What an ABA transit number is and where Bank of America's appears
An ABA transit number is a nine-digit code that identifies which bank holds your account. When you send a wire transfer, the receiving bank uses this number to route your money to the correct financial institution. Bank of America's ABA transit number depends on which state your account is held in — the bank operates under different routing numbers in different regions.
You will see the ABA transit number called a "routing number" or "routing transit number" interchangeably. All three terms mean the same thing. The number appears on the bottom left of your checks, and you can also find it through your online banking portal, by calling Bank of America, or by looking it up on the Federal Reserve's routing number database.
The ABA transit number is not the same as your account number. Your account number identifies your specific account within the bank; the ABA transit number identifies the bank itself. You need both pieces of information to send or receive a wire transfer.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America's ABA transit number varies by state and account type, so you must confirm the correct nine-digit code for your specific branch location.
- The routing number appears on the bottom left of your checks, printed before your account number.
- You can find your routing number by logging into your Bank of America online account, calling customer service, or checking the Federal Reserve's routing number lookup tool.
- Wire transfers require both your ABA transit number and your account number to reach the correct destination.
How to find your routing number on a check
The easiest way to locate your ABA transit number is to look at a check from your Bank of America account. At the bottom left of the check, you will see nine digits printed in a special magnetic ink. This is your routing number. The next set of digits after the routing number is your account number, which is longer.
The format looks like this: the nine-digit routing number appears first, followed by your account number, then the check number at the far right. If you do not have checks on hand or prefer not to use them, the other methods below are faster.
Finding your routing number through Bank of America online banking
Log into your Bank of America account on the website or mobile app. Navigate to the account details or account information section — the exact location varies slightly between the website and app, but it is usually under "Account Services" or "Settings."
Once you are in account details, look for a section labeled "Routing Number," "ABA Number," or "Wire Transfer Information." Bank of America displays this information clearly in the account details view. If you cannot locate it, you can also look for a link that says "View routing number" or similar language near your account summary.
The routing number shown in your online account is specific to the branch or region where your account is held. If you have multiple accounts at different Bank of America locations, each may have a different routing number, so verify you are looking at the correct account.
Calling Bank of America to confirm your routing number
You can call Bank of America's customer service line at 1-800-432-1000 to speak with a representative who will provide your ABA transit number over the phone. Have your account number ready when you call, as the representative will ask for it to pull up your account and confirm the correct routing number for your location.
This method is useful if you want to double-check the number before sending a wire transfer, or if you are having trouble locating it online. The representative can also tell you whether your account type or branch location affects which routing number you should use.
Using the Federal Reserve's routing number lookup
The Federal Reserve maintains a public database of all ABA transit numbers assigned to U.S. banks. You can search this database at frbservices.org by entering "Bank of America" and your state. The search will return all routing numbers Bank of America uses in that state.
This method works well if you know your state but are not sure which specific routing number applies to your account. Because Bank of America operates many branches across each state, the lookup may return multiple numbers. Cross-reference the result with your check or online account to confirm you have the right one for your specific branch.
Why routing numbers vary by location and account type
Bank of America assigns different ABA transit numbers to different regions and, in some cases, different account types. This routing structure allows the Federal Reserve and other banks to sort wire transfers efficiently — the routing number tells the receiving bank not just that the money is going to Bank of America, but to which processing center within Bank of America's network.
If you have moved or changed your account type, your routing number may have changed as well. Always verify the current routing number for your account before sending a wire transfer, rather than relying on a number you used in the past.
What to do if you are unsure which routing number to use
If you have looked up multiple routing numbers and are not certain which one applies to your account, contact Bank of America directly before sending your wire transfer. It is better to spend five minutes confirming the correct number than to send money to the wrong routing number, which can delay the transfer or cause it to be rejected.
When you contact the bank, have your account number and the name of your branch location ready. The representative can tell you when ready which of the routing numbers in your state applies to your account. You can also ask the receiving bank (the bank where the money is going) to confirm they have received the correct routing number from you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ABA transit number the same as my account number?
No. Your ABA transit number identifies Bank of America as the institution; your account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Both are required to send or receive a wire transfer. The routing number is nine digits and appears first on your check; your account number is longer and appears after the routing number.
Do all Bank of America accounts in my state use the same routing number?
Not necessarily. Bank of America may use different routing numbers for different branch locations or account types within the same state. Always verify the routing number for your specific account rather than assuming all accounts in your state share one number.
Can I use an old routing number if I moved or changed my account?
You should not rely on an old routing number. If your account location or type has changed, your routing number may have changed as well. Look up your current routing number before sending any wire transfer to avoid delays or rejection.
What happens if I use the wrong routing number?
If you use an incorrect routing number, the wire transfer may be rejected by the receiving bank, or it may be routed to the wrong Bank of America location. Either way, the transfer will be delayed. Contact Bank of America when ready if you realize you have used the wrong number, and they can help trace and correct the transfer.
Where else can I find my routing number besides a check?
You can find your routing number in your Bank of America online account under account details, by calling customer service at 1-800-432-1000, or by searching the Federal Reserve's routing number database at frbservices.org. All three methods will show you the correct nine-digit code for your account.