How Bank of America's ABA Number Works for Wire Transfers

What an ABA number is and why Bank of America wire transfers need one

An ABA number is a nine-digit code that identifies a specific Bank of America branch. When you send or receive a wire transfer, the ABA number tells the banking system exactly which branch holds the account — it's the routing address for your money.

Bank of America has hundreds of branches across the United States, and each one has its own ABA number. If you're wiring money to or from a Bank of America account, you'll need the correct ABA number for that specific branch, not just any Bank of America number. Using the wrong one can delay your transfer or send the money to the wrong place.

The ABA number is different from your account number. Your account number identifies your individual account; the ABA number identifies the branch where that account lives. Together, they tell the wire transfer system where to send your money.

Key Takeaways

Bank of America's ABA number is a nine-digit code specific to each branch, and you need the correct one for the branch where the account is held.
You can find your Bank of America ABA number on the bottom left of your checks, in your online banking portal, or by calling your branch directly.
The ABA number stays the same whether you're sending money out or receiving money in — it always identifies the branch.
Wire transfers using the correct ABA number typically process within one business day, though timing depends on when the transfer is sent and the receiving bank's schedule.
If you use the wrong ABA number, the wire may be rejected or delayed; contact your bank when ready if this happens.

Where to find your Bank of America ABA number

The easiest place to find your ABA number is on a check from your Bank of America account. Look at the bottom left corner of the check — you'll see nine digits printed there. That's your ABA number. It applies to whichever branch issued that checkbook.

If you don't have a check handy, log into your Bank of America online banking account or mobile app. Go to your account details or account information section — the exact location varies by whether you're using the website or app, but it's usually labeled "Account Details" or "Routing Information." Your ABA number will be listed there alongside your account number.

You can also call your local Bank of America branch directly and ask for the ABA number. Have your account number ready when you call. If you're receiving a wire transfer and don't know your own ABA number, ask the person sending the money to look it up on a check or call you back once they've found it in their banking portal.

ABA numbers for different Bank of America locations and account types

Bank of America uses different ABA numbers for different regions and branches. If you have accounts at multiple Bank of America branches, each branch has its own ABA number. The ABA number is tied to the physical branch location, not to the type of account you hold.

Whether you have a checking account, savings account, or money market account at Bank of America, the ABA number for wire transfers is the same — it's the number for the branch where that account is held. The account type doesn't change which ABA number you use.

If you've moved and opened a new Bank of America account at a different branch, that new branch will have a different ABA number. Make sure you're using the ABA number for the branch where your current account is located, not a number from a closed account or an old branch.

How to use your ABA number when sending a wire transfer

When you initiate a wire transfer through Bank of America, you'll enter the recipient's information into the wire transfer form. You'll need the recipient's ABA number (their bank's routing number), their account number, and their name exactly as it appears on their account.

Bank of America's wire transfer system will ask you to confirm all this information before the transfer goes through. Double-check the ABA number character by character — a single wrong digit can route the money to the wrong bank or branch. If you're unsure, contact the recipient and have them verify their ABA number from a check or their banking portal.

You can send a wire transfer through Bank of America's online banking portal, through the mobile app, or by visiting a branch in person. The process is the same regardless of method — you provide the recipient's ABA number, account number, and name, and Bank of America processes the transfer.

What happens when you receive a wire transfer to your Bank of America account

When someone sends you a wire transfer, they need your Bank of America ABA number and your account number. You should give them both pieces of information so the money reaches the correct account. If they only have your account number and use the wrong ABA number, the wire may go to a different bank or branch entirely.

Once the wire arrives at your Bank of America branch (identified by the correct ABA number), it's deposited into your account. Wire transfers typically show up in your account within one business day, though the exact timing depends on when the transfer was sent and Bank of America's processing schedule.

You can track incoming wire transfers through your online banking portal or by calling your branch. If you're expecting a wire and it hasn't arrived after one business day, contact the sender to confirm they used the correct ABA number and your account number.

Common mistakes with Bank of America ABA numbers

The most common mistake is transposing digits — accidentally switching two numbers in the nine-digit code. A single wrong digit sends the wire to a different bank or branch. Always copy the ABA number carefully and verify it matches what you see on a check or in your banking portal.

Another mistake is using an old ABA number from a closed account or a branch you no longer use. If you've moved or changed branches, make sure you're using the current ABA number for your active account. Bank of America can tell you the correct number if you're unsure.

Some people confuse the ABA number with the SWIFT code. Bank of America has both — the ABA number is for domestic wire transfers within the United States, and the SWIFT code is for international wire transfers. If you're sending money outside the U.S., you'll need the SWIFT code instead.

What to do if a wire transfer goes to the wrong place

If you realize you used the wrong ABA number before the wire is sent, cancel the transfer when ready through your Bank of America online portal or by calling your branch. Once a wire transfer has been sent, it cannot be stopped, but you can contact Bank of America and the receiving bank to try to recover the money.

Contact your Bank of America branch as soon as you discover the error. Provide them with the wire transfer details — the amount, the date it was sent, and the incorrect ABA number you used. They can file a trace to locate the money and work with the receiving bank to return it to you.

Recovery can take several weeks, and there's no may provide the money will be returned if the receiving bank has already processed it. This is why verifying the ABA number before sending is so important — it's much faster to get it right the first time than to try to recover a misdirected wire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ABA number the same as the routing number?

Yes, ABA number and routing number mean the same thing. ABA stands for American Bankers Association, the organization that created the routing number system. Bank of America uses these terms interchangeably — the nine-digit code on your check is both your ABA number and your routing number.

Do I need a different ABA number for each account I have at Bank of America?

No. If you have multiple accounts at the same Bank of America branch — a checking account and a savings account, for example — they share the same ABA number. The ABA number identifies the branch, not the individual account. You use the same ABA number for all accounts at that branch and provide the specific account number to identify which account receives the wire.

Can I use any Bank of America ABA number for a wire transfer, or does it have to match my branch?

It has to match the branch where your account is held. If your account is at the downtown branch, you must use that branch's ABA number, not the ABA number from a different Bank of America location. Using the wrong branch's ABA number will route the wire to the wrong place.

What's the difference between an ABA number and a SWIFT code?

The ABA number is for domestic wire transfers within the United States. The SWIFT code is for international wire transfers outside the U.S. Bank of America has both codes. If you're sending money to another country, ask the recipient for their SWIFT code instead of their ABA number.

How long does a wire transfer take if I use the correct ABA number?

Wire transfers typically process within one business day when you use the correct ABA number and account number. The exact timing depends on when you send the transfer and the receiving bank's processing schedule. Transfers sent early in the business day usually arrive the same day; transfers sent late may arrive the next business day.

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.