What a Bank of America Transit Number Is and Where to Find It

A transit number is a nine-digit code that identifies which Bank of America branch will process your wire transfer. It is not the same as your account number or routing number. When you send a wire, the transit number tells the banking system exactly which physical or regional processing center handles your payment.

For Bank of America, your transit number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, right before your account number. It appears as a series of nine digits separated by hyphens, like this: 026-009-593. If you do not have checks handy, you can call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and ask a representative for your transit number — they will need your account number to look it up.

Some people confuse the transit number with the routing number. Bank of America's routing number is 026009593 (the same digits without hyphens), and it is used for ACH transfers and direct deposits. For wire transfers specifically, you may need the transit number depending on whether you are sending a domestic or international wire and which form Bank of America asks you to complete.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Bank of America transit number is a nine-digit code printed on the bottom left of your checks, formatted with hyphens like 026-009-593.
  • The transit number identifies which Bank of America branch or processing center will handle your wire transfer.
  • You can find your transit number by calling Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 with your account number ready.
  • The transit number is different from your routing number, though they contain the same digits — the routing number omits the hyphens.

Where to Locate Your Transit Number on Your Checks

Open your checkbook and look at the bottom of any check. You will see three groups of numbers printed in magnetic ink. The first group, on the far left, is your transit number. It will look like 026-009-593 or a similar nine-digit sequence with hyphens separating the digits into three groups of three.

The middle group of numbers is your account number. The third group, on the far right, is the check number. If you have not yet received checks or your checks are old and the numbers are faded, do not rely on them — call Bank of America instead.

When You Need the Transit Number Versus the Routing Number

Bank of America uses the routing number (026009593, without hyphens) for most electronic transfers: ACH payments, direct deposits, and bill pay. For wire transfers, the bank's wire transfer form may ask for either the transit number or the routing number depending on the type of wire and the receiving bank's requirements.

If you are sending a domestic wire transfer within the United States, Bank of America typically asks for the routing number. If you are sending an international wire (also called a SWIFT transfer), you will need additional information: the SWIFT code, which is BOFAUS3N for Bank of America. When in doubt, provide both the routing number and the transit number — the receiving bank will use whichever one applies to your transfer.

How to Get Your Transit Number Without Checks

Call Bank of America's customer service line at 1-800-432-1000. Have your account number and a form of identification ready. A representative will pull up your account and read your transit number to you over the phone. The call usually takes fewer than five minutes.

You can also log into your Bank of America online account or mobile app. Go to your account details or account information section — the exact location varies depending on which device or platform you use. Some accounts display the transit number directly; others show only the routing number. If you see only the routing number, add hyphens to format it as a transit number (026-009-593) or call customer service to confirm the exact format.

What Happens If You Provide the Wrong Transit Number

If you enter an incorrect transit number on a wire transfer form, the wire may be rejected before it is sent, or it may be sent to the wrong processing center and then returned to you. Bank of America's systems will catch most errors and ask you to correct the number before processing the transfer.

If a wire does go through with the wrong transit number, it can take several business days to be returned to your account. The receiving bank may also charge a fee for the returned transfer. For this reason, double-check the transit number against your checks or a recent statement before you submit any wire transfer request.

Transit Numbers for Different Bank of America Locations

Bank of America has multiple transit numbers depending on the state and region where your account is held. The most common transit number is 026-009-593, but other branches may use different codes. Your personal transit number is tied to the branch where you opened your account or where your account is currently serviced.

If you have moved or transferred your account to a different branch, your transit number may have changed. Check your most recent checks or call customer service to confirm which transit number is active on your current account. Using an outdated transit number from a closed or transferred account can cause delays or rejection of your wire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the transit number the same as the routing number?

They contain the same nine digits, but the transit number includes hyphens (026-009-593) while the routing number does not (026009593). For wire transfers, Bank of America typically asks for the routing number, but you can provide either format and the system will recognize it.

Can I use my transit number for ACH transfers or bill pay?

No. ACH transfers and bill pay use the routing number, not the transit number. If you enter the transit number for these types of transfers, the transaction may be rejected. Always use the routing number for non-wire electronic payments.

What if my checks do not show a transit number?

Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 with your account number. A representative will provide your transit number over the phone. Very old checks or checks from closed accounts may not display the current transit number for your active account.

Do I need the transit number for international wire transfers?

For international wires, you will need the SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N for Bank of America) in addition to or instead of the transit number. The receiving bank's instructions will tell you which codes are required. When in doubt, provide all available information.

What if I send a wire with the wrong transit number?

Bank of America's system usually catches errors and asks you to correct the number before sending. If the wire does go through, it may be returned to your account within a few business days, and you may be charged a fee. Always verify the transit number before submitting a wire transfer.