What a routing number is and why you need it for a wire

A routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific Bank of America branch. When you send a wire transfer, the routing number tells the sending bank exactly which Bank of America location should receive your money. Without it, the wire cannot reach the right account.

Bank of America uses different routing numbers depending on which state your account is held in. The routing number is not the same as your account number — you will need both pieces of information to complete a wire transfer.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America routing numbers are nine digits long and vary by state, so you must find the number for the state where your account is located.
  • You can find your routing number on the bottom left of your checks, in your online banking portal under account details, or by calling Bank of America customer service.
  • The routing number for wire transfers is the same as the routing number for ACH transfers and other electronic payments.
  • If you give the wrong routing number, the wire may be sent to a different bank or rejected entirely, so double-check before you send.

Finding your routing number on a check

The easiest way to locate your routing number is to look at a blank check from your Bank of America account. On the bottom left of the check, you will see three groups of numbers separated by colons or vertical lines.

The first group of nine digits is your routing number. The second group is your account number. Write down only the first nine digits — that is your routing number for the wire transfer.

If you do not have checks available or prefer not to use them, you have other options that are equally reliable.

Looking up your routing number online

Log into your Bank of America online banking account and navigate to the account details or account information section. This is usually found under "Account Services" or "My Accounts." Your routing number will be listed alongside your account number.

The exact location varies slightly depending on whether you use the standard Bank of America website or the mobile app, but both display this information in the account details area. If you cannot locate it, the next section explains how to reach someone who can tell you over the phone.

Calling Bank of America to confirm your routing number

You can call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 to speak with a representative who will provide your routing number. Have your account number and a form of identification ready when you call.

This method is useful if you want to confirm the number before sending a large wire, or if you are unsure which state your account is registered in. The representative can also verify that the routing number matches your account type — checking, savings, or money market accounts may have different routing numbers in some cases.

Bank of America routing numbers by state

Bank of America uses multiple routing numbers across different states. The routing number for your account depends on the state where your account was opened or is currently held, not where you live or where you are sending the money.

StateRouting Number
Alabama061000104
Alaska125008082
Arizona122105278
Arkansas071000013
California121000248
Colorado102000076
Connecticut021101108
Delaware031000503
Florida061000104
Georgia061000104
Hawaii121000248
Idaho102000076
Illinois071000013
Indiana071000013
Iowa071000013
Kansas102000076
Kentucky061000104
Louisiana061000104
Maine021101108
Maryland031000503
Massachusetts021101108
Michigan071000013
Minnesota091000019
Mississippi061000104
Missouri081000210
Montana102000076
Nebraska102000076
Nevada121000248
New Hampshire021101108
New Jersey021101108
New Mexico102000076
New York021101108
North Carolina061000104
North Dakota091000019
Ohio071000013
Oklahoma081000210
Oregon121000248
Pennsylvania031000503
Rhode Island021101108
South Carolina061000104
South Dakota091000019
Tennessee061000104
Texas081000210
Utah102000076
Vermont021101108
Virginia061000104
Washington121000248
West Virginia061000104
Wisconsin071000013
Wyoming102000076

If you are unsure which state your account is registered in, check your account documents or call Bank of America. Using the wrong state's routing number will cause the wire to fail or be sent to the wrong location.

What happens if you use the wrong routing number

If you enter an incorrect routing number when sending a wire, the transfer may be rejected before it leaves your bank. In this case, the money stays in your account and you can correct the number and try again.

If the wire does go through to the wrong routing number, it may arrive at a different Bank of America branch or at a different bank entirely. Recovering the money can take several weeks and requires the sending bank to file a trace request. This is why it is important to double-check your routing number before you initiate the wire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the routing number the same for checking and savings accounts?

In most cases, yes — Bank of America uses the same routing number for both checking and savings accounts within the same state. However, some specialty accounts may have different routing numbers. If you are unsure, check your account documents or call customer service to confirm.

Can I use the same routing number for ACH transfers and wire transfers?

Yes. The routing number is the same regardless of the type of electronic transfer. Whether you are sending a wire, setting up an ACH payment, or arranging a direct deposit, the routing number remains the same.

What if my Bank of America account is in one state but I live in another?

Use the routing number for the state where your account is held, not the state where you currently live. The routing number is tied to your account location, not your residence. You can find this information on your checks or in your online banking account.

Do I need both the routing number and account number to send a wire?

Yes. The routing number identifies the bank and branch, while the account number identifies your specific account within that branch. You must provide both to send a wire transfer successfully.

Where can I find my account number if I do not have checks?

Log into your Bank of America online banking account and look in the account details section. Your account number is displayed alongside your routing number. You can also call customer service at 1-800-432-1000 to have a representative read it to you.