Bank of America routing numbers depend on which state your account is in and which service you're using
Your routing number is a nine-digit code that tells the banking system which Bank of America branch holds your account. When you send a wire transfer, you need the routing number of the bank receiving the money, not your own bank. If you're sending money to someone with a Bank of America account, you'll need their routing number — and it varies by the state where their account is located.
Bank of America uses different routing numbers for different regions and for different types of transfers (domestic wires versus ACH transfers, for example). Using the wrong routing number can delay your transfer or send it to the wrong place entirely, so it's worth taking the time to find the correct one before you initiate the wire.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America routing numbers are nine digits and change based on the state where the account is held and the type of transfer being sent.
- You can find the correct routing number by calling Bank of America customer service, checking the bank's official website, or looking at the bottom left of a check from that account.
- For wire transfers specifically, you may need a different routing number than you would for an ACH transfer, so confirm which type of transfer you're sending.
- The routing number goes in a specific field on your wire transfer form, separate from the account number and the recipient's name.
How to locate a Bank of America routing number online
Bank of America publishes a routing number lookup tool on its official website. Go to bankofamerica.com, search for "routing number," and you'll find a page where you can enter the state and the type of transfer. The tool will return the correct nine-digit number for that location and transfer type.
This is the fastest method if you know which state the recipient's account is in. If you're unsure, ask the person receiving the money or check their bank statement — it will show their account state.
Finding the routing number on a check
If you have a check from the Bank of America account you're sending money to, the routing number is printed at the bottom left of the check, before the account number. It's always nine digits. The format on a check looks like this: the routing number comes first, then the account number, then the check number at the far right.
This method works only if you have a physical check in front of you. If the person you're sending money to doesn't have checks or hasn't shared one with you, use the online lookup tool instead.
Calling Bank of America to confirm the routing number
You can call Bank of America's customer service line at 1-800-432-1000 and ask for the routing number for a specific state and transfer type. Have the state name ready when you call. The representative will give you the correct nine-digit number and can confirm whether you need a routing number for a wire transfer or a different type of transfer.
This method is useful if you want to double-check before sending money, especially if you're sending a large amount. It also works if you're unsure which state the account is in — the bank representative can sometimes help you figure that out based on other information you provide.
Wire transfer routing numbers versus ACH routing numbers
Bank of America sometimes uses different routing numbers for wire transfers and for ACH transfers (which are slower, automated transfers between banks). Before you look up the routing number, confirm which type of transfer you're sending. Your bank will tell you which one you're using when you start the transfer process.
If you're unsure, ask the person receiving the money what type of transfer they're expecting, or ask your own bank which routing number to use for the specific transfer you're making. Using the wrong routing number for the wrong transfer type can cause delays.
What to do if the routing number doesn't work
If your wire transfer is rejected or delayed and you suspect the routing number is wrong, stop and verify it again using the Bank of America website or by calling customer service. Do not guess or use a routing number from an old check, because banking systems change and old numbers may no longer be valid.
Once you've confirmed the correct routing number, contact your own bank and ask them to resubmit the transfer with the corrected information. If the money has already left your account, your bank can sometimes recall it, but this process takes time and isn't always successful — so getting the routing number right the first time is much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the routing number the same for all Bank of America customers?
No. Bank of America uses different routing numbers based on the state where the account is held. A customer in California has a different routing number than a customer in New York. Always look up the routing number for the specific state of the account you're sending money to.
Can I use the routing number from my own Bank of America check?
Only if you're sending money to someone else with a Bank of America account in the same state as your account. For wire transfers to other states or other banks, you need the routing number of the bank and state receiving the money, not your own routing number.
What happens if I use the wrong routing number?
The transfer may be rejected, delayed, or sent to a different bank or branch. Your bank will usually catch the error and contact you, but this can add several days to the process. Always verify the routing number before you send the wire.
Do I need the routing number if I have the account number?
Yes. The routing number tells the banking system which bank to send the money to, while the account number identifies the specific account within that bank. You need both pieces of information to complete a wire transfer.
Where do I enter the routing number on a wire transfer form?
The routing number has its own field on the wire transfer form, separate from the account number and recipient name. Your bank's wire transfer form will label it clearly. If you're unsure where it goes, ask your bank before you submit the form.