Bank of America's routing number for California wire transfers is 121000248
If you are sending or receiving a domestic wire transfer through Bank of America and your account is based in California, you will need the routing number 121000248. This nine-digit code tells the Federal Reserve and other banks where to send the money. Bank of America uses the same routing number for all California accounts, regardless of which branch you use or what type of account you hold.
The routing number is different from your account number. Your account number identifies your specific account within Bank of America; the routing number identifies Bank of America itself as the receiving institution. You need both pieces of information to complete a wire transfer, but they serve different purposes in the transaction.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America's California routing number for wire transfers is 121000248, and this number works for all California-based accounts regardless of branch location.
- You can find your routing number on the bottom left of your checks, in your Bank of America online banking portal, or by calling customer service at 1-800-432-1000.
- The routing number is required for incoming wire transfers and outgoing wires you initiate from your Bank of America account.
- Bank of America may charge a fee for outgoing domestic wire transfers, typically between $10 and $15, though incoming wires are usually free.
- Wire transfers through Bank of America typically complete within one business day for domestic transfers, but timing depends on when the sending bank initiates the transfer.
Where to locate your routing number on your own
The easiest place to find your routing number is on the bottom left corner of your Bank of America checks. The first set of nine digits printed there is your routing number. If you do not have checks available, you can log into your Bank of America online banking account, go to the account details or account information section, and the routing number will be listed there alongside your account number.
You can also call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and speak with a representative who can confirm your routing number over the phone. Have your account number or Social Security number ready when you call. This method is useful if you want to verify the number before sending a large wire transfer.
When you need the routing number for incoming versus outgoing wires
If someone is sending you money through a wire transfer, they will ask for your Bank of America routing number (121000248) and your account number. You provide both pieces of information to the person or business sending the wire. The sending bank uses the routing number to direct the funds to Bank of America, and Bank of America uses your account number to deposit the money into your specific account.
If you are initiating a wire transfer from your Bank of America account to send money to someone else, you will need their routing number and account number instead. You enter this information into Bank of America's wire transfer system, either online or by visiting a branch or calling. Bank of America will use the receiving bank's routing number to send your money to the correct institution.
Fees and timing for Bank of America wire transfers
Bank of America charges a fee for outgoing domestic wire transfers. The fee typically ranges from $10 to $15 per transfer, though the exact amount may vary based on your account type and your banking relationship with the institution. Incoming wire transfers to your Bank of America account are usually free. You can confirm the current fee by logging into your online banking account, calling customer service, or visiting a branch.
Domestic wire transfers initiated before the bank's cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. Pacific time on business days) typically arrive the same business day or the next business day. The exact timing depends on when the sending bank processes the transfer and whether the receiving bank processes it when ready. Transfers initiated after the cutoff time or on weekends and holidays will process on the next business day. International wire transfers take longer and may take three to five business days.
Confirming the routing number before you send money
Before you send a wire transfer, double-check that you have the correct routing number and account number for the recipient. A mistake in either number can send your money to the wrong account or the wrong bank. If the receiving bank's routing number is incorrect, the money may be returned to you, which can take several days. If the account number is wrong but the routing number is correct, the money may go to someone else's account at that bank.
If you are unsure whether you have the correct information, contact the recipient directly by phone or in person and ask them to confirm both their routing number and account number. Do not rely solely on email or text message for this information, since those can be intercepted or spoofed. Once you have confirmed the details, you can proceed with confidence.
What to do if your wire transfer does not arrive
If you sent a wire transfer and it has not arrived within the expected timeframe, contact Bank of America when ready. Have your confirmation number from the wire transfer ready. Bank of America can trace the wire using this number and determine whether it has been processed, is in transit, or was returned. If the wire was returned, the bank can tell you why and help you resend it with corrected information.
If you received a wire transfer that appears to be incorrect or was sent to you by mistake, do not spend the money. Contact Bank of America and report the issue. The bank can work with the sending bank to reverse the transfer if necessary. Spending money that was sent to you in error can result in your account being overdrawn when the transfer is reversed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the routing number different for different Bank of America branches in California?
No. All Bank of America accounts in California use the same routing number: 121000248. It does not matter which branch you opened your account at or which branch you visit. The routing number identifies the bank, not the individual branch.
Can I use this routing number for ACH transfers or bill payments?
The routing number 121000248 is specifically for wire transfers. ACH transfers and bill payments may use a different routing number. Check your Bank of America account information or contact customer service to confirm the correct routing number for the type of transfer you are making.
What happens if I give someone the wrong routing number?
If the routing number is incorrect, the wire transfer will either be rejected or sent to the wrong bank. The sending bank will typically return the money to the sender, though this can take several business days. Contact Bank of America and the sending bank when ready if you realize a mistake has been made.
Do I need to provide the routing number if I am transferring money between my own Bank of America accounts?
No. If you are transferring money between two of your own Bank of America accounts, you only need your account numbers. You can do this through online banking or by calling customer service. Internal transfers between your own accounts are usually free and process when ready or within one business day.
Is there a limit on how much money I can wire transfer?
Bank of America sets daily and monthly limits on wire transfers, and these limits vary based on your account type and banking history. Contact Bank of America to find out what your specific limits are. If you need to send more than your limit allows, you may be able to request a temporary increase or split the transfer across multiple days.