Bank of America's routing number for California wire transfers
Bank of America uses routing number 121000248 for wire transfers from most California branches. This nine-digit code tells the sending bank where your money is going within the Federal Reserve system.
The routing number is the same whether you're sending money from a Bank of America branch in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, or anywhere else in California. It does not change based on your specific branch location or account type — checking, savings, or money market accounts all use the same routing number for incoming wires.
You will need this number only if someone outside Bank of America is sending you money by wire. If you are sending money out of your Bank of America account, you may need a different routing number depending on where the money is going and what type of transfer you are making.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America's routing number for wire transfers in California is 121000248, and it applies to all California branches and account types.
- You need the routing number when someone outside Bank of America is wiring money into your account, not when you are sending money out.
- The routing number is different from your account number — the routing number identifies the bank, while your account number identifies your specific account.
- You can find your routing number on the bottom left of your checks, in your online banking portal, or by calling Bank of America directly.
Where to find your routing number on a check
If you have a Bank of America checkbook, the routing number appears in the bottom left corner of every check. It is the first set of nine digits, printed in a special magnetic ink. The format looks like this: the routing number comes first, then your account number, then the check number on the far right.
This method works only if you have physical checks. If you have not ordered checks or prefer not to use them, you can find the routing number through other means without needing to write one.
How to look up your routing number online
Log into your Bank of America online banking account or mobile app. Go to the account details or account information section — the exact location varies depending on whether you are using a computer or phone, but it is usually under "Account" or "Settings." Your routing number will be listed alongside your account number.
If you cannot locate it in your account details, you can also call Bank of America's customer service line at 1-800-432-1000. A representative can confirm the routing number over the phone. Have your account number or Social Security number ready when you call.
Routing number versus account number
The routing number identifies Bank of America as the receiving bank. The account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Both are required for a wire transfer to reach your account correctly.
Think of it this way: the routing number is like the address of the bank building, and your account number is like your apartment number inside that building. Without the routing number, the wire cannot find the right bank. Without the account number, the bank receives the money but does not know which account to deposit it into.
What happens if you give the wrong routing number
If the sending bank uses an incorrect routing number, the wire may be rejected before it leaves their system, or it may be sent to a different financial institution. In either case, the money does not reach your Bank of America account.
If the wire is rejected, it typically returns to the sender within one to three business days. If it goes to the wrong bank, that bank will usually reject it and send it back. The process can take longer — sometimes a week or more — so it is worth double-checking the routing number before the wire is sent.
Using the routing number for other types of transfers
The routing number 121000248 works for incoming wire transfers. If you are setting up an automatic payment from your Bank of America account, such as a monthly bill payment or a transfer to another bank, you may need a different routing number. Bank of America provides separate routing numbers for ACH transfers (electronic transfers that take one to three business days) and for other payment methods.
When you set up a bill payment or external transfer through Bank of America's website or app, the system will prompt you for the routing number of the receiving bank, not Bank of America's routing number. Bank of America's routing number is only needed when money is coming into your account from somewhere else.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the routing number the same for all Bank of America customers in California?
Yes. All Bank of America customers in California use the same routing number for wire transfers: 121000248. The routing number does not vary by branch, account type, or customer status.
Do I need my routing number to send money out of my Bank of America account?
No. You need the routing number of the bank that is receiving the money, not Bank of America's routing number. Bank of America's system already knows its own routing number and will include it automatically when you send a wire or payment.
What if I have a Bank of America account in a different state?
Bank of America uses the same routing number nationwide for wire transfers: 121000248. The routing number does not change based on which state you live in or which branch you use.
Can I use the routing number from my checks if they are old?
Yes. Bank of America's routing number has remained 121000248 for many years and is unlikely to change. Even if your checks are several years old, the routing number printed on them should still be correct. You can verify it by checking your online account or calling the bank if you want to be certain.