Bank of America's California routing number depends on which branch you use and what type of account you have
Bank of America uses different routing numbers for different regions and account types. If you bank with Bank of America in California, the routing number you need for a wire transfer is not the same as the one printed on your checks. The routing number for wire transfers from a California Bank of America account is 121000248. However, some California branches use 026009593 depending on when your account was opened and which processing center handles it.
Before you wire money, contact your Bank of America branch directly or log into your online account to confirm which routing number applies to your specific account. Using the wrong routing number will delay your transfer or send the money to the wrong bank entirely, so verification takes only a few minutes and prevents costly mistakes.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America's wire transfer routing number for California accounts is most commonly 121000248, though some accounts use 026009593.
- The routing number on your checks is different from the routing number used for wire transfers, so do not assume they are the same.
- You can find your correct routing number by calling your local Bank of America branch, checking your account online, or asking at a teller window.
- Entering the wrong routing number will delay your wire transfer or send the money to the wrong bank, so verify before you send.
Where to find your routing number on Bank of America statements and online
Log into your Bank of America online account and look for the account details or account information section. Most accounts display the routing number alongside your account number. If you cannot find it in your account dashboard, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or visit a local branch in person.
Do not rely on the routing number printed at the bottom left of your checks. That number is for check processing only and will not work for wire transfers. Bank of America maintains separate routing numbers for different transaction types, and using the wrong one causes delays or failed transfers.
The difference between routing numbers for checks and wire transfers
A routing number tells a bank where to send money. The routing number on your checks directs check payments through the Federal Reserve's check-clearing system. Wire transfers use a different network called SWIFT or the Federal Reserve Wire Network, which requires a different routing number.
Bank of America prints the check-clearing routing number on your checks for convenience, but that number will not work if you are sending or receiving a wire transfer. If you give someone the wrong routing number, the wire may be rejected, returned to the sender, or delayed by several business days while the bank tries to figure out where it should go.
How to verify your routing number before sending a wire
Call Bank of America's customer service line at 1-800-432-1000 and confirm your routing number with a representative. Have your account number ready. This takes less than five minutes and prevents costly mistakes.
Alternatively, visit your local Bank of America branch and ask a teller to write down your wire transfer routing number. Ask them to confirm it twice — once when they look it up and once when they hand it to you. If you are wiring a large amount of money, this small step is worth the trip.
What happens if you use the wrong routing number
If you enter an incorrect routing number, the receiving bank will reject the transfer or send it to the wrong institution. The money does not disappear, but it may take five to ten business days to return to your account. During that time, you will not have access to the funds.
If the routing number belongs to a real bank but the wrong account, the receiving bank may hold the money while they try to contact the account holder. You will then need to contact Bank of America and the receiving bank to retrieve it. This is why confirming the routing number before you send is so important.
Routing numbers for different Bank of America account types
Bank of America uses the same wire transfer routing number (121000248) for most personal checking and savings accounts in California. However, business accounts, trust accounts, and accounts opened at specific times may use different routing numbers. If you have a business account or a specialized account type, call Bank of America to confirm your routing number rather than assuming it matches the standard number.
Some older accounts or accounts transferred from other banks may also have different routing numbers on file. Bank of America's system can handle multiple routing numbers for the same customer, so always verify your specific account's routing number before initiating a wire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the routing number on my Bank of America check the same as my wire transfer routing number?
No. The number printed on your checks is for check processing only. Your wire transfer routing number is different. Always use 121000248 (or 026009593 for some accounts) for wire transfers, not the number on your checks.
Can I use the same routing number for incoming and outgoing wires?
Yes. Bank of America uses the same routing number whether you are sending money out or receiving money in. If someone is sending you a wire, give them 121000248 along with your account number.
What if Bank of America tells me my routing number is different from 121000248?
Use the number Bank of America gives you. Some accounts, particularly older ones or those with special features, may have a different routing number. The bank's records are the source of truth for your account.
Do I need a different routing number for transfers between my own Bank of America accounts?
No. Transfers between your own Bank of America accounts do not require a routing number. Use the transfer feature in your online account or call the bank. Routing numbers are only needed when sending money to a different bank.
How long does a wire transfer take once I have the correct routing number?
Wire transfers typically arrive the same business day if sent before the bank's cutoff time, usually 2 p.m. Pacific Time. If you send after cutoff or on a weekend, the transfer processes the next business day.