What ABA Numbers Are and Why Bank of America Uses Them for Wire Transfers

Bank of America uses ABA numbers like every other bank — they're the routing numbers that direct wire transfers to the right financial institution

An ABA number is a nine-digit code that identifies a specific bank or credit union. ABA stands for American Bankers Association, the organization that originally assigned these numbers. When you send a wire transfer, the ABA number tells the sending bank which institution should receive the money. Bank of America has multiple ABA numbers because different branches, regions, and wire transfer types use different routing codes.

Bank of America is not different from other banks in this respect — every bank has ABA numbers. The confusion often comes from thinking there is one ABA number per bank, when in reality a large bank like Bank of America may have dozens of routing numbers depending on where your account is held and what type of transfer you are making.

Key Takeaways

• Bank of America has multiple ABA numbers, and the correct one depends on your account location and the type of wire transfer you are sending or receiving.
• You can find your Bank of America ABA number on a check, by calling the bank directly, or by logging into your online account.
• Using the wrong ABA number will delay your wire transfer or send the money to the wrong institution, so verification is essential before you send.
• Wire transfers using ABA numbers are permanent once sent, so confirming the routing number with the recipient beforehand prevents costly mistakes.

How to find your Bank of America ABA number

The fastest way to find your ABA number is to look at a check from your Bank of America account. The ABA number is the first nine digits printed at the bottom left of the check, before the account number. If you do not have a check available, you can call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and provide your account number — they will give you the correct routing number for your specific account and transfer type.

You can also log into your Bank of America online account or mobile app. Go to the account details or settings section, and the routing number will be listed there. Some accounts show multiple routing numbers if you have accounts in different states or account types, so make sure you are looking at the right one for the wire transfer you are about to make.

Why Bank of America has more than one ABA number

Bank of America operates thousands of branches across the United States, and the Federal Reserve assigns different routing numbers to different regions and processing centers. A wire transfer to a Bank of America account in California may use a different ABA number than one going to a Bank of America account in New York. Additionally, different types of accounts — checking, savings, money market — sometimes route through different processing systems and may have different ABA numbers associated with them.

The routing number also depends on whether the wire is domestic (within the United States) or international. Domestic wires use the standard ABA number, while international wires to Bank of America accounts may require a SWIFT code instead, which is a different identifier used for cross-border transfers. Always confirm with Bank of America which code applies to your specific transfer before you send money.

What happens if you use the wrong ABA number

If you provide an incorrect ABA number, the wire transfer may be rejected outright, returned to the sender, or delivered to a different bank entirely. Because wire transfers are processed electronically and move quickly, the sending bank may not catch the error before the money leaves. The receiving bank will then either reject the transfer or hold it while they try to locate the intended recipient.

Once a wire transfer is sent, it cannot be recalled in the same way a check can be stopped. If you realize you used the wrong routing number after sending the transfer, you must contact Bank of America when ready and provide them with the details of the transfer — the amount, the date, and the receiving account information. They can attempt to retrieve the funds, but this process can take days or weeks and is not may provide to succeed.

Verifying the ABA number before you send

Before you initiate any wire transfer, confirm the ABA number with the person or organization receiving the money. Ask them to provide it in writing — an email, a letter, or a screenshot from their bank's website. Do not rely on a verbal confirmation alone, because misheard numbers are a common source of wire transfer errors. If you are sending money to a business, ask for their wire transfer instructions on official letterhead or from their official website.

Double-check the number you have entered into your wire transfer form against the number you received from the recipient. Read both numbers aloud to yourself or have someone else read them back to you. This extra step takes less than a minute and prevents the majority of routing number mistakes that result in lost or misdirected funds.

ABA numbers versus other bank identifiers

Bank of America accounts may also have an account number, a SWIFT code, and an IBAN (International Bank Account Number), depending on the type of transfer. The ABA number is used for domestic wire transfers within the United States. The SWIFT code is used for international wire transfers and identifies the bank globally. The account number is unique to your individual account and is always required along with the ABA number for a domestic wire.

If you are sending money to a Bank of America account outside the United States, you will need the SWIFT code, not the ABA number. Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N for most U.S. accounts, but confirm this with the bank or the recipient before sending an international wire. Mixing up these identifiers is another common source of transfer delays or failures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bank of America's ABA number the same for all accounts?

No. Bank of America has multiple ABA numbers based on account location, account type, and the processing center handling the transfer. You must use the routing number specific to your account. Check a recent check, call the bank, or log into your account to find the correct one for your wire transfer.

Can I use the same ABA number for sending and receiving wire transfers?

Yes, if both transfers involve the same Bank of America account or accounts in the same region. However, always verify the routing number for the specific transfer you are making, because using the wrong one will delay or misdirect the money.

What should I do if my wire transfer was sent to the wrong ABA number?

Contact Bank of America when ready with the transfer details — the amount, date, and receiving account information. Provide them with the incorrect ABA number you used and ask them to attempt recovery. The sooner you report the error, the better the chance of retrieving the funds, though success is not may provide.

Do I need an ABA number to receive a wire transfer at Bank of America?

Yes. The person or business sending you money will need your Bank of America ABA number along with your account number. Provide both pieces of information to anyone who is wiring you funds, and confirm they have the correct routing number for your specific account before they send the transfer.

Is the ABA number on my check the same as my routing number?

Yes. The ABA number and routing number are the same thing. The nine-digit code at the bottom left of your check is the ABA number, and it is the routing number you provide for wire transfers and other electronic transactions.