What a Bank of America ABA number is and why you need it
Your ABA number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific Bank of America branch. When you send or receive a wire transfer, the ABA number tells the banking system exactly which branch holds your account. Without it, your money can be delayed or sent to the wrong place.
Bank of America uses different ABA numbers for different states and account types. The number is not the same as your account number or routing number, though all three appear on your checks and in your online banking portal. If you are wiring money to or from a Bank of America account, you will need the ABA number of the branch where that account is held.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America ABA numbers are nine digits long and identify the specific branch where an account is held, not the account itself.
- You can find your ABA number on the bottom left of your checks, in your Bank of America online banking account, or by calling customer service.
- Different Bank of America branches in different states have different ABA numbers, so you must use the number for the branch where the account is actually located.
- When sending a wire transfer, you need the ABA number of the receiving bank or branch, not your own bank's main routing number.
Where to find your Bank of America ABA number
The easiest place to find your ABA number is on a check from your Bank of America account. Look at the bottom left corner of the check. You will see three groups of numbers: the ABA number (nine digits) comes first, followed by your account number, then the check number on the right.
If you do not have a check handy, log into your Bank of America online banking account or mobile app. Go to your account details or account information section. Your ABA number will be listed there alongside your routing number and account number. You can also call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and ask for the ABA number associated with your specific branch.
How Bank of America ABA numbers differ by location and account type
Bank of America operates thousands of branches across the United States, and each branch has its own ABA number. If your account is held at a Bank of America branch in California, that branch's ABA number will be different from a branch in New York or Texas. This matters because wire transfers route based on the branch location, not the account holder's location.
Some Bank of America accounts, particularly business accounts or accounts opened through specific programs, may have different ABA numbers than standard consumer checking accounts at the same branch. If you are unsure whether your account uses the standard branch ABA number or a different one, check your checks or call customer service to confirm before you initiate a wire transfer.
The difference between ABA number, routing number, and account number
These three numbers all appear on your checks and in your account details, but they serve different purposes. Your ABA number identifies the specific branch. Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies Bank of America as a whole for automated clearing house (ACH) transfers and other electronic payments. Your account number is unique to you and identifies which account at that branch is yours.
For wire transfers, you typically need the ABA number of the receiving bank or branch, along with the account number of the person receiving the money. For ACH transfers (like direct deposit or bill pay), you use the routing number instead. Using the wrong number can cause delays or send your money to the wrong account, so double-check which number the receiving institution is asking for before you send anything.
What to do if you cannot find your ABA number
If your checks are old or you do not have access to them, and you cannot log into your online banking account, call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000. Have your account number and a form of identification ready. A representative can tell you the ABA number for your specific branch in a few minutes.
You can also visit a Bank of America branch in person and ask a teller for your ABA number. Bring your debit card or a form of identification. If you are setting up a wire transfer through an outside bank or service, that institution may also be able to look up the correct ABA number for you if you provide them with your Bank of America account number and branch location.
Common mistakes when using your Bank of America ABA number
The most common error is using Bank of America's main routing number instead of the specific branch ABA number. While both are nine digits, they are not interchangeable for wire transfers. A wire sent with the routing number instead of the ABA number may be rejected or delayed while the system tries to figure out which branch should receive it.
Another mistake is transposing digits when you write down or type the ABA number. Because it is nine digits, a single number out of place can send the transfer to a different branch entirely. Always double-check the number you are using against your check or your online account before you confirm the wire transfer. If the receiving bank asks you to verify the ABA number before processing, take that step seriously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ABA number the same for all Bank of America accounts?
No. The ABA number is specific to the branch where your account is held. If you have two accounts at different Bank of America branches, each account will have a different ABA number. If you move your account to a different branch, your ABA number may change.
Can I use my Bank of America routing number instead of the ABA number for a wire transfer?
No. Wire transfers require the ABA number of the specific branch, not the routing number. Using the routing number may cause the transfer to be rejected or delayed. Always confirm with the receiving bank which number they need before you send the wire.
What if the wire transfer is rejected because I used the wrong ABA number?
Contact your bank when ready. If the transfer was rejected before it left your account, the money should still be there. If it went through but to the wrong branch, your bank can attempt to trace it and retrieve it, but this process can take several days or longer. Prevention is easier than recovery.
Do I need the ABA number if I am receiving a wire transfer to my Bank of America account?
Yes. The person sending you the money will need your Bank of America ABA number along with your account number. Provide them with the ABA number for the specific branch where your account is held, not a different branch's number.
Where do I find the ABA number if I bank with Bank of America online only?
Log into your online banking account and look in your account details or account information section. Your ABA number will be listed there. You can also call Bank of America customer service and provide your account number to get the ABA number for your account's branch.