Bank of America routing numbers depend on your state and account type
Bank of America does not have a single routing number for all customers. The routing number you need depends on which state your account is held in and what kind of transaction you are making. Most Bank of America checking and savings accounts use one of two main routing numbers: 026009593 for most states, or 121000248 for accounts held in certain regions. Some specialty accounts, like those for business or wealth management, may use different numbers.
The routing number is a nine-digit code that tells the banking system which Bank of America branch or processing center should receive your money. When you set up a direct deposit, make an ACH transfer, or send a wire, the routing number is what directs the payment to the right place. Using the wrong routing number can delay your payment by several days or send it to the wrong account entirely.
The fastest way to find your correct routing number is to look at the bottom left corner of your checks — it is the first set of nine digits printed there. If you do not have checks or want to confirm the number before making a large transfer, you can also call Bank of America customer service or log into your online banking account.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America's most common routing number is 026009593, but the correct number depends on your state and account type.
- The routing number appears on the bottom left of your checks as the first nine-digit sequence.
- Using the wrong routing number can delay payments by several days or route money to an incorrect account.
- You can confirm your routing number by calling Bank of America, checking your online account, or visiting a local branch.
- Wire transfers, ACH transfers, and direct deposits all require the correct routing number to process on time.
Where to find your routing number on checks and online
If you have a checkbook, your routing number is printed on every check. Look at the bottom left corner of the check. You will see three separate groups of numbers. The first group of nine digits is your routing number. The second group is your account number. The third group is the check number itself. This is the fastest and most reliable way to find your routing number because it is specific to your account and branch.
If you do not have checks or need to verify the number before using it, log into your Bank of America online banking account or mobile app. Go to the account details or settings section — the exact location varies depending on whether you are using a computer or phone. The routing number is usually listed under account information or transfer settings. You can also call Bank of America's customer service line at 1-800-432-1000 and ask a representative to confirm your routing number over the phone.
Some Bank of America customers also receive their routing number in account opening documents or welcome letters. If you still have the paperwork from when you opened your account, check there first. The number should match what appears on your checks.
The two most common Bank of America routing numbers
026009593 is the routing number used by most Bank of America customers across the United States. This number handles ACH transfers, direct deposits, and bill payments for the majority of checking and savings accounts. If you are setting up a direct deposit from your employer or transferring money between banks, this is the number you will likely need.
121000248 is used for certain Bank of America accounts, particularly those in specific regions or for certain account types. This number is less common than 026009593, but some customers will need it depending on where their account was opened or what type of account they hold. The only way to know which one applies to you is to check your checks or call the bank directly.
Wire transfers sometimes use different routing numbers than ACH transfers, even within the same bank. If you are sending a wire transfer, always confirm the routing number with Bank of America before sending the money. A wire sent to the wrong routing number can be difficult to recover.
How routing numbers work in ACH transfers and direct deposits
When you set up a direct deposit from your employer, your employer's payroll system uses your routing number to find Bank of America's processing center. The routing number tells the system which bank and which regional processing location should receive your paycheck. Without the correct routing number, your paycheck could be delayed or sent to the wrong financial institution entirely.
ACH transfers — the standard way to move money between banks — also rely on routing numbers. When you transfer money from a Bank of America account to another bank, or from another bank to Bank of America, the routing number is what connects the two institutions. The sending bank uses your routing number to route the payment through the Federal Reserve's automated clearing house system to the correct receiving bank.
ACH transfers typically take one to three business days to complete. If you provide the wrong routing number, the transfer may be rejected by the receiving bank, or it may be sent to the wrong account. The sending bank will usually catch the error and return the money to you, but this can add several days to the process.
Wire transfers and when you need a different routing number
Wire transfers are faster than ACH transfers but require more precision with routing numbers. A wire transfer can move money in hours rather than days, but if the routing number is wrong, the money goes to the wrong place immediately. Bank of America sometimes uses different routing numbers for wire transfers than for ACH transfers, so you must confirm which number to use before sending a wire.
To send a wire from Bank of America, you can visit a branch in person, call the wire transfer department, or use online banking if your account type allows it. When you initiate the wire, you will be asked for the receiving bank's routing number (if you are sending money out) or you will need to provide your own routing number (if someone is sending money to you). Always double-check the number before confirming the transaction.
Incoming wires to your Bank of America account require your correct routing number. If someone is sending you a wire and asks for your routing number, give them 026009593 unless Bank of America has told you otherwise. If you are unsure, call the bank and confirm before providing the number to the sender.
What happens if you use the wrong routing number
If you use an incorrect routing number, the payment will either be rejected or sent to the wrong bank. If it is rejected, the sending bank will usually return the money to the sender within one to three business days, and you will need to resubmit the payment with the correct routing number. This adds delay to your payment schedule.
If the payment is sent to the wrong bank but the account number matches an account at that bank, the money may be deposited into someone else's account. This is rare but possible. If this happens, you will need to contact both your bank and the receiving bank to trace the payment and recover the funds. This process can take weeks.
For time-sensitive payments like payroll or bill payments, using the wrong routing number can cause you to miss a deadline or incur late fees. Always verify your routing number before setting up a new direct deposit or making a large transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the routing number the same for all Bank of America accounts?
No. Most accounts use 026009593, but some use 121000248 or other numbers depending on the state and account type. Check your checks or call the bank to confirm which number applies to your specific account. Do not assume all Bank of America accounts use the same routing number.
Can I use the routing number from someone else's Bank of America check?
Only if you have the same account type and your account is held in the same state. Routing numbers can vary by region and account type, so using someone else's number could route your payment to the wrong processing center. Always use the routing number from your own checks or confirm it directly with the bank.
Do I need a different routing number for wire transfers versus ACH transfers?
Sometimes. Bank of America may use different routing numbers for wires and ACH transfers. Before sending a wire, call Bank of America and confirm the correct routing number for that specific transaction type. Do not assume the ACH routing number works for wires.
What if my Bank of America account is in a different state than where I live?
The routing number is based on where your account is held, not where you live. If you opened your account in one state and moved to another, your routing number does not change. Check your checks or call the bank to confirm your routing number is still correct.
How do I know if I have the right routing number before I send money?
Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and confirm the routing number with a representative before sending a large or time-sensitive payment. You can also log into your online account and check the account details section. For wire transfers, always call the bank to confirm — wire transfers cannot be easily reversed if the routing number is wrong.