Bank of America's ABA code is 121000248, but the right code depends on which state your account is in
Bank of America uses different ABA codes for different regions. The code 121000248 is the main routing number for most Bank of America accounts nationwide. However, if your account is held at a Bank of America branch in a specific state, you may have a state-specific routing number instead. Before you send a wire, confirm which code applies to your account by checking your bank statements, calling Bank of America directly, or logging into your online banking.
The ABA code (also called a routing number or routing transit number) is a nine-digit identifier that tells the sending bank where to direct your money. For wire transfers, using the wrong code can delay your transfer or send it to the wrong institution entirely. Bank of America maintains multiple routing numbers because it operates branches across all 50 states and holds accounts through different subsidiary banks.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America's primary ABA code is 121000248, but state-specific codes exist for accounts in certain states.
- Your account statement, online banking portal, or a call to Bank of America customer service will show your correct routing number.
- Using an incorrect ABA code can cause your wire transfer to be delayed or routed to the wrong financial institution.
- The ABA code is different from your account number and must be paired with it to complete a wire transfer.
Where to find your Bank of America ABA code
The fastest way to find your correct routing number is to check the bottom left corner of any check from your Bank of America account. The first nine digits printed there are your ABA code. If you do not have checks available, log into your Bank of America online banking account and look for the account details or account information section — the routing number is usually listed there alongside your account number.
You can also call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and ask for your routing number. Have your account number ready. If you are sending a wire from outside the United States, Bank of America also uses SWIFT codes (different from ABA codes) for international transfers — ask the bank which code to use for your destination country.
Why Bank of America has multiple ABA codes
Bank of America operates through multiple legal entities and processing centers across the country. Some of these are Bank of America, N.A. branches, while others are held under subsidiary names like Merrill Bank or U.S. Trust. Each entity may have its own routing number. Additionally, Bank of America acquired many regional banks over the years, and some of those legacy routing numbers remain active for accounts originally opened at those institutions.
This means two Bank of America customers in different states, or even in the same city, might have different routing numbers. The system exists to may support that wire transfers are routed to the correct processing center and account type. Using your specific routing number — not a generic one — reduces the risk of delays.
Common mistakes when using Bank of America's ABA code
The most frequent error is confusing the ABA code with the account number. They are not the same. The ABA code identifies the bank; your account number identifies you within that bank. Both are required to send a wire. If you provide only the ABA code without the account number, or vice versa, the transfer will not go through.
Another common mistake is using an outdated routing number. If you have an old Bank of America account statement or information from several years ago, the routing number may no longer be valid. Always pull your current routing number from a recent statement or your online banking account before initiating a wire.
Some people also assume that all Bank of America accounts use the same routing number nationwide. This is not true. Verify your specific routing number rather than guessing or using a number you found online that belongs to someone else's account.
What happens if you use the wrong ABA code
If you send a wire with an incorrect ABA code, the receiving bank may reject it and return the funds to you, which can take several business days. In some cases, the wire may be routed to a different Bank of America processing center or account, where it sits until someone notices the error and corrects it. This can delay your transfer by days or weeks.
If the wrong ABA code sends the money to a completely different bank, that bank will attempt to contact the sender to report the error. You may then have to file a claim with your bank to recover the funds. This process is time-consuming and not always successful. For this reason, double-checking your ABA code before sending any wire is essential.
ABA codes for Bank of America wire transfers by account type
| Account Type | Primary ABA Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Checking or Savings | 121000248 (or state-specific) | Check your statement or online banking for your specific code |
| Business Checking or Savings | 121000248 (or state-specific) | Check your statement or online banking for your specific code |
| Merrill Bank Account | 111000025 | Used for accounts held through Merrill Lynch |
| U.S. Trust Account | 021000021 | Used for accounts held through U.S. Trust |
| International Wire (SWIFT) | BOFAUS3N | Use SWIFT code for transfers outside the United States |
The codes listed above are the most common, but your personal account may use a different routing number depending on when and where it was opened. Always verify your specific code before sending a wire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 121000248 the ABA code for all Bank of America accounts?
121000248 is Bank of America's primary routing number, but not all accounts use it. State-specific routing numbers exist, and accounts opened through subsidiaries like Merrill Bank or U.S. Trust use different codes. Check your statement or online banking to confirm your account's routing number.
Can I find my Bank of America routing number online without logging in?
Bank of America publishes a list of routing numbers by state on its website, but those are general codes. Your specific account routing number is shown on your checks, your account statement, or in your online banking portal. Calling customer service is the fastest way if you cannot access those documents.
What is the difference between an ABA code and a SWIFT code?
An ABA code (routing number) is used for domestic wire transfers within the United States. A SWIFT code is used for international wire transfers. Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N. If you are sending money outside the U.S., ask your bank or the receiving institution which code to use.
Do I need both the ABA code and account number to send a wire?
Yes. The ABA code tells the sending bank which institution to route the money to, and the account number tells that institution which account to deposit it into. Without both, the wire cannot be completed. Always provide both pieces of information.
What should I do if my wire was sent to the wrong ABA code?
Contact Bank of America when ready and explain the error. The bank can attempt to recall the wire if it has not yet been processed. If the wire has already been delivered, you may need to file a claim or contact the receiving bank to request a return of the funds. Act quickly, as the window to recover a misdirected wire is limited.