Where to find your routing number on a Bank of America check
Your Bank of America routing number is printed at the bottom left of every check you receive. It is a nine-digit code that comes before your account number. On a standard check, you will see three groups of numbers along the bottom: the routing number on the far left, your account number in the middle, and the check number on the right.
The routing number identifies Bank of America specifically and tells other banks where to send money when you receive a wire transfer or direct deposit. Every Bank of America branch uses the same routing number, so it does not change based on which location you opened your account at or which branch you use.
If you do not have a check in front of you, you can also find this number on Bank of America's website, by calling customer service, or by visiting a branch in person. But the check is the fastest way if you have one available.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America's routing number appears as a nine-digit code at the bottom left of your checks, before your account number.
- The same routing number works for all Bank of America accounts, regardless of which branch you use or when you opened the account.
- You can also find your routing number on the Bank of America website, by phone, or in person at a branch if you do not have a check available.
- Wire transfers and direct deposits both require your routing number, so you may need to provide it to employers, bill pay services, or other financial institutions.
What the nine digits mean
The nine-digit routing number is a standardized format used by all U.S. banks. The first four digits identify the Federal Reserve district where Bank of America processes transactions. The next four digits identify Bank of America as the institution. The final digit is a check digit that verifies the number is correct.
You do not need to understand what each digit represents to use it. What matters is that you copy all nine digits exactly as they appear on your check. A single digit entered incorrectly can cause a wire transfer to fail or be sent to the wrong account.
Reading the MICR line correctly
The numbers at the bottom of your check are printed in a special format called MICR, which stands for Magnetic Ink Character Recognition. This format allows bank machines to read the numbers automatically. The characters may look slightly different from regular printed numbers, but they are still readable if you look carefully.
When you copy your routing number, write it down or type it exactly as it appears. Do not try to interpret or correct what you see — the number is correct as printed. If the digits are hard to read because the check is worn or faded, you can verify the number by checking Bank of America's website or calling their customer service line.
Bank of America routing numbers by region
Bank of America uses different routing numbers depending on the state where your account is held. The routing number on your check reflects the state associated with your account, not necessarily where you live or where you use the account.
For example, if you opened your account at a Bank of America branch in California, your checks will show the California routing number even if you have since moved to another state. If you are unsure which routing number applies to your account, the number on your check is always the correct one to use.
You can also find your state-specific routing number on the Bank of America website by entering your state, or by calling customer service and providing your account information.
When you need your routing number
You will need your Bank of America routing number whenever you set up a wire transfer into your account, arrange a direct deposit from an employer or government agency, or authorize another financial institution to pull money from your account. The receiving bank or organization will ask for both your routing number and your account number to process the transaction.
You may also need it if you are setting up bill pay through another service, transferring money between your own accounts at different banks, or providing banking information to a payroll processor. In each case, the routing number tells the other institution how to find your Bank of America account.
What to do if you cannot find your routing number
If you do not have a check available, you can find your routing number on the Bank of America website. Log into your online banking account, go to the account details or account information section, and look for the routing number listed there. You can also read a statement, which typically includes your routing number.
Another option is to call Bank of America customer service at the number on the back of your debit card or on your monthly statement. A representative can provide your routing number over the phone after verifying your identity. You can also visit a Bank of America branch in person and ask a teller for your routing number.
Protecting your routing number
Your routing number is not secret information — it appears on every check you write and is publicly available. However, you should not share it with anyone you do not trust. A routing number alone cannot be used to withdraw money from your account, but combined with your account number it can be used to set up unauthorized transfers.
When you provide your routing number to set up a wire transfer or direct deposit, make sure you are dealing with a legitimate organization. Verify the request is coming from your employer, your bank, or a service you have intentionally contacted. Do not provide your routing number in response to unsolicited calls, emails, or text messages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the routing number the same for all Bank of America customers?
No. Bank of America uses different routing numbers by state. The routing number on your check corresponds to the state where your account is registered. If you move to a new state, your existing checks will still use the original routing number, but new checks will reflect your current state.
Can I use the routing number from an old check?
Yes, as long as the account is still active. The routing number does not change when you order new checks. However, if you closed the account or moved to a different state and received new checks, use the routing number from your current checks instead.
What if I enter the wrong routing number for a wire transfer?
The transfer may fail and be returned to you, or it may be sent to a different Bank of America account if the routing number corresponds to another valid bank. Always double-check that you have copied all nine digits correctly before submitting a wire transfer request.
Do I need my routing number to receive a wire transfer?
Yes. The person or organization sending you money will need both your routing number and your account number to complete the transfer. Provide both numbers together and verify they are correct before the sender processes the transaction.
Where is the routing number if I have a debit card instead of checks?
Your debit card does not display your routing number. You will need to find it on a check, on your Bank of America statement, on the website, or by calling customer service. The routing number is the same whether you use checks or a debit card.