Which Bank of America routing number to use for a New York wire transfer
Bank of America has multiple routing numbers depending on where your account is held and what type of transfer you are sending. For wire transfers from a Bank of America account in New York, the routing number is 021000021. This number is used for domestic wires — transfers within the United States.
The routing number identifies the specific Bank of America location that holds your account to the receiving bank's system. Using the correct routing number ensures your wire reaches the right place without delay or rejection. If you are sending money to a Bank of America account in New York from outside the bank, you will also use 021000021.
Bank of America publishes its routing numbers on its website and on account statements. You can also call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 to confirm the routing number for your specific account type or location.
Key Takeaways
- The routing number for Bank of America wire transfers in New York is 021000021, used for all domestic wires within the United States.
- This same routing number applies whether you are sending a wire from your Bank of America account or receiving a wire into a Bank of America account in New York.
- Routing numbers differ from account numbers — the routing number identifies the bank branch, while your account number identifies your specific account.
- Bank of America routing numbers can change, so verify the number on your statement or through the bank's website before sending a large wire.
How routing numbers work in a wire transfer
When you initiate a wire transfer, you provide the receiving bank with three pieces of information: the recipient's name, their account number, and their bank's routing number. The routing number acts as an address for the receiving bank's location within the Federal Reserve system.
The sending bank uses the routing number to direct your wire through the Federal Reserve's network to the correct receiving bank. Without the correct routing number, the wire may be delayed, sent to the wrong bank, or rejected entirely. The receiving bank then uses your account number to deposit the funds into the correct account.
Bank of America's routing number 021000021 is recognized by all U.S. banks and the Federal Reserve. It does not change based on the specific branch you visit or the type of account you hold — it is the same for checking, savings, and money market accounts.
Domestic versus international wires from Bank of America
The routing number 021000021 is used only for domestic wires — transfers between U.S. banks. If you are sending money to a bank outside the United States, you will need different information instead of a routing number.
International wires require a SWIFT code (also called a BIC code) rather than a routing number. Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N. You may also need an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) if the receiving country uses them, though this depends on the destination country and bank.
When sending an international wire from Bank of America, you will provide the recipient's SWIFT code, their account number, and their bank's name and address. The process is similar to a domestic wire, but the routing takes longer because it passes through multiple international banking networks.
Where to find your Bank of America account number and routing number
Your Bank of America account number and routing number both appear on the bottom left of your checks, if you have a checkbook. The routing number is the first nine digits, followed by your account number.
You can also find both numbers by logging into your Bank of America online account or mobile app. Go to your account details or account information section — the routing and account numbers are listed there. Bank of America statements also display the routing number, usually on the first page.
If you do not have checks or online access, call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and speak with a representative. They can confirm your routing number and account number over the phone.
Common mistakes when using Bank of America routing numbers
The most common error is confusing the routing number with the account number. The routing number is always nine digits and identifies the bank. Your account number is longer — usually 10 to 12 digits — and identifies your specific account within that bank. A wire sent with the correct routing number but wrong account number will reach Bank of America but go into the wrong account.
Another mistake is using an outdated routing number. While Bank of America's routing number 021000021 has been stable for many years, banks occasionally consolidate or change their routing numbers during mergers or system updates. Before sending a large wire, verify the routing number on your most recent statement or through the bank's website.
Some people also use the wrong routing number when sending a wire to Bank of America from another bank. If you are sending money to someone's Bank of America account, always use 021000021, regardless of which bank you are sending from.
What happens if you use the wrong routing number
If you enter an incorrect routing number, the sending bank will attempt to process the wire to the routing number you provided. If that routing number does not exist or belongs to a different bank, the wire may be rejected and returned to your account within one to three business days.
If the wrong routing number belongs to a real bank, your wire may be sent there by mistake. The receiving bank will likely reject it because the account number does not match any account in their system, and it will be returned to you. This process typically takes three to five business days.
In rare cases, a wire sent to the wrong routing number may be deposited into someone else's account if the account number happens to match an account at that bank. This is why verifying all wire details — routing number, account number, and recipient name — before sending is critical.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bank of America routing number the same for all New York branches?
Yes. Bank of America uses one routing number for all domestic wires regardless of which branch holds your account or which branch you visit. The routing number 021000021 applies to every Bank of America location in New York and across the United States.
Can I use the routing number from my debit card instead of my check?
No. Debit cards do not display routing numbers. The routing number appears only on checks, statements, and in your online account details. If you do not have a check, log into your Bank of America account online or call the bank to find your routing number.
Do I need a different routing number if I am sending a wire to a Bank of America savings account versus a checking account?
No. The routing number 021000021 is the same for all account types at Bank of America. The account number you provide identifies whether the account is a checking, savings, or money market account.
What if my wire transfer was rejected because of the routing number?
Contact Bank of America when ready. The bank can tell you why the wire was rejected and help you resubmit it with the correct information. Most rejected wires are returned to your account within three to five business days, and you can resend the wire once you have verified all the details.
Does Bank of America charge a fee for wire transfers?
Bank of America charges fees for outgoing domestic wire transfers, though the amount varies by account type and whether you are a customer or non-customer. Incoming wire transfers are typically free. Check your account agreement or call the bank to confirm the current fee for your account type.