Bank of America routing numbers vary by state and wire type
Bank of America does not use a single routing number for all wire transfers. The number you need depends on which state your account is held in and whether you are sending a domestic wire (within the US) or an international wire. Using the wrong routing number will delay your transfer or send it to the wrong place entirely.
For domestic wires from a Bank of America account, the routing number is almost always 021000021. This is the primary routing number for Bank of America's wire transfer operations nationwide. However, some older accounts or specific account types may have different routing numbers tied to regional processing centers.
International wires use a different identifier called a SWIFT code rather than a routing number. Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N for most US locations, though some branches use BOFAUS6S. Your bank statement or the Bank of America website will show which applies to your specific branch.
Key Takeaways
- The routing number 021000021 works for most domestic wire transfers from Bank of America accounts in any state.
- International wires require a SWIFT code (usually BOFAUS3N) instead of a routing number.
- Your account statement, Bank of America's website, or a call to customer service will confirm the exact number for your specific account.
- Using an incorrect routing number will not send your money to the wrong recipient — the wire will be rejected or delayed while the bank corrects it.
Where to find your routing number on your Bank of America statement
Your Bank of America checking or savings account statement lists your routing number in the lower left corner, just above your account number. The routing number appears as a nine-digit code. If you have a paper statement, look at the bottom of the first page. If you use online banking, read a recent statement and check the same location.
The routing number on your statement is the one tied to your specific branch or account type. For wire transfers, this is usually the same as 021000021, but Bank of America sometimes prints branch-specific numbers on statements for other banking purposes. When sending a wire, use 021000021 unless your bank or the receiving bank tells you otherwise.
How to confirm your routing number through Bank of America directly
Log into your Bank of America online account and go to the account details or account information section. Most accounts display the routing number alongside the account number. You can also call Bank of America's customer service line at 1-800-432-1000 and ask a representative to confirm your wire transfer routing number. Have your account number ready.
Bank of America also maintains a routing number lookup tool on its website. Go to bankofamerica.com, search for "routing number," and enter your state and account type. The tool will return the correct routing number for your situation. This is the fastest way to verify if you are unsure.
The difference between routing numbers and account numbers
A routing number identifies the bank or branch where your account is held. Your account number identifies your specific account at that bank. Both are required to send a wire transfer, but they serve different purposes. The routing number tells the sending bank where to send the money; the account number tells that bank which account to deposit it into.
When you initiate a wire transfer, you will enter both pieces of information. The sending bank uses the routing number to locate Bank of America's receiving system, then uses your account number to place the funds in the correct account. If either number is wrong, the wire will not go through.
International wire transfers and SWIFT codes
If you are sending money to a Bank of America account outside the United States, or receiving a wire from outside the US, you will need a SWIFT code instead of a routing number. Bank of America's primary SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N. Some international transfers also require an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) if the receiving country uses them, though the US does not.
When sending an international wire to a Bank of America account in the US, the sending bank may ask for the SWIFT code, the routing number, or both. Providing both ensures the wire reaches the correct destination. If you are receiving an international wire, give the sender your SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N), your routing number (021000021), and your full account number.
Common mistakes when entering your routing number
The most common error is transposing digits or entering an incomplete number. Routing numbers are always nine digits. If you enter eight or ten digits, the wire will be rejected. Double-check the number before you submit the transfer, especially if you typed it manually rather than copying it from your statement.
Another mistake is using a routing number from an old statement or from a different bank. If you recently switched banks or merged accounts, make sure you are using the current Bank of America routing number. If you moved to a different state, your routing number should not change, but it is worth confirming with the bank if your wire is rejected.
Do not confuse your routing number with your bank's main phone number or customer service number. Bank of America's customer service line (1-800-432-1000) is not a routing number. If you see a nine-digit number on your statement that is not in the lower left corner, it is probably not your routing number.
What happens if you use the wrong routing number
If you enter an incorrect routing number, the sending bank will attempt to deliver the wire to the wrong financial institution. The receiving bank will either reject the transfer or hold it while they try to contact you or the sender. The wire will not be lost, but it may take several days to correct and reroute.
If the wrong routing number belongs to a real bank, the wire may be deposited into an account at that bank. The receiving bank's fraud department will eventually notice the error and return the funds to the sending bank, which then returns them to you. This process can take one to two weeks. For this reason, it is worth taking 30 seconds to verify the routing number before you send.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the routing number 021000021 the same for all Bank of America customers?
Yes, 021000021 is the standard routing number for domestic wire transfers from any Bank of America account in the United States, regardless of which state your account is in or which branch you use. Some older accounts may have different numbers, but this is the number to use unless Bank of America or your receiving bank tells you otherwise.
Do I need a different routing number for savings versus checking accounts?
No. Bank of America uses the same routing number (021000021) for both checking and savings accounts when sending wire transfers. The account type does not change the routing number for wires.
Can I find my routing number on a Bank of America check?
Yes. The routing number appears at the bottom left of your check as a nine-digit code, before your account number. However, the routing number printed on checks is sometimes different from the wire transfer routing number. For wire transfers, use 021000021 unless Bank of America tells you otherwise.
What if Bank of America rejected my wire and said the routing number was wrong?
Contact Bank of America customer service when ready and provide them with the rejection message. They can tell you the correct routing number for your specific account and help you resubmit the wire. Have your account number and the wire details (amount, recipient, date) ready when you call.
Do I need the SWIFT code if I am sending a domestic wire within the US?
No. Domestic wires use routing numbers only. SWIFT codes are for international transfers. If you are sending money to another US bank account, use the routing number 021000021 and do not include a SWIFT code.