Your ABA number is a nine-digit code that identifies Bank of America as the institution holding your account
The ABA number (also called a routing number) tells the banking system which bank to send money to when someone pays you by wire transfer, ACH payment, or check. For Bank of America, the number varies slightly depending on which state your account is in and what type of account you have, but it always serves the same purpose: it routes money to the right place.
You do not need to memorize it. You will find it printed on the bottom left of your checks, in your online banking portal, and by calling Bank of America directly. The number itself is public information — it is not a secret like your PIN or password.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America has multiple ABA numbers depending on your state and account type, so check your checks or online banking to find the correct one for your specific account.
- The ABA number appears on the bottom left of your checks and in your account details within online banking.
- You will need your ABA number when setting up direct deposit, receiving wire transfers, or arranging automatic payments from outside institutions.
- The ABA number is public information and sharing it does not put your account at risk — you also need your account number and sometimes additional verification to move money.
Where to find your Bank of America ABA number
The fastest way is to look at a check from your checking account. The nine-digit number on the bottom left, before your account number, is your ABA number. If you do not have checks handy, log into your Bank of America online banking account, go to your account details or settings, and look for "routing number" — that is the ABA number.
You can also call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and ask for your routing number. Have your account number ready. The representative will give you the correct ABA number for your specific account type and state.
Why different Bank of America accounts have different ABA numbers
Bank of America operates through multiple processing centers across the country. Depending on which state your account is registered in, your money may be processed through a different center, which means a different ABA number. A checking account in California might have a different routing number than a savings account in New York, even though both are Bank of America accounts.
This is why it matters to use the correct ABA number for your specific account. If you give someone the wrong routing number, the payment may be delayed or sent to the wrong place. Always verify the number matches the account you are using.
When you will need to provide your ABA number
You need your ABA number when someone outside Bank of America is sending you money electronically. This includes setting up direct deposit for your paycheck, receiving a wire transfer from another bank, or arranging an automatic payment from a utility company or creditor. The sender uses your ABA number plus your account number to route the payment to you.
You also need it if you are setting up a payment from your Bank of America account to an account at another bank. In that case, you provide the other bank's ABA number so Bank of America knows where to send your money.
The difference between ABA number and account number
Your ABA number identifies the bank. Your account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Together, they tell the banking system exactly where to send money. Think of the ABA number as the bank's address and your account number as your mailbox number inside that address.
When you give someone your banking information for a payment, you typically provide both numbers. The ABA number appears first on your checks, followed by your account number. Never share your account number with someone you do not trust, but the ABA number itself is safe to share — it is public information that anyone can look up.
What happens if you use the wrong ABA number
If you provide an incorrect ABA number, the payment may be rejected outright, or it may be sent to a different bank entirely. The sending bank will try to match the ABA number to a real institution. If it does not match any bank, the payment bounces back to the sender, and you do not receive the money.
If the wrong ABA number happens to match a different bank, the payment goes there instead of to Bank of America. This is rare but possible. The money can usually be recovered, but it takes time and effort from both banks. Always double-check the routing number before confirming a payment, especially for large amounts or time-sensitive transfers like payroll.
How ABA numbers work in the payment system
When you receive a wire transfer or ACH payment, the sending bank uses your ABA number to look up Bank of America in the Federal Reserve's routing directory. The Federal Reserve maintains a database of every bank's ABA number and its processing location. Once the sending bank confirms the number is valid, it sends the payment through the banking network to Bank of America, which then deposits it into your account using your account number.
The entire process usually takes one to three business days for ACH payments and same-day or next-day for wire transfers, depending on the time the payment is sent and which banks are involved. The ABA number is the first step that makes this routing possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my ABA number the same for all my Bank of America accounts?
Not necessarily. If you have multiple accounts in the same state, they may share the same ABA number. But if you have accounts in different states or different account types (like a checking account and a business account), they could have different routing numbers. Check each account individually to be sure.
Can someone steal money from my account if they know my ABA number?
No. Your ABA number is public information — it is printed on every check you write. A person also needs your account number and usually additional verification (like your name, address, or a security code) to move money. The ABA number alone cannot be used to access or drain your account.
What if I am setting up direct deposit and the form asks for routing number instead of ABA number?
Routing number and ABA number are the same thing. Different forms use different terminology, but they are asking for the same nine-digit code. Provide your Bank of America routing number in either field.
Do I need a different ABA number for wire transfers versus ACH payments?
No. The same ABA number works for both wire transfers and ACH payments. The routing number identifies the bank; the payment method (wire or ACH) is determined by the sending institution, not by which routing number you provide.
Where can I find Bank of America's ABA number if I do not have my checks?
Log into your online banking account and look under account details or settings for "routing number." You can also call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000, or search online for "Bank of America routing number" plus your state — the number is public and appears on Bank of America's website and many financial reference sites.