What the routing number 121000358 means and when to use it

The routing number 121000358 is Bank of America's routing number for wire transfers sent within the United States. When you send a domestic wire through Bank of America, you provide this number to identify the bank as the destination. It is different from the routing numbers used for ACH transfers (electronic bill payments and direct deposits) or checks, so using the correct number matters — a wire sent to the wrong routing number may be delayed or sent to the wrong institution.

This routing number applies whether you are sending money from a Bank of America account or sending money to a Bank of America account. If you are receiving a wire into a Bank of America account, you give this number to the person or business sending you the money. If you are sending a wire from your Bank of America account, your bank will use this number to route the transfer.

Bank of America has multiple routing numbers because different transaction types use different processing systems. The routing number for wire transfers is separate from the one for ACH transactions or check processing. Using 121000358 specifically tells the Federal Reserve and other banks that your wire should go through Bank of America's wire transfer system.

Key Takeaways

  • 121000358 is Bank of America's domestic wire transfer routing number and is used for wires sent to or from Bank of America accounts within the United States.
  • This routing number is different from Bank of America's ACH routing number or check routing number, so you must use the correct one for wire transfers.
  • If you are receiving a wire, provide this number along with your account number to the sender; if you are sending a wire, your Bank of America representative will use this number automatically.
  • Wire transfers using this routing number typically settle within one business day, though the exact timing depends on when the sending bank initiates the transfer.

How to provide this routing number when receiving a wire

When someone sends you money by wire to your Bank of America account, they need two pieces of information from you: your account number and the routing number. Give them 121000358 along with your full Bank of America account number (usually 10 digits). You may also need to provide your full name and the bank's address, though most senders only ask for the routing number and account number.

The sender's bank will use this routing number to direct the wire through the Federal Reserve's wire transfer system to Bank of America. Once Bank of America receives the wire, it matches the routing number and account number to deposit the funds into your account. If you are unsure whether you have given the sender the correct information, you can call Bank of America's customer service or log into your online banking to confirm your account number.

What happens when you send a wire from Bank of America

If you are sending a wire from your Bank of America account, you do not need to provide the routing number 121000358 yourself — Bank of America's system uses it automatically. Instead, you provide the receiving bank's routing number and the recipient's account number. You can initiate a wire through Bank of America's website, mobile app, or by calling a representative.

Bank of America will ask you for the recipient's name, account number, and the receiving bank's routing number (not Bank of America's). You will also specify the amount and may be asked to confirm the purpose of the transfer. Wire transfer fees vary depending on whether the wire is domestic or international and whether you are a Bank of America customer, so ask about the fee before you confirm the transfer.

Differences between wire transfers and other transfer types

Wire transfers are faster and more direct than ACH transfers, but they use a different routing number. ACH transfers (used for bill payments, payroll deposits, and many peer-to-peer transfers) use a separate Bank of America routing number. Check routing numbers are also different. Using the wrong routing number for a wire can cause the transfer to fail or be sent to the wrong bank, so confirm you are using 121000358 specifically for wire transfers.

Wire transfers are also irreversible once sent, unlike some ACH transfers that can be recalled. This means you should double-check the recipient's account number and routing number before you confirm a wire. If you send a wire to the wrong account by mistake, you will need to contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the funds — they are not required to do so.

How long a wire transfer takes with this routing number

Domestic wire transfers using routing number 121000358 typically arrive within one business day. The exact timing depends on when the sending bank initiates the transfer and when Bank of America processes it. If you send a wire before the cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Eastern Time), it may arrive the same day. Wires sent after the cutoff or on weekends or holidays will arrive on the next business day.

Once the receiving bank receives the wire, it deposits the funds into the recipient's account. Some banks make the funds available when ready; others may hold them for one business day. The routing number itself does not affect the speed — the speed depends on the sending bank's processing time and the receiving bank's availability policies.

Confirming you have the correct routing number

You can confirm that 121000358 is the correct Bank of America wire transfer routing number by checking your Bank of America statements, calling Bank of America customer service, or visiting the Bank of America website. Bank of America publishes its routing numbers on its official site, and customer service representatives can confirm the number over the phone.

If you are receiving a wire and are not sure whether you have the correct routing number, contact your Bank of America branch or call the customer service number on the back of your debit card. Do not rely on routing numbers from unofficial websites, as they may be outdated or incorrect. Bank of America's official channels are the safest source.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 121000358 the same routing number for all Bank of America accounts?

Yes, 121000358 is the wire transfer routing number for all domestic Bank of America accounts. The routing number does not change based on your account type, location, or branch. However, if you have accounts at other banks, those banks will have different routing numbers.

What if I send a wire to the wrong routing number?

If you send a wire to a routing number that does not belong to Bank of America, the wire will go to that bank instead. You will need to contact the receiving bank and ask them to return the funds. There is no may provide they will do so, and the process can take several weeks. Always double-check the routing number before you confirm a wire.

Do I need a different routing number for international wires?

Yes, international wires use a different process and may require additional information such as a SWIFT code. Contact Bank of America directly for the correct routing information for international transfers, as 121000358 is for domestic wires only.

Can I use this routing number for ACH transfers or bill payments?

No, 121000358 is for wire transfers only. ACH transfers and bill payments use a different Bank of America routing number. Using the wrong routing number may cause your transfer to fail or be delayed. Check your Bank of America statements or contact customer service for the correct ACH routing number if you need it.

What information do I need besides the routing number to receive a wire?

You need your Bank of America account number (usually 10 digits) and the routing number 121000358. The sender may also ask for your full name and the bank's address, though most only need the routing number and account number. Confirm all details with the sender before they initiate the wire.