Your Bank of America ABA routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific branch for incoming transfers and bill payments
The ABA routing number (also called a routing transit number or RTN) tells other banks and payment systems where to send money when you receive a transfer, set up direct deposit, or pay a bill by check or ACH. Bank of America uses different routing numbers depending on which state your account is held in, so you cannot use the same number for every account you own.
You need this number when you are receiving money — not sending it. If you are paying someone or transferring money out of your account, you typically do not need to provide your routing number. The receiving bank needs it to know where the incoming funds should land.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America routing numbers vary by state, so an account opened in California will have a different routing number than one opened in New York.
- You can find your routing number on the bottom left of any check, in your online banking portal under account details, or by calling Bank of America customer service.
- The routing number is a nine-digit code that stays the same for your account even if you move branches within the same state.
- You will need your routing number and account number together when setting up direct deposit, receiving wire transfers, or authorizing ACH payments.
Where to find your routing number on a check
If you have a Bank of America checkbook, the routing number is printed on the bottom left of every check. It is the first set of nine digits, followed by your account number, then the check number on the right. The routing number is always in the same position on every check from your account.
This is the fastest way to locate it if you have checks available. You do not need to call or log in anywhere — just look at the physical check itself.
Finding your routing number online
Log into your Bank of America online banking account or mobile app and navigate to your account details or account information section. The routing number is usually listed alongside your account number. The exact location varies slightly between the website and the app, but both will show it under account details.
If you cannot find it in the obvious places, search the help section for "routing number" — Bank of America's site will direct you to the exact page. You can also download your account information as a PDF, which includes the routing number.
Calling Bank of America for your routing number
Call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and tell them you need your ABA routing number. Have your account number ready, though they may ask for other identifying information like your Social Security number or the last four digits of your card. The representative will give you the nine-digit number over the phone.
Wait times vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. Calling early in the morning on a weekday is usually faster than calling in the afternoon or on weekends.
Why routing numbers differ by state
Bank of America operates in multiple states, and the Federal Reserve assigns different routing numbers to different regions and branches. If you have two Bank of America accounts — one opened in Texas and one in Florida — they will have different routing numbers even though they are both Bank of America accounts.
The routing number reflects where the account was opened and which Federal Reserve district processes transactions for that branch. If you move to a different state and open a new account there, that account will have a different routing number than your old account, even if you keep both open.
What happens if you use the wrong routing number
If you provide an incorrect routing number, the money may be sent to the wrong bank or rejected entirely. The sending bank will attempt to deliver the funds to the routing number you gave them. If that number belongs to a different bank or a Bank of America branch in a different state, the transfer may be delayed or returned.
If a direct deposit or ACH payment is sent to the wrong routing number, contact the sender immediately and provide the correct one. They can usually cancel the incorrect transaction and resend it. If the money has already been deposited to the wrong account, the receiving bank can help trace it, but recovery takes longer.
Routing number versus account number
Your routing number identifies your bank and branch. Your account number identifies your specific account within that bank. You need both pieces of information together for most transactions. The routing number tells the system which bank to use; the account number tells it which account at that bank.
On a check, the routing number comes first (nine digits on the left), then your account number (usually 10 to 12 digits in the middle). When you set up direct deposit or authorize an ACH payment, you will enter both numbers in separate fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my routing number to send money out of my Bank of America account?
No. When you send money to someone else, you need their routing number and account number, not yours. Your bank already knows where your account is. You only need to provide your routing number when someone else is sending money to you.
Can I use the same routing number for all my Bank of America accounts?
Only if all your accounts are held at branches in the same state. If you have accounts in different states, each account has its own routing number. Check each account separately to make sure you have the correct routing number for the one receiving the transfer.
What if I cannot find my routing number anywhere?
Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 with your account number and identifying information ready. A representative can give you the routing number immediately. You can also visit a Bank of America branch in person and ask a teller to write it down for you.
Is my routing number the same as my bank code or SWIFT code?
No. The ABA routing number is used for domestic transfers within the United States. A SWIFT code is used for international wire transfers. Bank of America has different codes for each type of transfer. If you are receiving money from outside the US, ask the sender for the SWIFT code, not the routing number.
Can someone access my account if they have my routing number?
No. Your routing number is public information — it is printed on every check you write. Someone would need both your routing number and your account number to set up a transfer, and even then, most transactions require additional verification. Never share your full account number with people you do not trust, but the routing number alone is not a security risk.