Bank of America's routing number for wire transfers is 021000021

When you send a wire transfer through Bank of America, you need a nine-digit routing number to tell the banking system where the money should go. Bank of America uses 021000021 for domestic wire transfers sent from most of its U.S. accounts. This number is the same whether you're wiring money from a checking account, savings account, or money market account at Bank of America.

The routing number is not the same as your account number. Your account number identifies your specific account; the routing number identifies Bank of America itself as the receiving bank. Both pieces of information are required to complete a wire transfer, but they serve different purposes in the transaction.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America's domestic wire transfer routing number is 021000021, and it applies to all account types at the bank.
  • You can find your routing number on the bottom left of your checks, in your online banking portal, or by calling Bank of America directly.
  • International wire transfers to Bank of America accounts use a different code called a SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N), not a routing number.
  • The routing number stays the same regardless of which Bank of America branch you use or where your account is physically located.
  • Double-check the routing number before sending a wire because errors can delay the transfer or send money to the wrong bank.

Where to find your routing number on a check

The easiest place to locate a routing number is on a Bank of America check. Look at the bottom left corner of the check. You will see three groups of numbers separated by colons or special symbols. The first group of nine digits is the routing number. The second group is your account number, and the third is the check number.

This method works only if you have physical checks. If you have not ordered checks or prefer not to use them, you can find the routing number through other means without needing to write a check or wait for one to arrive.

Finding the routing number in your online banking account

Log into your Bank of America online banking portal or mobile app and navigate to your account details or account information section. The routing number is often listed alongside your account number in the account summary area. Some banks display this information under "Account Details," "Routing and Account Numbers," or a similar heading.

If you cannot locate it in the obvious places, try the help or FAQ section of your online banking platform. Bank of America's website also has a routing number lookup tool where you can enter your state and account type to confirm the correct number.

Calling Bank of America to confirm the routing number

You can call Bank of America's customer service line to ask for your routing number. A representative will verify your identity and provide the number over the phone. This method is useful if you want to confirm the number before sending a large wire transfer or if you are having trouble finding it online.

Bank of America's main customer service number is on the back of your debit card or credit card. You can also find it on the bank's official website. Have your account number or Social Security number ready when you call, as the bank will ask for this information to verify who you are.

Understanding routing numbers for different wire transfer scenarios

The routing number 021000021 applies to domestic wires—transfers between U.S. bank accounts. If you are sending money to a Bank of America account in another country or receiving a wire from outside the United States, you will need a different identifier called a SWIFT code. Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N for U.S. accounts.

Some Bank of America branches or regions may have different routing numbers for specific purposes, though 021000021 covers the vast majority of personal and small business accounts. If you are wiring money to a Bank of America account and the bank tells you to use a different routing number, follow their instruction—they may be referring to a specialized account type or service.

What happens if you use the wrong routing number

If you enter an incorrect routing number, the wire transfer may be rejected before it leaves your bank, or it may be sent to the wrong financial institution. In either case, the money does not reach the intended recipient. A rejected transfer usually returns to your account within one to three business days, though you may be charged a wire fee by your bank.

If the money goes to the wrong bank, recovery is more complicated. You will need to contact your bank and the receiving bank to trace the transfer and request a reversal. This process can take weeks. Always double-check the routing number and account number before confirming a wire transfer, especially for large amounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the routing number the same for all Bank of America branches?

Yes. The routing number 021000021 is used for all Bank of America domestic wire transfers, regardless of which branch you use or where your account is located. The routing number identifies the bank, not the individual branch.

Can I use the routing number from my checks for a wire transfer?

Yes. The routing number printed on your checks is the same one you use for wire transfers. You do not need a different number for different types of transactions.

What is the difference between a routing number and a SWIFT code?

A 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. You will know which one you need based on whether the receiving account is in the U.S. or abroad.

Do I need both the routing number and account number to send a wire?

Yes. The routing number tells the banking system which bank to send the money to, and the account number tells that bank which specific account within the bank should receive the funds. Both are required for a successful wire transfer.

What if Bank of America tells me to use a different routing number?

Follow the routing number that Bank of America provides. In rare cases, certain account types or services may use a different routing number. If a Bank of America representative gives you a specific routing number for your wire transfer, use that number instead of the standard one.