What a Bank of America routing number is and where to find it

A routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies which bank holds your account. Bank of America uses different routing numbers depending on which state your account was opened in and which type of account you have. When you send a wire transfer, you give the receiving bank this number so they know exactly which Bank of America branch to pull the money from.

You do not need to memorize it. Your routing number appears on the bottom left of every check you receive from Bank of America — it is the first set of nine digits before the account number. If you do not have a check in front of you, you can find it through your Bank of America online account, by calling customer service, or by looking it up on Bank of America's official routing number search tool on their website.

Bank of America's main routing number for most wire transfers is 026009593, but this is not universal. Some accounts use different routing numbers based on the state where the account was opened. Before you wire money, confirm which routing number applies to your specific account.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America's most common routing number for wire transfers is 026009593, but your specific routing number depends on the state where your account was opened.
  • You can find your routing number on the bottom left of your checks, in your online banking portal, or by calling Bank of America customer service.
  • Using the wrong routing number will delay your wire transfer or send the money to the wrong place, so verify before you send.
  • Bank of America's official website has a routing number lookup tool where you can search by state and account type to confirm the correct number.

How to find your routing number through your Bank of America account

Log into your Bank of America online banking portal or mobile app. Go to the account details or account information section — the exact name varies depending on which device you are using. Your routing number will be listed alongside your account number and other account details.

If you cannot locate it in your account settings, call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000. Have your account number ready. A representative can tell you the exact routing number for your account in under a minute. This is the fastest way if you are unsure whether you have the right number.

State-specific routing numbers and when they matter

Bank of America operates in multiple states, and some accounts are assigned routing numbers based on the state where the account was opened. For example, an account opened in California may have a different routing number than one opened in New York, even though both are Bank of America accounts.

For most domestic wire transfers within the United States, the main routing number 026009593 works. However, if your wire is rejected or delayed, the state-specific routing number may be the issue. Bank of America's routing number lookup tool on their website lets you search by state. Enter your state and account type, and the tool will show you the correct routing number to use.

International wire transfers have their own routing requirements and may need additional information like a SWIFT code instead of or in addition to a routing number. Contact Bank of America before sending money outside the United States.

What happens if you use the wrong routing number

If you enter an incorrect routing number, the wire transfer will either be rejected outright or sent to a different bank. Bank of America's system will catch some errors and return the money to you, but this can take several business days. In other cases, the money may go to another financial institution, and recovering it becomes much more complicated.

Always double-check the routing number before you confirm a wire transfer. Most banking platforms show you the routing number and receiving bank name before you submit, so take a moment to verify both match what you intended. If something looks wrong, cancel and start over rather than risk sending money to the wrong place.

Routing numbers versus account numbers and SWIFT codes

Do not confuse your routing number with your account number. The routing number identifies the bank; the account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Both appear on your checks, with the routing number first on the left and the account number second.

For international wire transfers, you may also need a SWIFT code, which is different from a routing number. A SWIFT code identifies a specific bank branch worldwide, while a routing number works only within the United States. Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N, but confirm this with the bank before sending money internationally, as different branches may have different codes.

How to verify the routing number before sending a wire

Before you initiate any wire transfer, write down or screenshot the routing number you plan to use. Then check it against at least two sources: your checks, your online account, or Bank of America's official website. If all three match, you have the right number.

Many wire transfer mistakes happen because people rush or misread a digit. The routing number is nine digits long — if you have eight or ten, you have made an error. Take the extra 30 seconds to verify. Once a wire leaves your account, Bank of America cannot always stop it or reverse it, especially if it has already reached another bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Most accounts use 026009593, but some accounts opened in specific states use different routing numbers. Check your checks or your online account to confirm which one is yours. Bank of America's website has a lookup tool if you are unsure.

Can I use the routing number from my debit card?

No. Debit cards do not display routing numbers. Use the routing number from your checks, your online banking account, or Bank of America's official website. These are the only reliable sources.

What if Bank of America tells me a different routing number than what I see online?

Use the number Bank of America customer service gives you. A representative has access to your specific account details and can confirm the exact routing number for your account type and state. This is more reliable than a general lookup tool.

Do I need a routing number to receive a wire transfer into my Bank of America account?

Yes. The person sending you money will need your routing number and your account number. Provide both clearly and confirm they have written them down correctly before they send the wire.

What is the difference between a routing number and a SWIFT code?

A routing number identifies a U.S. bank and works only for domestic transfers. A SWIFT code identifies a specific bank branch worldwide and is used for international transfers. Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N, but confirm this before sending money outside the United States.