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 direct deposit. 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: the bottom left corner of your checks (it's the first set of numbers), your Bank of America online banking dashboard under account details, or by calling Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000. The fastest method for most people is to log into their Bank of America account online or through the mobile app and look for "Routing Number" in the account information section.
Do not guess or use a routing number you find online without confirming it matches your specific account location. Using the wrong routing number can delay your transfer or send money to the wrong place.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America routing numbers are nine digits and vary by state, so you must confirm which one belongs to your account before sending a wire transfer.
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of your checks, in your online banking account details, or by phone through customer service.
- The routing number tells the banking system which Bank of America location processes your account, not which branch you visit.
- Wire transfers and direct deposits both require the correct routing number to reach the right account without delay.
Why Bank of America uses different routing numbers by state
Bank of America operates across all 50 states and uses different routing numbers for different regions. This is standard practice across all large banks — the routing number identifies not just the bank, but the specific processing center that handles accounts in that state or region.
When you opened your Bank of America account, it was assigned to a processing center based on the state where you live or where you opened the account. That processing center's routing number is the one you need for wire transfers and direct deposits. If you move to a different state, your account may keep the same routing number, or Bank of America may reassign it — you should confirm with the bank rather than assume it stayed the same.
How to locate your routing number on a Bank of America check
If you have a Bank of America checkbook, your routing number is printed on every check. Look at the bottom left corner of the check. You will see three groups of numbers separated by colons or dashes. The first group of nine digits is your routing number.
The format looks like this: routing number : account number : check number. The routing number always comes first and is always nine digits. If you do not have checks or cannot locate them, the online method or phone call is faster than ordering new checks just to find this number.
Finding your routing number through Bank of America online banking
Log into your Bank of America account at bankofamerica.com or through the mobile app. Once you are signed in, navigate to the account you need the routing number for and look for a section labeled "Account Details," "Account Information," or "Routing Number." Bank of America displays this information clearly in the account summary.
If you cannot find it in the obvious places, try clicking on the account itself to open its full details page. Some versions of the Bank of America website organize this information under a "Settings" or "Preferences" menu. The routing number will be displayed as a nine-digit code with no dashes or spaces.
Calling Bank of America to confirm your routing number
You can reach Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000. Have your account number ready when you call. A representative will confirm your routing number over the phone and can also verify that it is correct for your specific account and location.
This method is useful if you are unsure whether the number you found online matches your account, or if you need when ready confirmation before sending a wire transfer. Customer service can also tell you if your account has been reassigned to a different routing number since you opened it.
Common mistakes when using a Bank of America routing number
The most common error is using a routing number that belongs to a different state or region. If you find a routing number online and it does not match the one on your checks or in your account details, do not use it. Wire transfers sent to the wrong routing number may be rejected or delayed while the banking system tries to locate the correct destination.
Another mistake is confusing your routing number with your account number. Your account number is longer (usually 10 to 12 digits) and appears after the routing number on your checks. For wire transfers, you need both numbers — the routing number tells the system which bank, and the account number tells it which account within that bank.
Do not assume your routing number stayed the same if you moved states or changed your account type. While many accounts keep the same routing number, some do not. Always verify before sending money.
What happens after you provide your routing number for a wire transfer
Once you provide your Bank of America routing number and account number to the person or organization sending you money, the banking system uses the routing number to direct the transfer to Bank of America's processing center for your state. From there, the account number directs it to your specific account.
Wire transfers typically arrive within one business day, though some arrive the same day if sent early enough. If a wire does not arrive within two business days, contact Bank of America with the sender's name, the amount, and the date it was sent. The bank can trace the transfer using the routing number and account number to find out where it went.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Bank of America accounts in my state have the same routing number?
Yes. All Bank of America accounts in the same state share the same routing number, regardless of which branch you use or what type of account you have. The routing number identifies the state-level processing center, not your individual branch.
Can I use the same routing number for wire transfers and direct deposits?
Yes. Your Bank of America routing number works for both wire transfers and direct deposits. It is the same nine-digit code in both cases.
What if I use the wrong routing number for a wire transfer?
The transfer may be rejected by the receiving bank, or it may be delayed while the banking system tries to locate the correct destination. Contact Bank of America when ready with the transfer details so they can help trace it. Provide the sender's name, the amount, and the date sent.
Does my routing number change if I move to a different state?
It may or may not. Some accounts keep the same routing number even after you move, while others are reassigned to the new state's routing number. Contact Bank of America to confirm your current routing number after a move.
Is my routing number the same as my SWIFT code?
No. Your routing number is used for domestic transfers within the United States. A SWIFT code is used for international wire transfers. Bank of America can provide your SWIFT code if you need to receive money from outside the U.S.