What a Bank of America ABA Number Is and Where to Find It

Your ABA number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific Bank of America branch. Banks use it to route money to the correct location when you receive a wire transfer or when you set up automatic payments. Every bank has its own ABA numbers, and Bank of America has different ones depending on which state your account is held in.

You do not need to hunt for this number. It appears on the bottom left of every check you receive from Bank of America — it is the first set of nine digits, before your account number. If you do not have a check handy, you can find it by logging into your Bank of America online account, calling customer service, or visiting a branch in person.

The ABA number is not secret and does not give anyone access to your money. It is safe to share it with employers, payroll companies, or anyone else who needs to send you money by wire or direct deposit.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Bank of America ABA number is printed on the bottom left of your checks and identifies which branch holds your account.
  • Different Bank of America branches in different states have different ABA numbers, so make sure you have the one for your specific branch.
  • You can find your ABA number by checking a check, logging into your online account, calling 1-800-432-1000, or visiting your local branch.
  • The ABA number is safe to share and is required for wire transfers, direct deposits, and automatic bill payments.

Finding Your ABA Number Through Your Bank of America Check

The easiest way to locate your ABA number is to look at a check from your checking account. Open your checkbook and look at the bottom of any check. You will see three sets of numbers printed in magnetic ink.

The first set of nine digits on the left is your ABA number. The second set is your account number. The third set, on the right, is the check number. Write down only the first nine digits — that is your ABA.

If you have not ordered checks yet or your checks are not nearby, move to one of the other methods below. But if you have a check available, this is the fastest route.

Looking Up Your ABA Number Online

Log into your Bank of America account at bankofamerica.com or through the mobile app. Once you are signed in, go to your account details or account information section. The ABA number is usually listed near your account number and routing information.

If you cannot find it in the main account section, look under settings or account services. Some versions of the Bank of America website label it as "routing number" — that is the same thing as your ABA number. Write it down or take a screenshot so you have it when you need it.

This method works whether you have a checking account, savings account, or money market account, though you will only need the ABA for transactions tied to your checking account.

Calling Bank of America Customer Service

You can call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and ask for your ABA number. Have your account number and a form of identification ready — they may ask you to verify who you are before sharing account details.

Customer service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The wait time varies depending on how busy the lines are, but this is a quick question and usually takes less than five minutes once you reach a representative.

If you are calling from outside the United States, you can find the international number on the Bank of America website.

Visiting a Bank of America Branch

Walk into any Bank of America branch with your ID and ask a teller for your ABA number. They can print it out for you or write it on a piece of paper. This is useful if you want to confirm the number in person or if you prefer not to share information over the phone or online.

Branch hours vary by location, so check the Bank of America website or call ahead to make sure someone is available. You do not need an appointment for this — it is a routine request that takes a few minutes.

Understanding Why Your ABA Number Matters for Wire Transfers

When someone sends you money by wire transfer, they need your ABA number to tell their bank which Bank of America branch to send the money to. Without it, the wire cannot reach your account. The sender's bank uses the ABA to route the transfer through the Federal Reserve's system to the correct destination.

This is different from your account number, which identifies your specific account within that branch. Together, the ABA number and account number make sure the money lands in your account and nowhere else.

If you give someone the wrong ABA number, the wire may go to a different Bank of America branch or to a different bank entirely. That is why it is important to double-check the number before you share it, especially for large transfers.

ABA Numbers for Different Bank of America States and Account Types

Bank of America operates in all 50 states and has different ABA numbers for different regions. Your ABA number depends on which state your account is registered in, not where you currently live or which branch you visit most often.

For example, if your account is registered in California, your ABA number will be different from someone whose account is registered in New York, even if you both use Bank of America. When you open an account, the bank assigns you an ABA based on the state you select.

If you move to a different state and want to change your account's home state, you can contact Bank of America to update it. This will change your ABA number. For most people, this is not necessary — you can keep your account registered in its original state and still use it anywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my ABA number the same as my routing number?

Yes. ABA number and routing number mean the same thing. ABA stands for American Bankers Association, the organization that created the system. Banks use both terms interchangeably, so if someone asks for your routing number, give them your ABA number.

Can I use the same ABA number for all my Bank of America accounts?

Yes. All your Bank of America accounts registered in the same state share the same ABA number. Your account number is what changes from account to account. So if you have a checking account and a savings account, they both use the same ABA but different account numbers.

What if I have an old check with a different ABA number?

If your checks are very old, the ABA number may have changed due to a bank merger or branch consolidation. Use the ABA from a recent check or from your online account instead. If you are unsure, call Bank of America to confirm which ABA is current for your account.

Do I need my ABA number to set up direct deposit?

Yes. Your employer or payroll company will ask for your ABA number and account number to set up direct deposit. This tells their bank where to send your paycheck. You can find both numbers on a check or by logging into your Bank of America account.

Is it safe to give my ABA number to someone?

Yes. Your ABA number is public information and cannot be used to withdraw money from your account or access your funds. You need your account number and other security information for that. Share your ABA freely with employers, vendors, and anyone else who needs to send you money.