Your routing number is on the bottom left of any check you have
The easiest place to find your Bank of America routing number is the bottom left corner of a personal check. It's the first set of nine digits printed there. If you don't have checks in front of you, you have four other ways to find it without leaving your house.
Bank of America uses different routing numbers depending on which state your account was opened in and which type of account you have. The routing number for a checking account in California is different from one in New York. This matters because you need the correct number when setting up direct deposit, wire transfers, or automatic bill payments.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of any Bank of America check, before your account number.
- Bank of America routing numbers vary by state and account type, so you need the one specific to your account.
- You can find your routing number through online banking, the mobile app, customer service, or the Bank of America website lookup tool.
- When you set up direct deposit or wire transfers, use the routing number for the state where your account is registered, not where you live now.
Finding it through online banking or the mobile app
Log into your Bank of America account on their website or open the mobile app. Go to the account details or account information section—this is usually under "Accounts" or "Account Settings." Your routing number will be listed there alongside your account number. The app often displays it more prominently than the website.
This method works whether you're at home or on the go, and you don't have to wait on hold with customer service. The routing number shown will be the correct one for your specific account.
Calling Bank of America customer service
Call 1-800-432-1000 and select the option for account information. A representative can tell you your routing number over the phone. Have your account number or Social Security number ready so they can verify your identity. The call usually takes less than five minutes.
This is the slowest option if you need the number right now, but it's reliable if you're uncomfortable using online banking or if you can't access your account for some reason.
Using the Bank of America routing number lookup tool
Go to bankofamerica.com and search for "routing number." Bank of America has a tool where you enter your state and account type, and it returns the routing number. This works if you don't have online banking set up yet or if you're opening a new account and need the number before your first deposit.
The lookup tool gives you the routing number for your state, but it doesn't confirm whether that specific number matches your individual account. For that reason, it's most useful when you're setting up direct deposit with an employer or government agency—they can verify the number works when they test the deposit.
What to do if you have multiple Bank of America accounts
If you have both a checking and savings account, they share the same routing number. The routing number is tied to the state and branch where your account was opened, not to the type of account. However, if you have accounts in different states—for example, one in California and one in Florida—each will have a different routing number.
When you're setting up a transfer or direct deposit, make sure you're using the routing number for the account you want the money to go into. Using the wrong state's routing number will cause the transaction to fail or be delayed.
Routing number vs. account number: what's the difference
Your routing number identifies Bank of America and the specific branch or state where your account lives. Your account number identifies your individual account within the bank. Both appear on the bottom of your check: the routing number comes first (nine digits), then your account number (usually 10 to 12 digits).
When you set up direct deposit, you need both numbers. When you wire money, you need both. When you set up a bill payment through another bank, you typically need both. Giving out your routing number alone is safe—it's public information that anyone can find. Your account number is more sensitive because it identifies your specific account.
Common reasons you need your routing number
You'll need your routing number when your employer sets up direct deposit, when you file taxes and want a refund deposited directly, when you transfer money between banks, or when you set up automatic bill payments from your Bank of America account. Government agencies like the IRS and Social Security also ask for it when they deposit payments to you.
Some services ask for it when you're receiving money, not sending it. For example, if someone wants to send you money via ACH transfer, they'll ask for your Bank of America routing number and account number. In that case, you're safe sharing both numbers—the routing number is public, and your account number alone can't be used to withdraw money without authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same if I moved to a different state?
No. Your routing number is based on the state where you opened your account, not where you live now. If you opened your account in Texas but moved to New York, your routing number stays the same. If you want a routing number for your new state, you'd need to open a new account there.
Can I use the same routing number for wire transfers and direct deposit?
Yes. The routing number works the same way regardless of the type of transfer. Whether money is coming in via direct deposit or going out via wire transfer, you use the routing number for the state where your account is registered.
What if I enter the wrong routing number?
If the routing number doesn't match Bank of America or the state you entered, the transaction will usually be rejected before it processes. If you use a valid Bank of America routing number but the wrong state, the money may go to a different Bank of America account or be returned to the sender. Contact Bank of America immediately if this happens.
Do I need my routing number to check my balance or pay bills online?
No. You only need your routing number when money is moving into or out of your account through an external system—like an employer's payroll system, the IRS, or another bank. For checking your balance or paying bills directly through Bank of America's website, you just need your login credentials.