Bank of America routing numbers in Washington vary by branch location and wire type

Bank of America does not use a single routing number across Washington state. The routing number you need depends on which Bank of America branch holds your account and whether you are sending a domestic wire, an international wire, or an ACH transfer. Most Bank of America customers in Washington use routing number 121000248 for domestic wires and ACH transfers, but some branches and account types use different numbers.

The fastest way to find your exact routing number is to check your Bank of America checks — the routing number appears in the bottom left corner as a nine-digit code. You can also log into your Bank of America online account, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card, or visit a local branch and ask.

Wire transfer instructions require precision. Using the wrong routing number can delay your transfer, send money to the wrong bank, or cause the wire to be rejected entirely. Bank of America customer service can confirm the correct routing number for your specific account in under five minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Bank of America customers in Washington use routing number 121000248 for domestic wires and ACH transfers, but your specific account may use a different number.
  • Your routing number appears on the bottom left of your Bank of America checks as a nine-digit code.
  • Bank of America's online banking portal, customer service phone line, or a local branch can confirm your routing number before you send a wire.
  • International wires from Bank of America may require a SWIFT code in addition to or instead of a routing number, depending on the receiving bank's country.

How to locate your routing number before sending a wire

Check your Bank of America checks first. Open your checkbook and look at the bottom left corner of any check. You will see three groups of numbers separated by colons or symbols. The first group is your routing number — always nine digits.

If you do not have checks or cannot access them quickly, log into your Bank of America online account. Go to the account details or account information section. Some accounts display the routing number directly; others require you to contact customer service from within the portal.

Call Bank of America customer service at the number on the back of your debit card or visit a local Washington branch in person. Have your account number ready. A representative can tell you the routing number over the phone in minutes and can also confirm whether you need any additional codes for your specific wire transfer.

Routing number 121000248 and when it applies

Routing number 121000248 is the primary Bank of America routing number used for most domestic wire transfers and ACH transfers from Washington accounts. This number routes your wire through Bank of America's main processing center.

This routing number works for wires sent to other U.S. banks and for ACH transfers (the slower, batch-processed transfers often used for payroll or bill payments). It does not work for international wires, which require a SWIFT code instead.

Some Bank of America accounts, particularly older accounts or those tied to specific branches, may still use different routing numbers. This is why confirming your personal routing number before sending a wire is important — using the wrong number can cause delays even if the wire eventually reaches the correct bank.

International wires and SWIFT codes

If you are sending money out of the United States from a Bank of America account in Washington, you will need Bank of America's SWIFT code instead of a routing number. The SWIFT code for Bank of America is BOFAUS3N for most international wires.

SWIFT codes are eight or eleven characters long and identify banks in international wire systems. The receiving bank's instructions will tell you whether to use a SWIFT code, a routing number, or both. Many countries require the SWIFT code; some also ask for an intermediary bank code or additional account details.

Bank of America can provide the exact codes and instructions needed for your destination country. Call customer service or visit a branch before you initiate the wire, because international wires cannot be reversed once sent and incorrect codes can cause the money to be held or returned after weeks of delay.

What to do if you cannot find your routing number

Do not guess or use a routing number you find online without confirming it matches your account. Bank of America has multiple routing numbers in use, and using the wrong one can cause your wire to fail or be delayed.

Contact Bank of America directly through one of these channels: call the customer service number on your debit card, log into your online account and use the find message feature, visit a local branch with your ID and account number, or use the Bank of America mobile app if you have it installed. Each method will connect you to someone who can confirm your routing number in minutes.

Have your account number ready when you contact them. This speeds up the process and ensures the representative gives you the routing number tied to your specific account, not a generic number that might not work for your wire.

Common mistakes when using a routing number for a wire

Transposing digits is the most common error. Routing numbers are nine digits, and a single wrong digit sends your wire to a different bank or causes it to be rejected. Read the number aloud to yourself or to the person processing the wire, and have them read it back to you.

Using a routing number meant for ACH transfers when sending a wire, or vice versa, can also cause problems. Most of the time the same routing number works for both, but some accounts have separate numbers. Ask Bank of America which routing number applies to the specific type of transfer you are sending.

Confusing a routing number with an account number is another frequent mistake. Your account number is longer (usually 10 to 12 digits) and appears on your statements and checks. The routing number is always nine digits and appears only in the bottom left corner of checks. Wire instructions ask for both, so make sure you are entering each in the correct field.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is routing number 121000248 the same for all Bank of America customers in Washington?

Most Bank of America customers in Washington use this routing number for domestic wires and ACH transfers, but not all. Some older accounts or accounts at specific branches may use different routing numbers. Check your checks or contact Bank of America to confirm the routing number for your account.

Can I use the same routing number for a wire transfer and an ACH transfer?

Usually yes — Bank of America's primary routing number works for both domestic wires and ACH transfers. However, some account types may have separate routing numbers for each transfer type. Ask Bank of America which routing number to use for your specific transfer before you send it.

What happens if I use the wrong routing number?

The wire may be rejected, delayed, or sent to a different bank. Bank of America can sometimes trace and recover a wire sent to the wrong routing number, but this takes time and is not may provide. Always confirm your routing number before sending a wire.

Do I need a SWIFT code or a routing number to send money internationally from Bank of America?

International wires require a SWIFT code, not a routing number. Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N for most international transfers. The receiving bank's instructions will tell you what codes and information you need to provide.

Where do I find my routing number if I do not have checks?

Log into your Bank of America online account, call customer service at the number on your debit card, or visit a local branch with your ID. Each method will show you your routing number in minutes without requiring a check.