Bank of America's ACH routing number is 021000021

Bank of America's ACH routing number is 021000021. This nine-digit code tells the automated clearing house system where to send money when you set up direct deposit, pay bills online, or receive transfers from another bank. It is the same for all Bank of America checking and savings accounts, regardless of which state you bank in or which branch you use.

The ACH routing number is different from the wire transfer routing number Bank of America uses for international or same-day transfers. If you are setting up a bill payment or direct deposit through your employer, use 021000021. If you are sending money internationally or need it to arrive the same day, you will need a different routing number — your bank statement or the Bank of America website will show which one applies to your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America's ACH routing number is 021000021 for all direct deposits, bill payments, and transfers between banks.
  • ACH transfers typically take one to three business days to complete, so plan ahead if you need money by a specific date.
  • You can find your routing number on the bottom left of any Bank of America check, or by logging into your online banking account.
  • Wire transfers use a different routing number than ACH transfers, so confirm which type of payment you are making before you provide the number.

When you need the ACH routing number

You need Bank of America's ACH routing number whenever you are setting up a payment or transfer that moves through the automated clearing house system. The most common situations are direct deposit from your employer, automatic bill payments to utilities or loan servicers, and transfers from another bank into your Bank of America account.

You will also need it if you are sending money out of Bank of America to another bank account — for example, paying a contractor or transferring funds to a savings account at a different institution. The receiving bank uses the routing number to confirm that the money is coming from Bank of America and to route it to the correct account.

ACH transfers are free and take one to three business days. If you need money to arrive the same day or within a few hours, you will need to use a wire transfer instead, which requires a different routing number and usually costs $15 to $30.

How to find your routing number if you do not have it memorized

The fastest way is to look at the bottom left corner of any Bank of America check. The first nine digits are your routing number. If you do not have checks on hand, log into your Bank of America online banking account, go to the account details or settings section, and look for routing information — most banks display it there.

You can also call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and ask for your ACH routing number. Have your account number ready. The routing number is public information, so the bank will give it to you without verification, though they may ask for your account number to confirm you are calling about the right account.

Bank of America also publishes its routing numbers on its website. Search "Bank of America routing number" and you will find the official page, which lists 021000021 as the ACH routing number for all accounts.

The difference between ACH routing and wire routing

Bank of America uses 021000021 for ACH transfers — the slower, free method that takes one to three business days. For wire transfers, which are faster but cost money, Bank of America uses different routing numbers depending on whether the wire is domestic or international. Domestic wire transfers use 121000248, and international wires use a different code.

If you provide the ACH routing number for a wire transfer, the transfer will fail or be delayed. If you provide the wire routing number for an ACH transfer, the same thing happens. Before you give out a routing number, confirm with the person or organization requesting it which type of transfer they are making. Most bill payments and direct deposits are ACH, so 021000021 is what you need in the vast majority of cases.

What happens after you provide the routing number

Once you give the routing number and your account number to an employer, biller, or another bank, the money moves through the ACH network. On the first business day, the sending bank submits the transfer. On the second or third business day, the ACH system processes it and deposits the money into your Bank of America account. You will see it show up as pending first, then as a completed transaction.

If the routing number or account number is wrong, the transfer will bounce back to the sender, usually within one to three business days. The sending bank will then contact you or the organization that initiated the transfer to ask for the correct information. This is why it is important to double-check both numbers before you submit them.

Once the money lands in your account, it is yours to use. There are no holds or additional processing steps for ACH transfers into Bank of America accounts.

Security and fraud protection with ACH transfers

ACH transfers are generally safe because they require both your routing number and your account number — information that is printed on your checks and is not secret. However, if someone has both numbers, they can set up unauthorized transfers out of your account. Bank of America offers fraud protection, but you need to report unauthorized transfers within 60 days to be covered.

If you notice an ACH transfer you did not authorize, log into your account or call 1-800-432-1000 right away. Bank of America will investigate and reverse the transfer if it was fraudulent. Do not delay — the 60-day window is strict, and waiting longer can cost you the protection.

To reduce the risk of fraud, do not share your account number with people or websites you do not trust. The routing number itself is public and safe to share, but the combination of routing number and account number is sensitive. If you are setting up a payment with a new vendor or service, verify their legitimacy before you provide your account details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ACH routing number the same for all Bank of America customers?

Yes. Every Bank of America checking and savings account uses 021000021 for ACH transfers, regardless of which state you live in or which branch you use. The routing number does not change based on your account type or location.

Can I use the ACH routing number for a wire transfer?

No. Wire transfers require a different routing number. If you use the ACH routing number for a wire, the transfer will fail. Confirm with the person or organization sending the wire which routing number they need before you provide it.

How long does an ACH transfer take?

ACH transfers typically take one to three business days from the time the sending bank submits them. Weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days, so a transfer submitted on Friday may not arrive until Tuesday. If you need money faster, you will need to use a wire transfer or another same-day payment method.

What if I give the wrong routing number?

The transfer will fail and bounce back to the sender within one to three business days. The sending bank will then contact you or the organization that initiated the transfer to ask for the correct information. You will not lose money, but the payment will be delayed.

Do I need a different routing number for each Bank of America account I have?

No. All Bank of America accounts use the same ACH routing number: 021000021. If you have multiple checking or savings accounts, they all use this number. The account number is what distinguishes between your different accounts.