What a Bank of America routing number is and where to find it
A routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies which bank or credit union holds your account. Bank of America uses different routing numbers depending on which state your account was opened in and which type of account you have. You need this number when you set up direct deposit, arrange automatic bill payments, or send money via wire transfer.
The fastest way to find your routing number is to look at the bottom left corner of any check from your account — it's the first set of numbers printed there. If you don't have checks handy, you can also find it by logging into your Bank of America online account, calling their customer service line, or visiting a branch in person.
Bank of America routing numbers are not secret and do not need to be protected like a password. You can safely share your routing number with employers, payroll services, or anyone else who needs to deposit money into your account. Your account number (which appears after the routing number on your check) is what you should keep private.
Key Takeaways
- Your Bank of America routing number is a nine-digit code printed on the bottom left of your checks, and it varies by state and account type.
- You need your routing number to set up direct deposit, automatic bill payments, and wire transfers — but not for debit card or online transfers.
- Bank of America's main routing number for most states is 026009593, but your specific number depends on where you opened your account.
- Your routing number is safe to share with employers and financial institutions, but your account number should remain private.
- If you cannot find your routing number on a check, you can retrieve it through your online account, a phone call to customer service, or a visit to your local branch.
How routing numbers work in a payment
When you give someone your routing number and account number, you're giving them the information needed to move money into or out of your account through the banking system. The routing number tells the sending bank which Federal Reserve processing center to use and which receiving bank to send the money to. Your account number tells that bank which specific account within Bank of America should receive the funds.
This system is used for ACH transfers (Automated Clearing House), which is how most payroll deposits, bill payments, and peer-to-peer transfers work. ACH transfers typically take one to three business days to complete. Wire transfers use the same routing number but move money the same day or next business day and usually cost a fee.
Online transfers between your own Bank of America accounts, or transfers using your debit card number, do not require a routing number — the bank already knows where your money is going. But any time money moves between different banks, or when an outside employer or service needs to access your account, the routing number is what makes the connection possible.
Bank of America routing numbers by state
Bank of America uses different routing numbers depending on the state where your account was opened. The most commonly used routing number is 026009593, which covers most states including California, Florida, Texas, New York, and many others. However, if your account was opened in a different state or at a specific branch, your routing number may be different.
Other routing numbers used by Bank of America include 011000015 (for some East Coast accounts), 121000248 (for some Midwest accounts), and several others. The only reliable way to know which routing number belongs to your specific account is to check your checks, your online account, or call customer service and confirm.
If you move to a different state or transfer your account, your routing number typically does not change — it stays tied to where you originally opened the account. This means you can keep using the same routing number for direct deposit and bill payments even if you relocate.
Where to locate your routing number online or by phone
If you have online access to your Bank of America account, log in and look for a section labeled "Account Details," "Account Information," or "Routing and Account Numbers." Some accounts display this information on the main dashboard; others require you to click into a specific account and look for a link that says "View routing number" or similar. The routing number will be displayed as a nine-digit code.
If you prefer to call, Bank of America's customer service number is 1-800-432-1000. Have your account number or Social Security number ready, and tell the representative you need your routing number. They will confirm it over the phone in less than a minute.
You can also visit any Bank of America branch in person and ask a teller for your routing number. Bring a form of ID and your account number if you have it. The teller will write it down for you or print it on a receipt.
When you need your routing number and when you don't
You need your routing number when setting up direct deposit from an employer or government benefit program. Your employer's payroll department will ask for both your routing number and account number to deposit your paycheck automatically. You also need it when you arrange automatic bill payments through your bank, when you request a wire transfer, or when you set up recurring transfers to another bank account.
You do not need your routing number for everyday transactions like debit card purchases, ATM withdrawals, or online shopping. You don't need it to transfer money between your own Bank of America accounts, and you don't need it to send money through Bank of America's online or mobile app to another Bank of America customer. You also don't need it to receive money from someone who has your account number but is sending it through a different method.
If someone asks for your routing number and you're not sure why, ask them to explain what they're using it for. Legitimate uses are always connected to moving money into or out of your account through the banking system, not to verifying your identity or confirming your account exists.
What to do if you give out your routing number by mistake
Giving out your routing number by itself is not dangerous — it's public information and does not allow anyone to access your account or withdraw money without your account number as well. However, if you've shared both your routing number and account number with someone you don't trust, or if you think someone may have obtained them fraudulently, contact Bank of America immediately.
Call 1-800-432-1000 or log into your account and report the concern. Bank of America can monitor your account for suspicious activity and can issue you a new account number if necessary, though this will require you to update your direct deposit and automatic payments with the new number. You can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) if you believe your personal information has been compromised.
Watch your account statements closely for the next 30 to 60 days. If you see unauthorized ACH transfers or withdrawals, report them to Bank of America right away. Federal law limits your liability for unauthorized transfers if you report them within 60 days of the statement date.
Routing number vs. account number vs. SWIFT code
Your routing number identifies your bank within the U.S. banking system and is used for domestic transfers. Your account number identifies your specific account within Bank of America and should be kept private. Together, they allow money to reach the right account at the right bank.
A SWIFT code (also called a BIC code) is different — it's used for international wire transfers and identifies Bank of America globally. Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N. If someone is sending you money from outside the United States, they may ask for your SWIFT code instead of your routing number, or they may ask for both.
An IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is another international standard used in Europe and some other countries. Bank of America accounts do not have IBANs — if someone asks for one, they may be confused about which country you're banking in, or they may be attempting a scam. Stick with your routing number and account number for domestic transfers, and your SWIFT code for international transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone withdraw money from my account if they only have my routing number?
No. A routing number alone does not allow anyone to access your account or move money. They would need both your routing number and your account number, and even then they can only initiate ACH transfers — they cannot access your online account, change your password, or make debit card purchases. If you're concerned about unauthorized activity, contact Bank of America immediately.
Do I need a different routing number for checking vs. savings accounts?
No. Both your checking and savings accounts at Bank of America use the same routing number. The account number is what distinguishes between them, so when you provide your routing number and account number together, the bank knows exactly which account to use.
What if the routing number on my check is different from what Bank of America told me?
Use the number on your check — that is the correct routing number for your account. Bank of America may have multiple routing numbers in use, and the one printed on your checks is the one tied to your specific account. If you're setting up direct deposit or automatic payments, use the number from your check or from your online account.
Can I use the same routing number if I move to a different state?
Yes. Your routing number is tied to where you opened your account, not where you currently live. You can keep using the same routing number for direct deposit and bill payments even after you move. You do not need to update it unless Bank of America notifies you of a change.
Is Bank of America's routing number the same for all customers?
No. Bank of America uses different routing numbers depending on the state where your account was opened and the type of account you have. The most common one is 026009593, but yours may be different. Always check your checks or your online account to confirm your specific routing number rather than assuming.