Bank of America's Illinois routing number for wire transfers is 021000021
Bank of America uses a single routing number for all wire transfers sent within the United States, regardless of which state your account is in or where you're sending money. That number is 021000021. You do not need a different routing number based on your branch location in Illinois or anywhere else.
Wire transfers use routing numbers differently than ACH transfers or checks do. When you send a wire, the routing number directs the money through the Federal Reserve system to Bank of America's main processing center, not to your local branch. This is why Bank of America maintains one routing number for all domestic wires, even though the bank operates thousands of branches across the country.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America's routing number for domestic wire transfers is 021000021, and it is the same whether your account is in Illinois or any other state.
- Wire transfers use a different routing number than ACH transfers or check deposits, so do not use your account's ACH routing number when sending a wire.
- You can find your account's specific routing number by logging into your Bank of America account online, calling customer service, or visiting a branch.
- The wire routing number is always 021000021; the account number that follows is unique to your individual account.
Where to find your Bank of America routing number
If you need to confirm the routing number for your specific account, Bank of America provides it in several places. Log into your online banking account and look for account details or account information — the routing number appears there alongside your account number. You can also call Bank of America's customer service line at 1-800-432-1000 and ask a representative to provide your routing number.
Visiting a Bank of America branch in Illinois in person is another option. A teller can write down your routing number and account number on a slip of paper, which you can then use for your wire transfer instructions. Some people keep this information in a safe place for future reference, since you will use the same routing number every time you send a domestic wire from that account.
The difference between wire routing numbers and other routing numbers
Bank of America actually maintains different routing numbers for different types of transfers. The number 021000021 is specifically for wire transfers. If you are setting up an ACH transfer (an electronic transfer that takes one to three business days), your routing number may be different and depends on which state your account is in. Illinois Bank of America accounts typically use routing number 071000013 for ACH transfers, but this can vary by branch.
The routing number printed on the bottom left of your Bank of America checks is yet another number — usually 021000021 or a regional variation — and is used for check processing. Because these numbers serve different purposes within the banking system, using the wrong one can delay your transfer or cause it to fail. When you are sending a wire, always use 021000021.
What information you need to send a wire transfer
To send a wire transfer from your Bank of America account, you will need more than just the routing number. You also need the recipient's full name, their account number, and their bank's routing number. If the recipient's bank is outside the United States, you will also need the bank's SWIFT code (an international identifier) instead of a routing number.
Bank of America allows you to send domestic wires online through your account, by phone, or in person at a branch. Online wires typically cost $15 to $20, and the bank usually processes them the same business day if you submit them before a certain cutoff time — often 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. central time. Phone and in-person wires may cost slightly more. International wires have higher fees and take longer to process.
Common mistakes when providing wire information
One frequent error is confusing the wire routing number with the ACH routing number. If you provide 071000013 (the ACH number) instead of 021000021 when sending a wire, the transfer may be rejected or delayed while the bank sorts out where the money should go. Always double-check that you are using 021000021 for wire transfers specifically.
Another mistake is mixing up the routing number with the SWIFT code. The routing number is a nine-digit number used only within the United States banking system. The SWIFT code is a separate identifier used for international transfers. If you are sending money to a bank outside the U.S., ask the recipient which code their bank uses and confirm whether you need a routing number or a SWIFT code.
Verifying the routing number before you send
Before you submit a wire transfer, take a moment to verify the routing number one more time. Log back into your Bank of America account, call customer service again, or check the confirmation email Bank of America sends after you set up the wire. A small mistake in the routing number can send your money to the wrong bank, and recovering it can take weeks.
If you are sending money to someone else's account, also ask them to confirm their bank's routing number independently. Do not rely solely on what they tell you verbally. Have them check their bank's website, their account statement, or call their bank directly. This extra step prevents wires from being sent to the wrong institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the routing number 021000021 the same for all Bank of America customers?
Yes, 021000021 is Bank of America's routing number for all domestic wire transfers, regardless of which state you live in or which branch your account is at. Every Bank of America customer uses this same number when sending a wire within the United States.
What is the difference between a routing number and an account number?
The routing number identifies the bank (021000021 for Bank of America wires). The account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Both are required to send a wire. The routing number is the same for all Bank of America wire customers; your account number is unique to you.
Can I use the routing number from my checks for a wire transfer?
The routing number on your checks may be 021000021, which would work for a wire, but it is not may provide to be the wire routing number. To be certain, use 021000021 for all domestic wires. If your check shows a different number, contact Bank of America to confirm which number to use for wire transfers.
What happens if I use the wrong routing number?
If you use an incorrect routing number, the wire may be rejected, returned to you, or sent to the wrong bank. Recovery can take one to two weeks. Always verify the routing number before submitting the wire, and ask the recipient to confirm their bank's routing number independently.
Do I need a different routing number to send a wire to another state?
No. Bank of America uses 021000021 for all domestic wire transfers, no matter which state the recipient's bank is in. The routing number does not change based on geography within the United States.