An ABA number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific Bank of America branch
Bank of America assigns an ABA number (also called a routing number) to each of its branches. This number tells other banks and payment systems which Bank of America location holds your account. When you send money via wire transfer, ACH payment, or check, the ABA number routes that money to the correct branch so it reaches the right account.
The ABA number is not the same as your account number. Your account number identifies you within that branch; the ABA number identifies the branch itself. You need both pieces of information to receive incoming transfers or to send money out.
Bank of America uses different ABA numbers for different regions and account types. A checking account in New York may have a different routing number than a savings account in California, even though both are Bank of America accounts. This is why it matters to find the correct number for your specific situation rather than using a number you find online that might belong to a different branch.
Key Takeaways
- Your ABA number is a nine-digit code specific to your Bank of America branch location, not your individual account.
- You need your ABA number to receive wire transfers, ACH payments, and direct deposits from employers or government agencies.
- The fastest way to find your ABA number is to check the bottom left corner of a check or log into your Bank of America online account.
- Different branches and account types may have different ABA numbers, so verify you have the correct one for your specific account before sharing it.
- Bank of America's main ABA numbers vary by state and region, but your personal checks or account details will show the exact number tied to your account.
Where to find your ABA number on a check
If you have Bank of America checks, the ABA number appears in the bottom left corner. It is the first set of nine digits printed there. The format looks like this: the ABA number comes first, then your account number, then the check number on the far right.
You do not need to have written a check recently to use this method. Even if you ordered checks months ago and have not used them, the ABA number printed on them is still valid for your account. If you have lost your checks or never ordered them, move to the next method.
How to find your ABA number online at Bank of America
Log into your Bank of America account through their website or mobile app. Go to the account details or account information section—this is usually labeled "Account Details," "Account Summary," or "Routing Information." Your ABA number will be listed there alongside your account number.
If you cannot find it in the main account view, look for a section called "Wire Transfer Information" or "Direct Deposit Setup." Bank of America displays routing numbers in these areas because customers need them to set up incoming transfers. The number shown there is your ABA number.
You can also call Bank of America customer service at the number on the back of your debit card. A representative can confirm your routing number over the phone. Have your account number and a form of identification ready.
Why different Bank of America accounts may have different ABA numbers
Bank of America operates many branches across the country, and each region may have its own routing number. If you moved states or opened a new account at a different branch, the ABA number might be different from your previous account, even though both are Bank of America.
Additionally, some account types—such as business accounts versus personal accounts, or accounts opened through specific programs—may route through different processing centers and therefore carry different ABA numbers. This is why it is important to verify the number for your specific account rather than assuming all your Bank of America accounts share the same routing number.
When you need to provide your ABA number
You will need your ABA number whenever someone or an organization is sending money directly into your Bank of America account. This includes direct deposit from an employer, tax refunds from the IRS, ACH transfers from another person's bank account, or wire transfers from another financial institution.
You do not need your ABA number to send money out of your account using your debit card, online bill pay through Bank of America's website, or checks you write yourself. You only need it when money is coming in and the sender needs to know which bank and branch to route it to.
Government agencies, employers, and other financial institutions will ask for your ABA number and account number together. Always provide both, and always double-check that you have given the correct ABA number for the account that will receive the money.
What happens if you give the wrong ABA number
If you provide an incorrect ABA number, the transfer may be rejected before it leaves the sending bank, or it may be routed to the wrong Bank of America branch or even to a different bank entirely. In either case, the money does not reach your account.
If the money goes to the wrong branch or bank, the sending organization will need to trace the transfer and request a reversal. This can take several days to several weeks depending on the type of transfer and how quickly the receiving institution responds. During this time, you will not have access to the funds.
To avoid this, verify your ABA number through your checks or your online account before you give it to anyone. If you are unsure, call Bank of America and confirm the number with a representative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my ABA number the same as my routing number?
Yes. ABA number and routing number are the same thing. ABA stands for American Bankers Association, the organization that originally established the routing number system. Bank of America and other banks use the terms interchangeably.
Can I use any Bank of America routing number I find online?
No. While Bank of America publishes some routing numbers online, the number for your specific account may differ depending on your branch location and account type. Always use the number from your checks or your online account details to be certain it is correct for your account.
Do I need my ABA number to pay bills online through Bank of America?
No. When you pay bills through Bank of America's bill pay service, the bank handles the routing automatically. You only need your ABA number when someone outside Bank of America is sending money to you.
What if I have multiple Bank of America accounts?
Each account may have its own ABA number, particularly if the accounts are different types or were opened at different branches. Check the details for each account separately to confirm which routing number belongs to which account before sharing it with anyone.
How long does it take to receive money once I give someone my ABA number?
Timing depends on the transfer type. Direct deposits typically arrive within one to two business days. ACH transfers usually take three to five business days. Wire transfers can arrive the same day or next business day. The sending organization controls when they initiate the transfer, so ask them for their timeline.