Bank of America, N.a SWIFT/BIC code

Bank of America, N.a SWIFT code: BOFAUSV1

The short code BOFAUSV1 and the 11-character code BOFAUSV1XXX refer to one and the same institution: Bank of America, N.a in Charlotte,nc, United States. A SWIFT code shows the sending bank exactly which bank is meant to get the money, much like a postcode for banks. It comes up mostly for transfers between countries.

On this page we explain what the code is put together, when you need it and what else you need for a transfer to or from Bank of America, N.a. A SWIFT code identifies an institution, not a single account.

Verifying the SWIFT code of Bank of America, N.a

Have the recipient copy the bank details directly from their banking app. If the code you have does not match BOFAUSV1 or BOFAUSV1XXX, stop and ask – contact the recipient or Bank of America, N.a.

Errors in the SWIFT code are costly more than fatal – usually the money comes back, minus fees and time lost. An error in the account number can be more serious, because the money may be credited to someone else.

A validity check by your bank merely confirms that the IBAN exists. If your bank offers it, a payee name check on the recipient adds an extra layer of safety. Sending a small amount first is a sensible step for large sums.

BOFAUSV1 or BOFAUSV1XXX – which one to use?

The structure of a BIC never changes: a bank code of four letters, a two-letter country code and a two-character location code. Together, those parts make up BOFAUSV1 – the version you usually see online.

XXX at the end of BOFAUSV1XXX is not a placeholder or an error: it stands for the main office of Bank of America, N.a. Certain payment forms ask for 11 characters, and then you can enter XXX after BOFAUSV1.

In practice the code is typed in capitals and without spaces. A single character may route the money to a different institution, so copy it carefully.

International transfers from Bank of America, N.a: the real cost

A bank transfer abroad costs rather more than the fee suggests. Besides a fixed fee, banks in between may deduct a fee, and if the money changes currency the bank usually applies a rate that is less favourable than the real market rate.

That exchange rate margin is often the largest item because it is hidden in the rate. A simple test: set the rate you get against the mid-market rate for the same moment and work out the difference on your amount.

Money transfer services frequently offer a rate near the mid-market rate with clearer fees. GoldexPay compares the amount that arrives with different services, which makes the cheapest option easy to spot. Using a transfer service does not mean closing your account at Bank of America, N.a – you pay the provider from your own account.

How up to date is this code?

We gather bank codes using publicly available data and update our list from time to time. It can happen that a code on this page is no longer current after a merger or reorganisation. The figures on this page are based on our own data, not official figures from Bank of America, N.a.

Treat this page as a reference, not as the final word: the recipient’s bank details come first. GoldexPay is an independent comparison service and not affiliated with Bank of America, N.a. Found an error? Tell us via our contact form so we can correct it.

What to give a sender who pays you at Bank of America, N.a

If you are waiting for a payment from another country, send the payer all details at once. What they need is: the account holder’s name, IBAN or account number, BOFAUSV1XXX and, for some countries, your postal address.

The sender’s bank may also ask for the bank address of Bank of America, N.a. Check the details before you send them – a sender rarely spots a mistake in someone else’s details.

Expect that the incoming amount is below what the sender paid. Intermediary banks may deduct a fee and your own bank may charge for processing, and when currencies differ, an exchange rate margin applies. For business payments, you can state how the fees are split to avoid a shortfall.

The US Dollar and what conversion costs you

Accounts at Bank of America, N.a are usually held in USD, the national currency. A payment in a foreign currency will be converted into USD on its way to Bank of America, N.a. Every conversion eats into something.

Where the conversion happens has an effect on the final amount, as rates and margins differ per bank. Check how much USD arrives via several providers; the difference between options can be larger than you expect.

The USD rate fluctuates throughout the day. For recurring payments, a slightly better rate add up over time.

Watch out for payment fraud

Scammers often send payment requests with new bank details. A correct SWIFT code tells you nothing about whether the request is genuine – scammers simply use real codes.

Check changed bank details via a different channel, such as a phone number you already know, not by replying to the message. Be suspicious of urgent requests, unusual wording or a sender address that is slightly off. Acted too fast? Call your bank without delay and have them try to recall the payment and report the fraud.

Fraud also work the other way: someone sends too much and asks you to refund the extra to a new account. A payment confirmation from the sender is no proof.

Head office or branch code at Bank of America, N.a?

Having 2 codes in 2 cities, Bank of America, N.a is one of the banks that use separate codes for parts of the organisation and departments. The head office code is BOFAUSV1XXX.

For most incoming transfers, the head office code BOFAUSV1XXX works fine. Just use a branch code when the account holder explicitly asks for it, for example on an invoice or in their bank details.

Unsure which code applies? Ask the recipient. Branch codes can change over time.

How long does an international transfer to Bank of America, N.a take?

A SWIFT payment typically takes anywhere from one to several business days – it depends on currency, route and the banks in between. Weekends and public holidays in either country can add extra days. Sometimes a bank asks about the purpose of a payment before releasing it.

A growing number of banks are connected to SWIFT gpi. Each payment carries a unique reference, the UETR, which your bank can use to see where the money is. Specialist transfer services usually show a status online so you can see how far the money has got.

A delayed transfer has to be traced by the sending bank on the basis of the transfer details. On the receiving end, it helps to check your account to see a slightly lower amount, since fees may have been deducted.