Your routing number is the nine-digit code in the bottom left corner of your check, printed between the check number and your account number.
Bank of America routing numbers vary by state and by the type of account you hold. The routing number on your check is specific to the branch or region where your account was opened. When you need to send a wire transfer, receive a direct deposit, or set up automatic payments, you will use this exact number — not a general Bank of America routing number you find online.
The routing number appears in two places on a standard check: printed in the bottom left corner in magnetic ink (MICR format), and sometimes repeated elsewhere on the check. The bottom left version is the one you need. It always comes before your account number, which is longer and appears to its right.
Key Takeaways
- Your Bank of America routing number is the nine-digit code in the bottom left corner of your check, printed before your account number.
- The routing number on your check is tied to your specific branch or region, so do not assume all Bank of America accounts use the same number.
- For wire transfers, you must use the routing number from your actual check, not a general number from the Bank of America website.
- If you do not have a check, you can call Bank of America customer service or log into your online account to find your routing number.
How to read the numbers at the bottom of your check
The bottom of every check contains three groups of numbers separated by vertical lines. Reading from left to right, you see the routing number (nine digits), then your account number (usually ten to twelve digits), then your check number (three to four digits).
The routing number always comes first. It identifies which Bank of America location or processing center handles your account. The account number identifies you specifically within that location. The check number is just a sequential identifier for that particular check.
All three numbers are printed in a special magnetic ink that machines can read automatically. This is why the numbers look slightly different from the printed text elsewhere on the check — they are designed to be machine-readable, not just human-readable.
Why your routing number matters for wire transfers
When you send a wire transfer from your Bank of America account, the routing number tells the Federal Reserve and other banks exactly where to pull the money from. Without the correct routing number, the wire will either be rejected or sent to the wrong account.
The routing number is different from your account number. Your account number identifies you within Bank of America; your routing number identifies which Bank of America location processes your account. A wire transfer needs both pieces of information to reach the right place.
If you give someone your routing number and account number, they can set up automatic payments from your account or receive wire transfers into it. This is why you should only share these numbers with people and organizations you trust.
Bank of America routing numbers vary by location
Bank of America uses different routing numbers depending on which state your account is based in. California accounts, for example, use a different routing number than New York accounts. If you have moved or opened your account in a different state, your routing number reflects where the account was originally set up, not where you live now.
The routing number on your check is the authoritative version for your account. If you look up a Bank of America routing number online and it does not match the number on your check, use the number on your check. The online number may be a general number for that state, but your specific account may route through a different processing center.
Finding your routing number without a check
If you do not have a check in front of you, you can find your routing number by logging into your Bank of America online account or mobile app. Look for account details or account information — the routing number is usually listed there along with your account number.
You can also call Bank of America customer service at the number on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement. A representative can tell you your routing number over the phone. Have your account number or Social Security number ready when you call.
Some Bank of America branches will print a deposit slip with your routing and account number if you ask. You can also request a new box of checks, which will have your routing number printed on them.
Common mistakes when using your routing number
The most common error is using a general Bank of America routing number instead of the one on your check. Bank of America publishes routing numbers online for each state, but these are not always the routing number for your specific account. Always use the number printed on your check when possible.
Another mistake is confusing your routing number with your account number. The routing number is nine digits; your account number is longer. If you reverse them or mix them up, the wire transfer will fail or go to the wrong place.
Some people also assume that all their Bank of America accounts use the same routing number. If you have multiple accounts at Bank of America, they may have different routing numbers depending on when and where each account was opened. Check the bottom of a check from each account to be sure.
What happens if you use the wrong routing number
If you provide an incorrect routing number for a wire transfer, the sending bank will usually reject the transfer before it leaves. The money stays in the sender's account, and they are notified that the routing number was invalid.
In rare cases, a wire transfer with a wrong routing number may reach a different Bank of America account or a different bank entirely. This is why it is important to double-check both your routing number and account number before confirming any wire transfer. Once a wire is sent, it is very difficult to reverse.
If a wire transfer goes to the wrong account, you will need to contact Bank of America and provide proof of the error. The bank can attempt to recover the funds, but this process takes time and is not always successful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the routing number on my check the same as the one I see online for Bank of America?
Not always. The routing number on your check is specific to your account's location and processing center. Bank of America publishes general routing numbers by state online, but your actual routing number may be different. Always use the number printed on your check for wire transfers and other transactions.
Can I use the same routing number for all my Bank of America accounts?
Not necessarily. If you have multiple accounts at Bank of America, each one may have a different routing number depending on when and where it was opened. Check the bottom of a check from each account to confirm. If you do not have checks for all your accounts, call Bank of America to ask for the routing number for each one.
What if I do not have any checks?
Log into your Bank of America online account or mobile app and look for account details. Your routing number is usually listed there. You can also call Bank of America customer service or visit a branch in person and ask for your routing number.
Is it safe to share my routing number?
Your routing number alone is not sensitive information — it is printed on every check you write. However, do not share your routing number and account number together with people you do not trust, because someone with both pieces of information can set up automatic payments from your account.
Why do I need a routing number for a wire transfer if I am sending money to another Bank of America customer?
Even when both accounts are at Bank of America, the routing number tells the bank's system which processing center handles the receiving account. This ensures the money reaches the correct account quickly and accurately, even if the receiving account is in a different state or region.