Your ABA number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific Bank of America branch
The ABA number (also called a routing number) tells the banking system which Bank of America location holds your account. When money moves between banks—whether you're setting up direct deposit, sending a wire transfer, or paying a bill through another company's system—that nine-digit code is how the receiving bank knows where to send the funds.
Bank of America has multiple ABA numbers because different branches and different types of accounts use different routing codes. The ABA number you need depends on what you're doing and which account you're moving money from or to. If you give the wrong one, your payment may be delayed or sent to the wrong place.
Key Takeaways
- Your ABA number is a nine-digit routing code specific to your Bank of America branch and account type, not your account number.
- Bank of America publishes its routing numbers on its website, and you can also find yours on the bottom left of your checks or by calling customer service.
- Different routing numbers apply to different account types and regions, so confirm you have the right one before sending money.
- Wire transfers, ACH payments, and direct deposit all require your ABA number, but the receiving bank—not Bank of America—uses it to route your money correctly.
Where to find your Bank of America ABA number
The fastest way is to look at the bottom left corner of any check you have. The first nine digits printed there are your ABA number. If you don't have checks, log into your Bank of America online account, go to Account Details, and look for the routing number listed there.
You can also call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and ask for your routing number. Have your account number ready. If you're setting up a payment through another company's website or app, that company often has a tool where you enter your bank name and state, and it will show you the correct routing number automatically.
Bank of America also publishes a full list of its routing numbers on its website, organized by state and account type. If you're wiring money or setting up a recurring payment, use the number that matches your account type and the state where your branch is located.
Why the ABA number matters for different types of payments
When you set up direct deposit for your paycheck, your employer's payroll system uses your ABA number to route the deposit to your specific Bank of America account. If you provide the wrong number, your paycheck may go to someone else's account or bounce back to your employer.
For wire transfers, the ABA number tells the sending bank's system which Bank of America branch to contact and which account to credit. Wire transfers are usually final once sent, so using the wrong routing number can mean your money goes to the wrong account and is difficult to recover.
ACH payments—the system used for most bill payments, peer transfers, and recurring charges—also require your ABA number. ACH is slower than a wire (usually one to three business days) but is reversible if something goes wrong. The routing number still has to be correct for the payment to reach you.
The difference between your ABA number and your account number
Your account number identifies your specific account within Bank of America. Your ABA number identifies which Bank of America branch or processing center handles that account. You need both pieces of information to receive a payment, but they do different jobs.
When you give someone your banking details, you provide both: the ABA number (routing number) and your account number. The routing number gets the money to Bank of America; the account number gets it to you. If you reverse them or mix them up, the payment will fail or go to the wrong place.
What happens if you use the wrong ABA number
If you provide an incorrect routing number, the payment may be rejected before it leaves the sending bank, and you'll be notified that the transfer failed. In that case, you simply resubmit with the correct number.
If the wrong routing number belongs to another bank or another Bank of America branch, the money may be sent there instead. Some banks will reject it and send it back; others may credit it to an account that isn't yours. Recovery can take weeks and may require the sending bank to file a trace request with the receiving bank.
To avoid this, always double-check your routing number before confirming a payment, especially for wire transfers or large amounts. If you're unsure, call Bank of America or the company receiving the payment and ask them to confirm the correct routing number for your account type.
Bank of America routing numbers by region and account type
Bank of America uses different routing numbers depending on where your account is held and what type of account it is. For example, a checking account in California may have a different routing number than a savings account in New York, even though both are Bank of America accounts.
The most common routing numbers for Bank of America checking and savings accounts are 011000015 (for most states) and 026009593 (for some regions). However, the correct number for your specific account depends on your branch location and account type. Always verify the routing number that matches your account before using it for a payment.
If you're moving money between your own Bank of America accounts, you may not need a routing number at all—you can often transfer between accounts within the bank using just your account numbers. Check your online banking portal or call customer service to see what options are available for internal transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my ABA number the same as my account number?
No. Your ABA number (routing number) identifies your Bank of America branch; your account number identifies your specific account. You need both to receive a payment. The routing number is nine digits and appears first on your checks; your account number is longer and appears after the routing number.
Can I use the same ABA number for wire transfers and ACH payments?
Yes, the same routing number works for both. However, confirm that the routing number matches your account type and branch location. Some accounts may have different routing numbers depending on how the payment is being sent, so verify with Bank of America or the company sending the payment if you're unsure.
What if I don't have checks and can't log into my account online?
Call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000. Have your account number and a form of ID ready. They can provide your routing number over the phone in a few minutes. You can also visit a Bank of America branch in person and ask a teller for your routing number.
Do I need a different ABA number for each of my Bank of America accounts?
Not necessarily. If all your accounts are at the same branch, they likely share the same routing number. However, if you have accounts at different branches or different account types, they may have different routing numbers. Check each account's details to be sure before setting up a payment.
What should I do if a payment fails because of the wrong routing number?
Contact the company or person who sent the payment and provide the correct routing number. Ask them to resubmit. If the money was already sent to the wrong place, the sending bank can file a trace request to try to recover it, but this can take several weeks. Always verify your routing number before confirming a payment to avoid this situation.