Bank of America's New Jersey routing number depends on which branch you use
Bank of America uses different routing numbers based on the state where your account was opened and the type of account you hold. If you opened your account at a New Jersey branch or your account is registered to a New Jersey address, your routing number is 021000021. This nine-digit code tells other banks and payment systems where to send money when you wire funds or set up direct deposits.
The routing number is not the same as your account number. Your account number identifies your specific account within Bank of America; the routing number identifies Bank of America itself within the federal banking system. You need both pieces of information to complete a wire transfer or authorize an automatic payment.
Bank of America maintains separate routing numbers for different states because the Federal Reserve assigns routing numbers by region. Even though Bank of America operates nationwide, the routing number tied to your account reflects where the account was originally opened or where your primary branch is located.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America's routing number for New Jersey accounts is 021000021, which you will need to provide for wire transfers and direct deposits.
- Your routing number is different from your account number — the routing number identifies the bank, while your account number identifies your specific account.
- You can find your routing number on the bottom left of your checks, in your online banking portal under account details, or by calling Bank of America customer service.
- If you moved to New Jersey after opening your account elsewhere, your routing number may still reflect your original state, so verify before sending a wire.
- Wire transfers using the correct routing number typically process within one business day, but the receiving bank may take additional time to post the funds.
Where to locate your routing number on a check
The easiest way to confirm your routing number is to look at a check from your Bank of America account. On the bottom left of the check, you will see nine digits printed in a specific order. The first nine digits are your routing number. The next set of digits is your account number. The last set on the right is the check number.
If you do not have checks or prefer not to use them, this method still works because the routing number printed on checks is the same one you need for wire transfers. The routing number never changes for your account, so you can reference an old check if you no longer order new ones.
Some customers have multiple Bank of America accounts opened in different states. Each account may have a different routing number depending on where it was opened. If you have accounts in both New Jersey and another state, verify which routing number belongs to which account before initiating a wire transfer.
How to find your routing number online
Log into your Bank of America online banking portal using your username and password. Once you are logged in, navigate to the account details or account information section. This is usually found under a menu labeled "Accounts" or "Account Settings." The routing number will be displayed alongside your account number and other account information.
If you use the Bank of America mobile app, you can also find your routing number there. Open the app, select the account you want to wire from, and look for account details or account information. The routing number will be listed with your other account identifiers.
Some Bank of America customers also receive statements by mail. Your routing number may appear on your monthly statement, though not all statements include it. Checking your online portal is faster and more reliable than waiting for a paper statement.
Calling Bank of America to confirm your routing number
You can call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 to speak with a representative who will confirm your routing number. Have your account number ready when you call. The representative will verify your identity and provide your routing number over the phone.
Customer service is available during business hours, typically Monday through Friday. Wait times vary depending on call volume. If you are calling to set up a wire transfer, some representatives can help you initiate the transfer directly over the phone, though you may also be able to do this through your online banking portal.
Calling is useful if you are unsure whether your account has the New Jersey routing number or a different one, especially if you moved to New Jersey after opening your account elsewhere. The representative can clarify which routing number is attached to your specific account.
What happens when you use the wrong routing number
If you provide an incorrect routing number when sending a wire transfer, the money may be sent to the wrong bank or rejected entirely. The sending bank will attempt to route the transfer based on the nine-digit code you provided. If that code does not match any valid bank routing number, the transfer will fail and the funds will be returned to your account, usually within three to five business days.
If the routing number you provide is valid but belongs to a different bank or a different Bank of America region, the transfer may reach a different institution. The receiving bank will then attempt to match your account number to an account in their system. If no match is found, the funds may be held or returned, and you will need to contact both banks to locate the money.
This is why verifying your routing number before sending a wire is critical. Double-check the number against your check, your online portal, or a call to customer service. Correcting a wire transfer after it has been sent is time-consuming and may not always be possible.
Routing number versus SWIFT code for international transfers
The nine-digit routing number (021000021 for New Jersey Bank of America accounts) is used only for domestic wire transfers within the United States. If you are sending money internationally, you will need a different code called a SWIFT code or BIC code. Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N.
International wire transfers also require the recipient's IBAN (International Bank Account Number) or their bank's SWIFT code, depending on the country. The process is more complex than a domestic transfer and typically takes longer — usually three to five business days or more. Bank of America charges higher fees for international wires than for domestic ones.
If you are unsure whether you need a routing number or a SWIFT code, ask the person or organization receiving the money which code they need. They will know based on their bank's location and their country's banking system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Bank of America customers in New Jersey use the same routing number?
Most do, but not all. If you opened your account at a New Jersey branch, your routing number is 021000021. However, if you opened your account in another state and later moved to New Jersey, your account may still use the routing number from your original state. Contact Bank of America to confirm which routing number is tied to your specific account.
Can I use the routing number from my old checks?
Yes. Your routing number does not change unless you close your account and open a new one. Old checks will have the same routing number as your current checks, so you can reference either one. The routing number printed on checks is permanent for that account.
How long does a wire transfer take once I provide the correct routing number?
Domestic wire transfers using the correct routing number typically process within one business day. However, the receiving bank may take an additional one to two business days to post the funds to the recipient's account. The total time from when you send the wire to when the recipient sees the money is usually one to three business days.
What if I wire money to someone else's Bank of America account in New Jersey?
You will need their routing number (021000021 if their account is registered to New Jersey), their account number, and their full name. Bank of America will route the transfer to the correct branch and account. Make sure the name you provide matches the name on their account exactly, or the transfer may be delayed or rejected.
Is the routing number the same for checking and savings accounts?
Yes. Bank of America uses the same routing number for all account types at the same branch or region. Whether you are wiring from a checking account, savings account, or money market account, the routing number is 021000021 for New Jersey accounts. Your account number will be different, but the routing number stays the same.