Your Bank of America routing number is the nine-digit code printed on the left side of the bottom of your check, before your account number.
The routing number identifies which Bank of America branch or processing center handles your account. When you send a wire transfer, the receiving bank uses this number to confirm they are depositing money into the correct financial institution. Without it, the transfer cannot be processed.
Bank of America routing numbers vary by state and account type. A checking account in California will have a different routing number than a savings account in Texas. The number on your physical check is always the correct one for your specific account.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears as a nine-digit code at the bottom left of any Bank of America check, before your account number.
- The routing number on your check is specific to your account type and the state where your account was opened.
- You can also find your routing number by logging into your Bank of America online account or calling customer service at 1-800-432-1000.
- When sending a wire transfer, use the routing number from your check rather than looking it up elsewhere, since it is may provide to be correct for your account.
Reading the Numbers at the Bottom of Your Check
The bottom of a Bank of America check contains three separate nine-digit codes in this order: routing number, account number, check number. The routing number always appears first, on the far left. It is printed in a special magnetic ink that older check-processing machines could read automatically.
The routing number is followed by a space, then your account number (which is longer than nine digits), then another space, then the check number. If you are looking at a check and see three groups of numbers at the bottom, the first group is your routing number.
Why Bank of America Has Multiple Routing Numbers
Bank of America does not use a single routing number for all customers. The company assigns different routing numbers based on where you opened your account and what type of account you hold. A checking account opened in New York will have a different routing number than a money market account opened in Florida.
This is standard practice across the banking industry. The routing number tells the Federal Reserve and other banks which specific processing center should handle the transaction. Using the wrong routing number can delay a wire transfer or send it to the wrong place entirely.
Other Ways to Find Your Bank of America Routing Number
If you do not have a check in front of you, you can find your routing number through your Bank of America online account. Log in to your account, go to the account details or account information section, and look for the routing number listed there. The exact location varies depending on whether you use the website or the mobile app.
You can also call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and speak to a representative who can tell you your routing number over the phone. Have your account number ready when you call. Some Bank of America branches will also print your routing number on a receipt if you ask at the teller window.
Routing Number Versus Account Number in a Wire Transfer
A wire transfer requires both your routing number and your account number, but they serve different purposes. The routing number tells the sending bank which financial institution to send the money to. Your account number tells that institution which specific account within Bank of America should receive the deposit.
Using the wrong routing number means the money goes to a different bank entirely. Using the wrong account number means the money arrives at Bank of America but lands in someone else's account. Always double-check both numbers before confirming a wire transfer.
What to Do If Your Check Does Not Show a Routing Number
Older checks or checks from closed accounts sometimes have faded or illegible numbers at the bottom. If you cannot read the routing number clearly, do not guess. Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 or log into your online account instead.
If you are trying to set up a wire transfer and do not have access to a check, the online account method is usually fastest. You can find and copy your routing number in under a minute without waiting on hold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the routing number on my check the same for all my Bank of America accounts?
No. Each account you hold at Bank of America may have a different routing number depending on the account type and when you opened it. Always use the routing number from a check for the specific account you are transferring from.
Can I use the same routing number for a wire transfer that I use for direct deposit?
Yes. The routing number on your check works for any type of electronic transfer into or out of that account, including direct deposit, wire transfers, and ACH payments. It is the same nine-digit code regardless of the transaction type.
What happens if I give someone the wrong routing number for a wire transfer?
The money will be sent to a different bank or processing center. The sending bank may catch the error and return the funds, or the money may sit in a holding account while the error is investigated. Contact the sending bank when ready if you realize you provided the wrong number.
Do I need a routing number to receive a wire transfer into my Bank of America account?
Yes. The person or business sending you the wire transfer will need your Bank of America routing number and your account number. Provide both numbers to may support the transfer reaches your account.