Bank of America does not issue IBAN numbers to U.S. customers

Bank of America accounts in the United States do not have an IBAN (International Bank Account Number). IBANs are used only for international transfers between banks in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and some other regions. If you bank with Bank of America in the U.S., your account is identified by your routing number and account number instead.

If someone asks you for your IBAN to send money to your Bank of America account, they are either mistaken about where your bank is located or they are asking for the wrong information. U.S. banks use a different system entirely.

The only exception is if you hold an account with Bank of America's European operations — for example, Bank of America Europe DAC in Ireland or Bank of America in the United Kingdom. Those accounts do have IBANs because they operate within the IBAN system.

Key Takeaways

  • U.S. Bank of America accounts use a routing number and account number, not an IBAN.
  • IBANs are only used for transfers within countries that participate in the IBAN system, primarily in Europe and the Middle East.
  • If you need to receive an international transfer to your U.S. Bank of America account, you will provide your routing number, account number, and SWIFT code instead.
  • Bank of America's European branches do issue IBANs, but U.S. branches do not.

What an IBAN actually is and why the U.S. does not use it

An IBAN is a standardized account number format used by banks in countries that have adopted the system. It combines a country code, check digits, and the bank and account information into a single string — for example, an IBAN might look like DE89370400440532013000. The format varies by country but always starts with a two-letter country code.

The United States never adopted the IBAN system. Instead, U.S. banks use a routing number (nine digits that identify the specific bank branch) and an account number (which identifies your account at that bank). This system has been in place for decades and works reliably for domestic transfers.

When the IBAN system was created in the 1980s to standardize international transfers in Europe, the U.S. already had its own established infrastructure. Rather than overhaul the entire system, U.S. banks continued using routing and account numbers and added a SWIFT code for international transfers. A SWIFT code is a shorter identifier (usually eight or eleven characters) that tells international banks how to reach your bank.

How to identify your Bank of America account for transfers

Your Bank of America account has three pieces of identifying information, depending on what kind of transfer you are making:

For domestic transfers (within the U.S.): You need your routing number and account number. Your routing number is 026009593 for most Bank of America locations, though some branches may have different routing numbers. You can find your account number on the bottom left of your checks or by logging into your online banking.

For international transfers to your Bank of America account: You need your routing number, account number, and Bank of America's SWIFT code, which is BOFAUS3N. Some banks may also ask for your full name and address to match the account holder.

For wire transfers: You will need the routing number, account number, and the name and address of the account holder. Bank of America may also ask for the receiving bank's SWIFT code if the transfer is going to a bank outside the U.S.

When someone asks for your IBAN

If a person or organization asks for your IBAN to send money to your U.S. Bank of America account, they are likely confused about the banking system or they are located in a country that uses IBANs and do not realize you are in the U.S.

Tell them you have a U.S. bank account and provide your routing number and account number instead. If they are sending money from outside the U.S., also give them Bank of America's SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N) and your full name as it appears on the account.

If the sender insists they need an IBAN or says their bank requires it, contact Bank of America directly. It is possible they are using a payment service that has its own requirements, or there may be a misunderstanding about the transfer method.

International transfers to Bank of America from abroad

When someone outside the U.S. sends money to your Bank of America account, they will use your routing number, account number, and SWIFT code — not an IBAN. The process works like this: the sender's bank looks up Bank of America's SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N), which tells their bank how to contact Bank of America. Bank of America then uses your routing number and account number to deposit the money into your specific account.

The transfer usually takes three to five business days, though it can take longer depending on the sender's bank and any intermediate banks involved. You will see the deposit in your account once it arrives, and Bank of America will not charge you a fee to receive the transfer (though the sender's bank may charge them).

If you are expecting an international transfer, make sure the sender has the correct information: your full name, routing number (026009593 for most locations), account number, and Bank of America's SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N). Any error in these details can delay or reject the transfer.

Bank of America accounts outside the United States

If you hold an account with Bank of America's European operations, your account does have an IBAN. Bank of America Europe DAC, which operates in Ireland and serves customers across Europe, issues IBANs to its customers. These IBANs begin with IE (Ireland's country code).

Bank of America also operates in the United Kingdom, and accounts there may have IBANs as well. If you are unsure whether your account is with a U.S. or European branch, check your account statements or contact Bank of America directly — the branch location will be listed on your statements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IBAN for my U.S. Bank of America account?

No. U.S. Bank of America accounts do not have IBANs because the United States does not use the IBAN system. Your account is identified by your routing number and account number instead. If you need to receive international transfers, provide your SWIFT code along with your routing and account numbers.

What is Bank of America's SWIFT code?

Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N. This code tells international banks how to route transfers to Bank of America. You will need this code if you are receiving money from outside the U.S., and you should provide it along with your routing number and account number.

Why does my international transfer require a SWIFT code instead of an IBAN?

The U.S. banking system predates the IBAN system and uses routing numbers and account numbers instead. SWIFT codes were added to connect U.S. banks to the international transfer network. Both systems work reliably; the U.S. simply chose not to adopt IBANs.

What if I send money to someone in Europe from my Bank of America account?

When you send money to a European bank account, you will need the recipient's IBAN. Bank of America will ask you for this information when you set up the transfer. The transfer will take several business days and may include a fee from Bank of America.

Is my routing number the same for all Bank of America locations?

Most U.S. Bank of America locations use routing number 026009593, but some branches may have different routing numbers. Check your checks or your online banking to confirm the correct routing number for your specific account.