Bank of America routing numbers depend on which state your account is in
Bank of America uses different routing numbers based on the state where your branch is located, not where you live or where you're sending money. When you wire money from a Bank of America account, the receiving bank needs the correct routing number to process the transfer. Using the wrong one can delay your wire or send it to the wrong place.
The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific Bank of America processing center. It is not the same as your account number, and it does not change if you move or switch branches. Once you find the correct routing number for your account's home state, you can use it for all future wire transfers.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America routing numbers are assigned by state, so you need to know which state your account was opened in or is domiciled in.
- The most common Bank of America routing number is 121000248, which handles many accounts, but your account may use a different one depending on your state.
- You can find your routing number on the bottom left of your checks, in your online banking portal under account details, or by calling Bank of America customer service.
- Wire transfers require the exact routing number; using an incorrect one will not send your money to the wrong account, but it may cause delays while the bank corrects the routing.
Where to find your Bank of America routing number
The fastest way to find your routing number is to look at a check from your account. The nine-digit number on the bottom left of the check, before your account number, is your routing number. If you do not have checks, log into your Bank of America online banking account and go to the account details or account information section—most accounts display the routing number there.
You can also call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and provide your account number. A representative will give you the routing number for your specific account. If you are setting up a wire transfer through your Bank of America account, the bank's wire transfer form or online portal will often show the routing number you need to provide to the receiving bank.
Common Bank of America routing numbers by state
Bank of America maintains multiple routing numbers across different states. The routing number 121000248 is used for many accounts nationwide, but it is not universal. Other states have their own routing numbers—for example, California accounts may use a different routing number than accounts in New York or Texas.
Rather than memorizing a list, verify your specific routing number through one of the methods above. The receiving bank will reject or flag a wire if the routing number does not match your account's actual processing center. Bank of America's customer service or your online banking portal will always show the correct number for your account.
What happens if you use the wrong routing number
If you provide an incorrect routing number when sending a wire, the transfer will not go through when ready. The receiving bank will either reject the wire and return it to Bank of America, or Bank of America will catch the error and contact you to confirm the correct routing number before processing the wire. Either way, the wire will be delayed by one to three business days.
Your money will not be sent to someone else's account. The routing number identifies the bank and processing center, not the individual account. However, delays cost time, especially if you are paying a bill or important date. Double-check your routing number before you submit any wire transfer.
Routing numbers versus account numbers
The routing number and account number are two separate pieces of information, and both are required to complete a wire transfer. The routing number tells the banking system which bank and processing center to send the money to. Your account number tells that bank which specific account within Bank of America should receive the funds.
On a check, the routing number appears first on the bottom left (nine digits), followed by your account number (usually 10 to 12 digits). When you wire money to someone else's account, you provide their bank's routing number and their account number. When someone wires money to you, they need your Bank of America routing number and your account number.
Wire transfers from Bank of America accounts
To send a wire transfer from your Bank of America account, you will need the receiving bank's routing number and the recipient's account number, not your own routing number. Log into your online banking account, select "Wire Transfer" or "Send Money," and enter the receiving bank's routing number, the recipient's account number, and the amount. Bank of America will show you a confirmation screen before the wire is sent.
Wire transfers typically process the same business day if submitted before the bank's cutoff time, usually 2 p.m. Eastern Time. If you submit after the cutoff, the wire will process the next business day. Bank of America may charge a fee for outgoing domestic wire transfers—check your account terms or call customer service to confirm the current fee.
International wire transfers and SWIFT codes
If you are sending money to a bank outside the United States, you will need the receiving bank's SWIFT code instead of a routing number. A SWIFT code is an international identifier similar to a routing number but used for banks outside the U.S. Bank of America's own SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N, but you will need the receiving bank's SWIFT code to complete an international wire.
International wires take longer than domestic wires—typically three to five business days—and may involve additional fees and currency conversion. When you initiate an international wire through Bank of America, the system will prompt you for the SWIFT code and other details specific to the receiving country. Bank of America customer service can help you locate the correct SWIFT code if you do not have it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the routing number on my Bank of America debit card the same as the one on my checks?
No, the routing number does not appear on your debit card. You will find it on your checks, in your online banking account, or by calling customer service. The debit card shows your card number and expiration date, which are different from your routing and account numbers.
Can I use the same routing number for all my Bank of America accounts?
Not necessarily. If you have multiple accounts at Bank of America in the same state, they may share the same routing number. However, if you have accounts in different states, each account may have a different routing number. Check each account individually to be sure.
What if Bank of America tells me my routing number is different from what I found on my check?
Call Bank of America and confirm the routing number directly with a representative using your account number. If there is a discrepancy, use the number the bank provides over the phone. The bank's records are the authoritative source for your account's routing number.
Do I need my routing number to receive a wire transfer?
Yes. The person or business sending you money needs your Bank of America routing number and your account number to complete the wire. Provide both pieces of information to anyone who is wiring you funds.
Can I change my Bank of America routing number?
No, you cannot change your routing number. It is assigned by the bank based on your account's home state and processing center. If you move to a different state, your existing account keeps its original routing number unless you close it and open a new account in the new state.