What a Bank of America routing number is and where to find it
A routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies which Bank of America branch or processing center handles your account. When you send a wire transfer, the routing number tells the sending bank exactly where to direct your money. Bank of America has different routing numbers depending on the state where your account was opened and the type of account you hold.
You can find your routing number in four places: the bottom left corner of your checks, your Bank of America online banking portal, the Bank of America mobile app, or by calling customer service at 1-800-432-1000. The fastest method for most people is to log into online banking, go to your account details, and look for the routing number listed there. If you do not have online access yet, your most recent statement will have it printed on the left side of any check.
Do not confuse your routing number with your account number. Your account number appears on the same line as the routing number on a check, but it comes after the routing number and is usually longer — typically 10 to 12 digits. The routing number is always nine digits.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America routing numbers are nine digits and vary by state and account type, so you must use the one specific to your account.
- You can find your routing number on a check, in your online banking portal, in the mobile app, or by calling 1-800-432-1000.
- The routing number appears on the bottom left of a check, before your account number.
- Wire transfers require the correct routing number to reach the right Bank of America location, so double-check it before sending money.
How routing numbers work in a wire transfer
When you initiate a wire transfer from your Bank of America account, you provide the receiving bank's routing number so Bank of America knows where to send the funds. The routing number acts as an address — it directs your money to the correct bank and branch. Without it, the transfer cannot be processed.
The routing number is separate from the account number of the person receiving the money. You need both pieces of information to complete a wire transfer: the receiving bank's routing number and the receiving person's account number at that bank. Bank of America uses the routing number to route the transfer through the Federal Reserve or a private clearing network, depending on the type of transfer.
Bank of America routing numbers by state
Bank of America uses different routing numbers depending on which state your account is based in. The most common routing numbers are 011000015 for California, 026009593 for most other states, and 021000018 for accounts opened in certain regions. If your account was opened in New York, the routing number may be different from an account opened in Texas.
The easiest way to confirm you have the correct routing number for your specific account is to check your checks or log into online banking. Do not assume all Bank of America accounts use the same routing number. If you enter the wrong routing number, your wire transfer may be delayed or sent to the wrong location, and you will need to contact Bank of America to trace and recover the funds.
Where to look on your check
If you have a Bank of America checkbook, your routing number is printed on the bottom left of every check. It appears before your account number and is always nine digits long. The format on a check looks like this: the routing number comes first, then your account number, then the check number on the far right.
The routing number is printed in a special magnetic ink that allows banks to read it automatically during processing. You can read it by eye just as easily — it is the first set of nine numbers at the bottom of the check. If your checks are very old or faded, the number may be hard to read, in which case logging into online banking or calling customer service is faster.
Using online banking and the mobile app
Log into Bank of America online banking at bankofamerica.com, then navigate to your account details or account information section. Your routing number will be displayed alongside your account number. The exact location varies slightly depending on the account type — checking, savings, or money market — but it is always listed in the account details area.
In the Bank of America mobile app, open the account you are using for the wire transfer, tap the menu or details icon, and look for routing number or account information. The app displays both your routing number and account number in one place. This method works even if you do not have checks or access to a computer, since you can view it on your phone anytime.
Calling Bank of America customer service
If you cannot find your routing number online or on a check, call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000. Have your account number or the phone number associated with your account ready. A representative can tell you your routing number over the phone in less than a minute.
Customer service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are calling from outside the United States, you can find the international phone number on the Bank of America website. There is no charge for this call, and you do not need to be a long-time customer — new account holders can request this information just as easily.
Common mistakes when using your routing number
The most common error is using the wrong routing number for your state or account type. Bank of America has multiple routing numbers in use, and entering the wrong one can cause your wire transfer to be rejected or delayed. Always verify the routing number matches the account you are sending from, not just any Bank of America account.
Another mistake is confusing the routing number with the SWIFT code. If you are sending money to a bank outside the United States, you need the receiving bank's SWIFT code, not a routing number. Routing numbers only work for transfers within the United States. For international transfers, ask the receiving bank for their SWIFT code and any other codes they require.
A third error is transposing digits when writing down or typing the routing number. Since it is nine digits, a single mistake will send the transfer to the wrong location. Copy the number directly from your check or online banking rather than writing it down by hand, and paste it into the wire transfer form if possible to avoid typing errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Bank of America accounts have the same routing number?
No. Bank of America routing numbers vary by state and sometimes by account type. Your specific routing number depends on where your account was opened. Always use the routing number for your own account, not a general Bank of America number, to may support your wire transfer reaches the correct location.
Can I use my routing number for other types of transfers besides wire transfers?
Yes. Your routing number is used for ACH transfers (automated clearing house transfers), direct deposits, bill payments, and other electronic transfers. Any time you need to provide banking information for an electronic transfer into or out of your Bank of America account, you will use your routing number along with your account number.
What happens if I use the wrong routing number for a wire transfer?
The transfer may be rejected by the receiving bank, delayed while the bank tries to locate the correct account, or sent to the wrong Bank of America location. If this happens, contact Bank of America when ready with your wire transfer confirmation number so they can trace the funds and attempt to recover them. This process can take several business days.
Is my routing number the same as my bank code or transit number?
Your routing number is specific to the United States banking system. If you are sending money to another country, you will need a different code — usually a SWIFT code or IBAN number, depending on the country. Ask the receiving bank which code they need for transfers from the United States.
Can I find my routing number on my Bank of America debit card?
No. Your routing number does not appear on your debit card. It is only printed on checks, displayed in online banking and the mobile app, or available by calling customer service. Your debit card shows your card number and expiration date, but not your routing number.