What Bank of America Routing Number 026009593 Is and When You Need It
Routing number 026009593 is Bank of America's routing number for wire transfers. You use it when someone outside your bank sends you money by wire, or when you send money out of your Bank of America account to another bank. It tells the sending bank's system exactly where to deliver the funds — in this case, to Bank of America's processing center.
This specific routing number works for wire transfers only. Bank of America has different routing numbers for other transaction types like ACH transfers (electronic bill pay and direct deposit) and check processing. If you're wiring money or receiving a wire, this is the number you need. If you're setting up direct deposit or paying a bill electronically, you'll use a different routing number.
The routing number itself is a nine-digit code that the Federal Reserve assigns to each bank. It's not secret — you can find it printed on Bank of America checks, on the bank's website, and in public databases. Scammers don't need your routing number to steal from you; they need your account number and PIN or online password.
Key Takeaways
- Routing number 026009593 is used only for incoming and outgoing wire transfers at Bank of America, not for ACH transfers or bill pay.
- You provide this routing number to the sender's bank when you're receiving a wire, along with your Bank of America account number.
- When you send a wire from Bank of America, you give this routing number to your Bank of America representative or enter it in the wire transfer form.
- Bank of America has separate routing numbers for ACH transfers and check processing, so confirm which type of transaction you're doing before you use any routing number.
When You Receive Money by Wire Transfer
If someone is sending you money by wire — a job offer, a family member, a business payment — they need three pieces of information from you: your Bank of America account number, your full name as it appears on the account, and Bank of America's wire routing number, which is 026009593.
The sender gives this information to their own bank. Their bank then contacts Bank of America using the routing number to confirm the account exists and route the funds there. The whole process usually takes one to two business days, though some banks complete it the same day.
You don't have to do anything to receive the wire except provide the correct information. The money arrives in your account automatically once both banks process it. You'll see a transaction record in your online banking or mobile app, and Bank of America will send you a confirmation.
When You Send Money by Wire Transfer from Bank of America
If you're sending a wire from your Bank of America account, you'll start the process through Bank of America's online banking platform, mobile app, or by calling a representative. You'll need the recipient's bank routing number (which will be different from 026009593 — it belongs to their bank, not yours), their account number, and their full name.
You do not use routing number 026009593 when you're the one sending the wire. That number is Bank of America's identifier; the receiving bank needs the routing number of the bank where the recipient's account is held. Bank of America will ask you for that information as part of the wire form.
Wire transfers from Bank of America typically cost between $15 and $30, depending on whether it's domestic or international. The fee is deducted from your account when you send the wire. The receiving bank may also charge a fee on their end, though that's separate from what Bank of America charges.
How to Find Your Account Number to Give to Senders
When someone is sending you a wire, you need to give them your Bank of America account number along with the routing number. Your account number is a 10-digit code that appears on your checks, in your online banking portal, and on your debit card statements.
The easiest way to find it is to log into your Bank of America online account or mobile app, go to your account details, and copy the account number from there. You can also call Bank of America's customer service line and ask them to read it to you. Never text or email your full account number to someone unless you're certain they're legitimate — for example, a payroll department at your employer.
When you give the sender your information, double-check that they have it right. A single digit wrong in the account number will send the money to the wrong account, and recovering it can take weeks or may not be possible at all.
Bank of America's Other Routing Numbers and When to Use Them
Bank of America has multiple routing numbers because different transaction types go through different processing systems. Routing number 026009593 is only for wire transfers. If you're setting up direct deposit, paying a bill through bill pay, or sending an ACH transfer, you need a different routing number.
For ACH transfers and bill pay, Bank of America's routing number is 121000248. This is the number you'd give your employer for direct deposit, or the number you'd enter when setting up a bill pay payment to another bank account. Using the wrong routing number can delay your transaction or send it to the wrong place.
If you're unsure which routing number you need, the safest approach is to log into your Bank of America account and look for the routing number associated with the specific transaction type. Bank of America's website also has a tool where you can search by state and transaction type to find the correct routing number.
What Happens If You Use the Wrong Routing Number
If a sender uses the wrong routing number, their bank will typically reject the wire and return the funds to them. The sender will see an error message or get a call from their bank saying the routing number doesn't match the transaction type or the receiving bank. They'll then need to start over with the correct routing number.
If you accidentally give someone routing number 121000248 (the ACH number) instead of 026009593 (the wire number), the wire will not go through. The sending bank will catch the mismatch because wire transfers and ACH transfers use different networks. You'll need to contact the sender and ask them to resubmit with the correct routing number.
The process usually adds a few days to the transfer, but the money won't be lost. Once the correct routing number is used, the wire will process normally. This is why it's worth taking 30 seconds to confirm the routing number before you give it to someone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is routing number 026009593 the same for all Bank of America customers?
Yes. This routing number is the same for all Bank of America customers receiving or sending wire transfers, regardless of which state they live in or which branch they use. Bank of America uses one wire routing number for the entire bank.
Can someone steal money from my account if they have my routing number?
No. A routing number alone cannot be used to steal money. A thief would also need your account number and either your online banking password, your PIN, or authorization from you to initiate a transfer. Routing numbers are public information and are printed on checks.
How long does a wire transfer take with this routing number?
Domestic wire transfers using routing number 026009593 typically arrive within one to two business days. Some transfers complete the same day if both banks process them quickly, but one to two days is standard. International wires take longer, usually three to five business days.
What if I'm receiving a wire and the sender says they need a different routing number?
Double-check with Bank of America before giving them anything else. Call Bank of America's customer service line or log into your account and verify the wire routing number. If the sender is asking for a different number, they may have incorrect information or may be attempting fraud. Legitimate senders will accept the correct routing number.
Do I need routing number 026009593 to receive a check or ACH transfer?
No. For checks, the routing number is printed on the check itself and the recipient doesn't need to provide it. For ACH transfers like direct deposit, you need Bank of America's ACH routing number, which is 121000248, not 026009593.