What a Bank of America routing number is and where to find it
A routing number is a nine-digit code that tells the banking system which Bank of America location should receive your money during a wire transfer or other electronic transaction. Bank of America has different routing numbers depending on which state your account is held in, so the first step is knowing which one belongs to your account.
You can find your routing number in three places: at the bottom left of your checks (it's the first set of numbers), in the Bank of America mobile app under account details, or by calling Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000. The easiest method for most people is to log into their online banking account and look under account information or settings.
Do not confuse your routing number with your account number. Your account number is unique to you alone. Your routing number is shared by everyone at your Bank of America branch location in that state.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America routing numbers are nine digits and vary by state, so you need the one for the state where your account is registered.
- You can find your routing number on the bottom left of your checks, in the mobile app, or by calling customer service.
- The routing number tells the wire transfer system which Bank of America location should receive the funds.
- You will also need your account number, which is different from your routing number, to complete a wire transfer.
- Bank of America routing numbers for common states include 011000015 for California, 021000021 for New York, and 026009593 for Florida, though you should verify the one for your specific state.
How routing numbers work in a wire transfer
When you send a wire transfer from your Bank of America account, you provide the receiving bank with your routing number so they know where to pull the money from. The receiving bank uses that routing number to contact Bank of America and confirm your account exists and has sufficient funds.
The routing number acts as an address for your bank. Just as the postal service uses a ZIP code to route mail to the right location, the wire transfer system uses the routing number to route money to the right financial institution. Without it, the transfer cannot be processed.
If you give an incorrect routing number, the wire transfer will either be rejected or sent to the wrong bank. This is why it is critical to double-check the number before you submit the transfer.
Bank of America routing numbers by state
Bank of America maintains separate routing numbers for different states. The routing number for your account depends on which state your account was opened in or is currently registered to, not necessarily where you live now.
| State | Routing Number |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 061000052 |
| Arizona | 122000248 |
| California | 011000015 |
| Colorado | 102000076 |
| Connecticut | 021101108 |
| Delaware | 031000503 |
| Florida | 026009593 |
| Georgia | 061000052 |
| Illinois | 071000013 |
| Indiana | 074000010 |
| Kentucky | 083000137 |
| Louisiana | 061000052 |
| Maryland | 051000017 |
| Massachusetts | 011000015 |
| Michigan | 072000805 |
| Minnesota | 091000019 |
| Missouri | 081000210 |
| Nevada | 122000248 |
| New Jersey | 021201633 |
| New York | 021000021 |
| North Carolina | 053000219 |
| Ohio | 041000124 |
| Pennsylvania | 031000084 |
| Tennessee | 061000052 |
| Texas | 111000025 |
| Virginia | 051000017 |
| Washington | 125000105 |
If your state is not listed or you are unsure which routing number applies to your account, check your checks, your online banking account, or contact Bank of America directly. Using the wrong routing number for your state can delay or misdirect your transfer.
Difference between routing number and account number
Your routing number identifies your bank and branch. Your account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Both are required to send or receive a wire transfer, and they serve different purposes.
Your account number is printed on your checks to the right of the routing number. It is typically 10 to 12 digits long. Only you have this account number; it is not shared with other customers. The routing number, by contrast, is the same for all Bank of America customers in your state.
Think of it this way: the routing number is like the address of a post office, and your account number is like your mailbox number inside that post office. The postal worker needs both pieces of information to deliver your mail to the right place.
What to do if you cannot find your routing number
If you cannot locate your routing number on your checks or in your online account, you have several options. Call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and provide your account number; they will tell you your routing number when ready. You can also visit a Bank of America branch in person and ask a teller.
If you are setting up a wire transfer through Bank of America's website or mobile app, the system may fill in your routing number automatically once you select your account. This is the safest method because it removes the risk of entering the wrong number by hand.
Do not guess or use a routing number you find online without confirming it matches your account. An incorrect routing number can cause the transfer to fail or go to the wrong place, and recovering misdirected funds can take weeks.
Common mistakes when using a routing number
The most common error is using the wrong routing number for your state. Bank of America has multiple routing numbers, and using one that does not match your account's state will cause problems. Always verify the routing number matches the state where your account is registered.
Another mistake is confusing the routing number with the account number or the SWIFT code. If you are sending money internationally, you may need a SWIFT code instead of a routing number. SWIFT codes are used for transfers between countries, while routing numbers are for domestic transfers within the United States.
People also sometimes transpose digits when writing down or typing the routing number. Since it is only nine digits, a single mistake will cause the transfer to fail. Copy the number directly from your check or account information rather than typing it from memory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Bank of America accounts in the same state share the same routing number?
Yes. All Bank of America checking and savings accounts in the same state use the same routing number. The routing number identifies the state location, not the individual account. Your account number is what makes your account unique.
Can I use the same routing number for direct deposit and wire transfers?
Yes. The routing number works the same way for direct deposit, wire transfers, ACH transfers, and other electronic transactions. It always tells the system which Bank of America location to send the money to.
What if I moved to a different state after opening my account?
Your routing number stays the same as the state where your account was originally opened. If you opened your account in California and moved to Texas, you still use the California routing number. You do not need to change it unless you close the account and open a new one in your new state.
Is the routing number on my check the same as the one I use for wire transfers?
Yes. The nine-digit number at the bottom left of your check is your routing number, and it is the same one you use for wire transfers, direct deposit, and other electronic transfers.
What happens if I use an incorrect routing number?
The transfer will likely be rejected by the receiving bank, or it may be sent to a different Bank of America location. Either way, the money will not reach the intended account. Contact Bank of America when ready if this happens so they can help trace the transfer and recover the funds.