Which Bank of America routing number to use for a California wire transfer
Bank of America has multiple routing numbers depending on where your account is located and what type of transaction you are sending. For most wire transfers from a California Bank of America account, you will use 121000248. This is the routing number for Bank of America's main wire transfer processing center.
However, the correct routing number can depend on which Bank of America branch holds your account and whether you are sending a domestic wire, an international wire, or a wire to another Bank of America account. Before you initiate a transfer, confirm the routing number with your specific branch or your account statement, because using the wrong number can delay your transfer or send it to the wrong place.
You can find your account's routing number on the bottom left of any check you have written from that account, or by logging into your Bank of America online account and looking at your account details. Bank of America also lists routing numbers on their website by state and account type.
Key Takeaways
- The routing number 121000248 is used for most Bank of America wire transfers from California accounts.
- Your specific routing number may differ based on your account type and the branch where your account was opened.
- You can find your correct routing number on a check, in your online account, or by calling your Bank of America branch directly.
- International wire transfers and transfers between Bank of America accounts may use different routing numbers than domestic wires.
- Entering an incorrect routing number can cause your wire to be delayed or sent to the wrong financial institution.
How to find your routing number on a Bank of America check
The easiest way to confirm your routing number is to look at a check from your Bank of America account. At the bottom left of the check, you will see nine digits printed in a specific order. The first nine digits are your routing number. The next set of digits is your account number, and the final digits are the check number.
If you do not have a check available, you can also find this information by logging into your Bank of America online account. Go to your account details or account information section, and the routing number will be listed there. Some accounts display it under "Bank and Account Information" or "Account Details."
Routing numbers for different types of Bank of America transfers
Bank of America uses the same routing number (121000248) for most domestic wire transfers from California. However, the routing number can change based on the type of transfer you are making.
For international wire transfers, you may need a different routing number or additional information such as a SWIFT code. Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N. When sending money internationally, the receiving bank may ask for both the routing number and the SWIFT code to process the transfer correctly.
If you are transferring money between two Bank of America accounts (yours and another person's), you can sometimes use Bank of America's internal transfer system instead of a wire transfer. This method is faster and does not require a routing number — you only need the recipient's account number and the Bank of America branch where their account is held.
What information you need before sending a wire transfer
Before you initiate a wire transfer from your Bank of America account, gather the following information about the recipient: their full name, their bank name, their routing number (or SWIFT code for international transfers), their account number, and the amount you want to send.
You will also need to know whether the transfer is domestic (within the United States) or international. Domestic transfers typically process within one business day, while international transfers can take three to five business days. Some international transfers may also require additional details such as the recipient's address or a reference number.
Bank of America charges a fee for wire transfers. The fee amount varies depending on whether the transfer is domestic or international and whether you send it online or in person at a branch. Check your account agreement or call your branch to confirm the current fee before you send the wire.
Steps to send a wire transfer from Bank of America in California
You can send a wire transfer from Bank of America online, through the mobile app, or in person at a branch. To send a wire online, log into your Bank of America account and look for the "Transfer Money" or "Wire Transfer" option. Select the recipient's bank and enter their routing number, account number, and the amount you want to send.
Review all the information carefully before you confirm the transfer. Once you submit a wire transfer, it usually cannot be stopped or reversed, so double-check the recipient's routing number and account number to make sure they are correct. If you are unsure about any detail, call your Bank of America branch before you send the wire.
If you prefer to send the wire in person, visit your local Bank of America branch with a valid ID and the recipient's banking information. A Bank of America representative will help you complete the wire transfer form and answer any questions about fees or timing.
Common mistakes to avoid when using a Bank of America routing number
The most common mistake is confusing the routing number with the account number. The routing number identifies the bank or branch, while the account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Both are necessary for a wire transfer, and they are different numbers.
Another mistake is using an outdated routing number. If you have an old check or old account information, the routing number may have changed. Always verify the routing number through a current check, your online account, or by calling your branch before you send a wire.
Do not assume that all Bank of America accounts in California use the same routing number. While 121000248 is the most common routing number for California wire transfers, some older accounts or accounts opened at specific branches may have different routing numbers. If your transfer is rejected or delayed, contact Bank of America to confirm you are using the correct routing number for your account.
When to contact Bank of America about routing number questions
If you cannot find your routing number on a check or in your online account, call Bank of America's customer service line or visit your local branch. A representative can confirm your routing number and answer questions about whether you need a different number for your specific transfer.
Contact Bank of America when ready if a wire transfer you sent was rejected or returned. The rejection is often caused by an incorrect routing number or account number. Bank of America can tell you what went wrong and help you resend the wire with the correct information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 121000248 the routing number for all Bank of America accounts in California?
121000248 is the routing number for most Bank of America wire transfers from California, but some accounts may have a different routing number depending on when and where the account was opened. Check your personal check or online account to confirm your specific routing number before sending a wire.
Can I use the same routing number for online transfers and wire transfers?
Wire transfers and online transfers between banks use the same routing number. However, if you are transferring money between two of your own Bank of America accounts, you may not need a routing number at all — you can use Bank of America's internal transfer system instead.
What happens if I use the wrong routing number for a wire transfer?
If you use an incorrect routing number, the wire may be delayed while the bank tries to locate the correct recipient, or it may be returned to your account. In some cases, the money could be sent to the wrong bank. Contact Bank of America when ready if this happens so they can help trace the transfer.
Do I need a different routing number for international wire transfers?
For international transfers, you may need Bank of America's SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N) in addition to or instead of the routing number, depending on what the receiving bank requires. Ask the recipient's bank which information they need before you send an international wire.
Where can I find my routing number if I do not have a check?
Log into your Bank of America online account and look for account details or account information. You can also call Bank of America customer service or visit a local branch with your ID, and a representative will provide your routing number.