Your routing number is on the bottom left of every check you have
The routing number is a nine-digit code that tells the banking system which Bank of America branch or processing center handles your account. It appears on the bottom left of your checks, before your account number. If you have checks, that is the fastest way to find it — no login, no phone call.
If you do not have checks in front of you, Bank of America routing numbers vary by state and account type. The routing number for a checking account in California is different from one in New York. You need the number that matches your specific account, not just any Bank of America routing number.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of your checks, printed before your account number.
- Bank of America routing numbers differ by state and account type, so you cannot use a generic number for ACH transfers or bill payments.
- You can find your routing number by logging into your Bank of America account online or calling customer service at the number on your debit card.
- When you set up direct deposit or automatic bill payments, the system will reject the transfer if you enter the wrong routing number.
Finding your routing number through your Bank of America account online
Log into your Bank of America account at bankofamerica.com. Go to the account details or account information section — the exact location varies depending on whether you are on the website or mobile app, but it is usually under "Account" or "Settings."
Look for a section labeled "Routing Number," "Account Details," or "Wire Transfer Information." Bank of America displays it alongside your account number. Write down the nine-digit number exactly as it appears. Do not guess or round — a single digit wrong will cause the transfer to fail or go to the wrong account.
If you cannot find it in your account dashboard, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card. A representative can read it to you over the phone and confirm it matches your account type and state.
Why the routing number matters for transfers and bill payments
When you set up direct deposit from an employer, the payroll system uses your routing number and account number together to deposit your paycheck into the correct account at the correct bank. If either number is wrong, the deposit either bounces back to your employer or lands in someone else's account.
The same applies to automatic bill payments, peer transfers, and ACH transactions. The routing number is how the banking network knows where to send the money. Bank of America will reject transfers with an incorrect routing number before the money leaves your account, but the rejection can take one to two business days, which may cause a late payment if you are close to a deadline.
Routing numbers for wire transfers versus ACH transfers
Bank of America uses different routing numbers depending on how the money is moving. An ACH transfer (used for direct deposit, bill pay, and peer transfers) uses one routing number. A wire transfer (used for large, time-sensitive payments) may use a different one.
When you initiate a transfer through your Bank of America account, the system tells you which routing number to use. If someone outside the bank asks you for a routing number, ask them whether they need it for ACH or wire transfer. Using the wrong one will cause the transaction to fail.
What to do if you cannot locate your routing number
Call Bank of America customer service at the number on the back of your debit card or on your monthly statement. Have your account number and a form of ID ready. A representative will confirm your routing number and can also tell you whether it has changed (routing numbers rarely change, but mergers or account type changes can trigger a new one).
If you are setting up a transfer and the system is asking for a routing number you cannot find, do not guess. A wrong number will delay the transaction or send money to the wrong place. It is faster to call and confirm than to troubleshoot a failed transfer later.
Routing number versus account number: what is the difference
Your account number is unique to you and identifies which specific account at Bank of America receives the money. Your routing number identifies Bank of America itself (or a specific processing center within it). Together, they tell the banking system: send this money to Bank of America, account number [yours].
On a check, the routing number is the first nine digits on the bottom left. Your account number follows it. Both are printed in magnetic ink so they can be read by sorting machines. If you are writing down both numbers, make sure you have them in the right order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there one routing number for all Bank of America customers?
No. Bank of America routing numbers vary by state and account type. The routing number for a savings account in Texas is different from the one for a checking account in Florida. Always use the routing number that matches your specific account, not a generic one you find online.
Can I use the routing number from my checks if I just opened my account?
Yes, if the checks were printed for your current account. However, if you recently changed account types or moved to a different state, your new checks may have a different routing number. Log into your account or call customer service to confirm the number on your current checks is still correct.
What happens if I use the wrong routing number for direct deposit?
The payroll system will reject the deposit, and your paycheck will bounce back to your employer. This can delay your pay by one to two weeks while your employer resubmits it with the correct information. Always confirm your routing number before giving it to payroll.
Do I need a routing number to transfer money between my own Bank of America accounts?
No. If you are moving money between two accounts you own at the same bank, you only need your account numbers. Routing numbers are required only for transfers between different banks or for direct deposit from an outside employer.
Where do I find the routing number if I bank online and do not have physical checks?
Log into your Bank of America account online and navigate to account details or account information. The routing number is listed there. If you cannot find it, call the customer service number on your debit card and ask a representative to read it to you.