Your Bank of America routing number is a nine-digit code that tells the banking system which Bank of America branch or processing center should receive money sent to your account
Every bank in the United States has routing numbers, and Bank of America has multiple ones depending on which state your account is held in and what type of account you have. When you send money via wire transfer, set up direct deposit, or arrange automatic bill payments, you are giving the sender or biller this routing number so they know where to direct the funds. Without it, the transaction cannot be processed.
The routing number is different from your account number. Your account number identifies your specific account; the routing number identifies the bank branch or processing center. Together, they form the complete address for your money.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America routing numbers are nine digits and vary by state and account type, so you cannot assume one number works for all your accounts.
- You can find your routing number on the bottom left of your checks, in your online banking portal under account details, or by calling Bank of America customer service.
- Wire transfers, direct deposits, and automatic bill payments all require your routing number to process correctly.
- If you provide the wrong routing number, your payment may be delayed, sent to the wrong account, or rejected entirely.
Where to find your Bank of America routing number
The fastest way is to look at a check from your account. The routing number appears as the first nine digits on the bottom left of the check, before your account number. If you do not have checks or prefer not to use them, log into your Bank of America online banking account, go to Account Details or Account Information, and your routing number will be listed there alongside your account number.
You can also call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and provide your account number. A representative will confirm your routing number over the phone. If you need the routing number for a specific type of transaction—such as setting up payroll direct deposit—Bank of America's website has a routing number lookup tool where you enter your state and account type.
Why routing numbers vary by state and account type
Bank of America operates processing centers in different states, and the routing number directs your transaction to the correct one. A checking account in California may have a different routing number than a savings account in Texas, even though both are Bank of America accounts. This is standard across the banking system, not unique to Bank of America.
The routing number also depends on whether your account is held at a Bank of America branch, a subsidiary bank that Bank of America owns, or through a third-party service. Always confirm you have the correct routing number for your specific account before initiating a transaction, because using the wrong one can cause delays or send money to an unintended destination.
What happens if you use the wrong routing number
If you provide an incorrect routing number, the transaction may be rejected outright if the number does not correspond to any real bank. If the number belongs to a different bank or a different Bank of America processing center, the money may be sent to the wrong account or held in a suspense account while the banks sort out the error.
Recovery can take several business days to several weeks, depending on whether the receiving bank can identify the mistake and return the funds. During that time, your money is not in your account and not available to you. For this reason, it is worth taking 30 seconds to verify the routing number before you submit any wire transfer or set up any recurring payment.
Routing numbers for wire transfers versus ACH transfers
Bank of America uses the same routing number for both wire transfers and ACH transfers (the automated clearing house system used for direct deposits and bill payments). However, some banks maintain separate routing numbers for these two types of transactions. When you are setting up a wire transfer or direct deposit, always confirm with Bank of America or the receiving institution whether they need a specific routing number for that transaction type.
Wire transfers move money the same day or next business day and are generally irreversible once sent. ACH transfers take one to three business days and can sometimes be recalled if you catch the error quickly. The routing number is the same for both, but the speed and reversibility of the transaction are not.
How to verify you have the correct routing number before sending money
Before you wire money or set up an automatic payment, contact the person or organization receiving the funds and ask them to confirm the routing number you plan to use. If you are setting up direct deposit for your paycheck, your employer's payroll department can verify the routing number and account number together. If you are sending money to another person's account, ask them to read the routing number from their own check or banking portal.
For bill payments, your biller's website or billing statement will often list the routing number they expect. Cross-check it against what Bank of America shows in your account. This extra step takes two minutes and prevents the frustration of a payment going to the wrong place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my Bank of America routing number the same for all my accounts?
Not necessarily. If you have multiple accounts at Bank of America in the same state, they may share a routing number. But if you have accounts in different states or different account types, each may have its own routing number. Check each account individually in your online banking portal to be certain.
Can I use the same routing number for wire transfers and bill payments?
Yes. Bank of America uses the same routing number for wire transfers, ACH transfers, and bill payments. However, always confirm with the receiving bank or biller that they accept the routing number for the specific transaction type you are using.
What if I cannot find my routing number?
Call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 with your account number ready. A representative will provide your routing number immediately. You can also visit the Bank of America website and use their routing number lookup tool by entering your state and account type.
Do I need my routing number to transfer money between my own Bank of America accounts?
No. Transfers between your own Bank of America accounts within online banking do not require a routing number. You only need the routing number when sending money to accounts at other banks or setting up external transfers.
Will my routing number change if I move to a different state?
If you move and keep your Bank of America account open, your routing number may change depending on where your account is now processed. Contact Bank of America to confirm your new routing number after a move, especially if you have automatic payments or direct deposits set up.