Bank of America's ABA routing number depends on which state your account is held in
Bank of America does not use a single routing number across all accounts. The ABA routing number — the nine-digit code that identifies your bank and branch for wire transfers — changes based on the state where your account was opened. If you opened your account in California, your routing number will differ from someone who opened theirs in New York or Texas.
The routing number you need is tied to the state of your account's origin, not where you currently live or where you are sending money. This matters because using the wrong routing number can delay your wire transfer or send it to the wrong place entirely.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America assigns different routing numbers by state, so you must know which state your account was opened in to find the correct one.
- You can find your routing number by logging into your Bank of America online account, calling their customer service line, or checking the bottom left corner of your checks.
- The routing number for wire transfers is the same as the one used for ACH transfers and direct deposits, but it differs from the SWIFT code used for international wires.
- If you send a wire with an incorrect routing number, contact Bank of America when ready — the wire may be returned or sent to another institution.
Where to find your Bank of America routing number
The fastest way to find your routing number is to log into your Bank of America online account or mobile app. Once logged in, go to the account details or account information section — the exact menu name varies slightly between the website and app. Your routing number will be listed there alongside your account number.
If you do not have online access or prefer to call, Bank of America's customer service can provide your routing number over the phone. Have your account number ready when you call. You can also look at the bottom left corner of any check you have from that account — the first nine digits printed there are your routing number.
A third option is to use Bank of America's routing number lookup tool on their website, where you can search by state and account type. This tool shows all routing numbers the bank uses in a given state, though you will still need to confirm which one matches your specific account.
How routing numbers vary by state
Bank of America operates in all 50 states and uses different routing numbers for different regions. For example, accounts opened in California may use routing number 121000248, while accounts opened in New York may use a different number. The bank maintains this system because it originally grew through acquisitions of regional banks, each with its own routing infrastructure.
Even if you move to a different state after opening your account, your routing number stays the same — it reflects where the account originated, not where you live now. This is why it is important to know the state where you originally opened your account, not your current state of residence.
Routing numbers versus SWIFT codes for international wires
If you are sending a wire transfer within the United States, you use the ABA routing number. If you are sending money internationally from your Bank of America account, you need a different code called a SWIFT code (also called a BIC code). Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N, which is the same for all accounts regardless of state.
The routing number and SWIFT code serve different purposes on different banking networks. The routing number directs domestic wires through the Federal Reserve system, while the SWIFT code directs international wires through the SWIFT network used by banks worldwide. Using one in place of the other will cause the wire to fail or be rejected.
What happens if you use the wrong routing number
If you send a wire transfer using an incorrect routing number, the wire may be returned to your account, sent to a different bank, or held in a suspense account while the bank tries to sort out where it should go. The time this takes varies — some wires are returned within one or two business days, while others can take a week or longer.
If you realize you used the wrong routing number after sending the wire, contact Bank of America when ready. Provide them with the wire confirmation number, the amount sent, and the intended recipient's information. The bank can sometimes intercept the wire before it reaches its destination, but this is not always possible. Do not assume the wire will be returned automatically — follow up with the bank in writing as well as by phone to create a record of your request.
Routing numbers for different Bank of America account types
The routing number is the same whether you have a checking account, savings account, or money market account with Bank of America. The routing number identifies the bank and the state where your account was opened, not the type of account you hold. This means you use the same routing number for wire transfers, direct deposits, and ACH transfers from any of your Bank of America accounts in that state.
If you have accounts in multiple states — for example, a checking account opened in Illinois and a savings account opened in Florida — each account will have a different routing number based on where it was opened. You must use the correct routing number for whichever account you are sending the wire from.
Confirming your routing number before sending a wire
Before you send any wire transfer, verify your routing number one more time. Write down the nine-digit number and read it back to yourself digit by digit. If you are sending money to someone else, ask them to confirm they have the correct routing number for their bank and account type — they should check their own bank's records, not rely on what you tell them.
Many wire transfer delays and errors come from routing number mistakes that could have been caught with a quick second check. Bank of America's customer service can confirm your routing number at any time, and this confirmation takes only a few minutes. The small amount of time spent verifying now saves the much larger amount of time spent resolving a misdirected wire later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bank of America have the same routing number for all states?
No. Bank of America uses different routing numbers based on the state where your account was opened. You must know your account's home state to find the correct routing number. The bank's website has a lookup tool where you can search by state.
Can I use my routing number for both domestic and international wire transfers?
No. Use your ABA routing number only for domestic wires within the United States. For international wires from Bank of America, use the SWIFT code BOFAUS3N instead. Using the wrong code will cause the wire to fail.
What if I do not know which state my Bank of America account was opened in?
Log into your online account and check the account details section, or call Bank of America customer service with your account number. They can tell you the state of origin and provide the correct routing number when ready.
If I move to a new state, does my routing number change?
No. Your routing number is based on the state where you originally opened the account and does not change when you move. You continue using the same routing number even if you relocate to a different state.
How long does a wire transfer take if I use the correct routing number?
Domestic wire transfers typically arrive the same business day if sent before the bank's cutoff time, usually around 2 p.m. Eastern Time. Wires sent after the cutoff or on weekends are processed the next business day. International wires take longer, usually one to three business days depending on the receiving country.