wire in foreign currency | BOFAUS6S |
Codes are usually written in capitals, but they are not case-sensitive. If you are unsure which code applies to your transaction, confirm with the person sending the money and with Bank of America before the transfer is submitted.
Example: Sending Money from Europe to a Bank of America Account
A friend in Germany wants to send you EUR 500. Because the receiving account is in the United States, this is not a SEPA payment. The sender should send an international wire using Bank of America's SWIFT/BIC code for foreign currency (BOFAUS6S), your full name, your complete Bank of America account number, and the bank address provided by Bank of America. If the sender's bank still asks for an IBAN, there is none; the U.S. account number plus SWIFT code is the information needed.
What Information Do You Need for a Bank of America International Wire?
To receive money from outside the U.S., provide the sender with the following information:
- Beneficiary name: the name exactly as registered on the Bank of America account
- Bank of America account number: your full account number
- SWIFT/BIC code: BOFAUS3N for USD, BOFAUS6S for foreign currency
- Bank of America address: the address Bank of America provides for wire instructions; many banks ask for the recipient bank's address
- Beneficiary address: your own address on file with Bank of America
If the wire is in U.S. dollars, some sending banks may also ask for Bank of America's wire ABA routing number. Bank of America's domestic wire routing number is often 026009593, but confirm the current number in your Bank of America wire instructions or with the bank.
To avoid mistakes, use the official wire instructions from your Bank of America online account or customer service rather than copying codes from a forum or an old statement.
IBAN vs SWIFT vs ABA Routing Number
These three identifiers are frequently confused because they all help route money. Here is how they differ:
- IBAN: identifies an account in countries that use the IBAN system. It is not used for Bank of America accounts.
- SWIFT/BIC: identifies the bank for international payments. It can be 8 or 11 characters.
- ABA routing number: identifies a U.S. bank for domestic U.S. transfers.
If you receive an international wire from a country that uses IBAN, you do not need to create or provide an IBAN. Your Bank of America account number and the bank's SWIFT code serve that purpose.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Looking for an IBAN on your Bank of America account. You will not find one, and you do not need one.
- Using the wrong SWIFT code. Use BOFAUS3N for USD wires and BOFAUS6S for foreign-currency wires, unless Bank of America instructs otherwise.
- Using a routing number instead of a SWIFT code. A U.S. ABA routing number is not a substitute for a SWIFT/BIC in international payments.
- Providing inconsistent name or address details. If the sender's payment does not match the account holder's details, the wire may be delayed or returned.
- Assuming your branch has a separate SWIFT code. Bank of America generally uses a central SWIFT/BIC code for consumer international wires; always confirm the code with official instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bank of America have an IBAN?
No. Bank of America does not issue IBANs because the U.S. does not use the IBAN system.
What is Bank of America's SWIFT code?
Bank of America's main SWIFT/BIC code is BOFAUS3N for U.S. dollar wires and BOFAUS6S for foreign-currency wires. Confirm the exact code before sending or sharing wire instructions.
Can I use my Bank of America routing number for an international wire?
Not instead of a SWIFT code. Routing numbers are used for domestic U.S. transfers; international wires generally require Bank of America's SWIFT/BIC code. Some U.S.-dollar international wires may also ask for the wire ABA number, but the SWIFT code remains the key identifier for cross-border payments.
Do I need an IBAN to send money from Europe to Bank of America?
No. A European sender's bank may ask for an IBAN for SEPA payments, but payments to a U.S. bank are not SEPA payments. The sender should use an international wire with Bank of America's SWIFT code and your full account number.
How long does an international wire take?
International wire transfers usually take 1 to 5 business days, depending on the sending bank, receiving bank, currency, and intermediary banks. The exact time can vary.
Bottom Line
Bank of America does not use IBANs. To receive international payments, give the sender your Bank of America account number, the correct SWIFT/BIC code (BOFAUS3N for USD or BOFAUS6S for foreign currency), and the bank details Bank of America has provided for wire transfers. Double-check every detail before the sender submits the payment.
About the Author
Craig Green is a financial journalist. With over two years of experience covering Asian stock markets and foreign exchange, he is now passionate about cryptocurrencies and holds Bitcoin and Ethereum. Previously,
