What a Bank of America routing number is and where to find it
A routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies which bank or credit union holds your account. Bank of America uses different routing numbers depending on which state your account was opened in and what type of account you have. When you send a wire transfer, the routing number tells the sending bank exactly where to direct your money.
You do not need to memorize it. Your routing number appears on the bottom left of every check you receive from Bank of America — it is the first set of nine digits, before your account number. If you do not have a check handy, you can find it through your online banking portal, by calling Bank of America customer service, or by looking it up on the Bank of America website using your state.
The routing number is different from your account number (which is unique to you) and your SWIFT code (which is used only for international wire transfers). For domestic wire transfers within the United States, you need the routing number, not the SWIFT code.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America routing numbers are nine digits and appear on the left side of your checks, before your account number.
- The routing number varies by state, so a Bank of America customer in California has a different routing number than one in New York.
- You can find your routing number by checking a check, logging into your Bank of America online account, or calling customer service at 1-800-432-1000.
- For wire transfers, use your routing number; for international transfers, you will need your SWIFT code instead.
How to find your routing number on a Bank of America check
The easiest way to locate your routing number is to look at a check from your checking account. At the bottom left corner of the check, you will see three groups of numbers separated by colons or special symbols. The first group — always nine digits — is your routing number.
The second group is your account number, which is longer and unique to you. The third group is the check number. If you have not used checks in a while or do not have any on hand, move on to one of the other methods below.
Finding your routing number through Bank of America online banking
Log into your Bank of America account on the website or mobile app. Navigate to the account details or account information section — the exact location varies slightly between the website and app, but it is usually under "Account Settings" or "Manage Account."
Your routing number will be listed alongside your account number. You can also use this method to confirm you have the correct routing number before sending a wire transfer, since you can see both numbers in one place and verify they match your check.
Calling Bank of America to confirm your routing number
If you prefer to speak with someone or want to confirm your routing number before sending money, call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000. A representative can tell you your routing number over the phone and answer any questions about wire transfer fees or timing.
Have your account number or the last four digits of your Social Security number ready when you call, as the bank will ask for this information to verify your identity before sharing account details.
Why Bank of America has multiple routing numbers
Bank of America maintains separate routing numbers for different states because of how the U.S. banking system is structured. When the company grew through mergers and acquisitions over the decades, it inherited routing numbers from banks it purchased. Rather than consolidate everything into one number, the bank kept the state-based system.
This means if you opened your account in Florida, your routing number is different from someone who opened an account in Texas, even though you both bank with Bank of America. The routing number on your check reflects the state where your account was originally opened, not where you currently live.
Using your routing number for a wire transfer
When you send a domestic wire transfer from Bank of America, you will need to provide the recipient's routing number (not your own). The recipient gives you their routing number so Bank of America knows which bank to send the money to. You also need the recipient's account number and full name.
Bank of America wire transfers typically process the same business day if you send them before the cutoff time, which is usually 2 p.m. Eastern Time on weekdays. Weekends and holidays may delay processing. Wire transfer fees vary depending on whether you are sending money domestically or internationally, so check with your bank before sending.
Routing number versus SWIFT code for international transfers
If you are sending money outside the United States, you will need Bank of America's SWIFT code instead of a routing number. The SWIFT code for Bank of America is BOFAUS3N (or sometimes BOFAUS33, depending on which Bank of America office is processing the transfer). SWIFT codes are used by the international banking system to identify banks across borders.
Domestic wire transfers use routing numbers. International wire transfers use SWIFT codes. If you are unsure whether a transfer is domestic or international, ask the person receiving the money which code they need, or call Bank of America to confirm before sending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my Bank of America routing number the same as my account number?
No. Your routing number is nine digits and identifies Bank of America (or your specific branch). Your account number is longer and unique to you alone. Both appear on your check, but in different positions.
Do I need my routing number to receive a wire transfer?
Yes. The person sending you money needs your routing number and account number to direct the transfer to your Bank of America account. You do not initiate anything on your end — the sender's bank uses your routing number to find your bank, then your account number to find you within that bank.
What if I moved to a different state after opening my Bank of America account?
Your routing number does not change when you move. It stays tied to the state where you originally opened the account. You can still use the same routing number for wire transfers no matter where you live now.
Can I use the same routing number for checking and savings accounts?
Usually yes, but it depends on when and where you opened each account. If both accounts are at the same Bank of America branch, they typically share the same routing number. If you opened them at different times or locations, they might have different routing numbers. Check each account's details to be sure.
What happens if I use the wrong routing number for a wire transfer?
The wire transfer may be rejected, delayed, or sent to the wrong bank. If this happens, contact Bank of America when ready. The bank can sometimes recall the transfer or redirect it, but the sooner you report the error, the better your chances of recovering the money.