Bank of America routing numbers vary by state and account type
Your routing number is a nine-digit code that tells the banking system which Bank of America branch or processing center handles your account. It is not the same across all Bank of America customers. The routing number depends on the state where you opened your account and, sometimes, the type of account you hold.
Bank of America uses different routing numbers for different regions. If you opened an account in California, your routing number will differ from someone who opened an account in New York or Texas. This matters because when you set up direct deposit, pay bills through ACH transfer, or receive a wire transfer, you need the routing number that matches your specific account location.
The most common Bank of America routing numbers are 026009593 (for most states) and 121000248 (for some western states), but these are not universal. Using the wrong routing number can delay your transaction or send money to the wrong place.
Key Takeaways
- Your Bank of America routing number depends on the state where you opened your account, not where you currently live or bank.
- 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 at 1-800-432-1000.
- The two most common Bank of America routing numbers are 026009593 and 121000248, but your account may use a different one.
- Using an incorrect routing number can delay ACH transfers, direct deposits, and wire transfers by several business days.
Where to find your routing number right now
The fastest way to find your routing number is to look at a check from your Bank of America checking account. The routing number appears as the first nine digits at the bottom left of the check, before your account number. If you do not have checks available, this method takes less than a minute.
If you do not have physical checks, log into your Bank of America online banking account or mobile app. Go to the account details or account information section—the exact location varies slightly between the website and app, but it is usually under "Account Services" or "Manage Your Account." 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. Have your account number ready. A representative will confirm your identity and provide your routing number over the phone. This call typically takes five to ten minutes.
Why you need the correct routing number for different transactions
When you set up direct deposit for your paycheck, your employer's payroll system uses your routing number and account number to deposit money into the right account at the right bank. If you provide the wrong routing number, your paycheck may go to a different Bank of America branch or, in rare cases, to a different bank entirely. This can delay your pay by several business days while the error is caught and corrected.
For ACH transfers—when you pay a bill online or send money to another person through your bank—the routing number directs the money through the Federal Reserve's clearing system to the correct destination. A wrong routing number here typically results in a failed transaction that bounces back to you within one to three business days.
Wire transfers are less forgiving. If you wire money using an incorrect routing number, the money may arrive at the wrong bank or account. Recovering a misdirected wire transfer is difficult and can take weeks. Always double-check your routing number before initiating a wire transfer.
The difference between routing number and account number
Your routing number identifies your bank or the specific branch processing center. Your account number identifies your individual account within that bank. Together, they form the complete address for your money.
Think of it this way: the routing number is like the address of a post office, and your account number is like your mailbox number at that post office. You need both pieces of information for most transactions. On a check, the routing number comes first (nine digits), then your account number (usually ten to twelve digits).
What happens if you use the wrong routing number
If you use a wrong routing number for direct deposit or an ACH transfer, the transaction typically fails and bounces back within one to three business days. Your employer or the person sending you money will be notified that the deposit could not be completed. You will then need to provide the correct routing number and resubmit.
For wire transfers, the outcome is less predictable. The money may arrive at a different Bank of America branch, a different bank, or be rejected entirely. If the money reaches the wrong account, you will need to contact that bank and request they return the funds. This process can take two to four weeks.
If you discover an error after initiating a transaction, contact Bank of America immediately. The sooner you report it, the better the chance of stopping or redirecting the transfer before it clears.
Bank of America routing numbers by region
| Region / Account Type | Routing Number |
|---|---|
| Most states (general) | 026009593 |
| California, Nevada, Utah | 121000248 |
| Some eastern states | 011000015 |
| Business accounts (varies by state) | Check your account details or call customer service |
This table shows the most common routing numbers, but it is not exhaustive. Bank of America has additional routing numbers for specific regions and account types. The only way to be certain you have the correct routing number for your account is to check your checks, your online account details, or call customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my bank code?
No. Your routing number is specific to Bank of America and the state where you opened your account. A bank code is a different system used internationally. For domestic U.S. transactions, you need your routing number, not a bank code.
Can I use any Bank of America routing number, or does it have to match my account?
It must match your account. Using a different Bank of America routing number—even if it is a valid Bank of America number—can cause your transaction to fail or be delayed. Always use the routing number tied to your specific account.
Do I need my routing number to transfer money between my own Bank of America accounts?
No. If you are transferring money between two accounts you own at the same Bank of America branch, you can do this through online banking without a routing number. You only need the routing number when transferring to another bank or setting up external transfers.
What if I moved to a different state after opening my account?
Your routing number does not change when you move. It is tied to the state where you originally opened the account, not your current location. You will continue to use the same routing number even if you relocate.
How long does it take for a direct deposit to arrive if I provide the correct routing number?
Direct deposits typically arrive within one to two business days after your employer submits the deposit. The exact timing depends on when your employer processes payroll and when the Federal Reserve clears the transaction. Some employers deposit on the same day they process payroll; others take an extra day.