Your ABA number is a nine-digit code that identifies Bank of America as your bank to other financial institutions
When money moves between banks—whether you're setting up direct deposit, sending a wire transfer, or receiving a payment from someone at a different bank—the sending bank needs to know exactly where to send it. The ABA number (also called a routing number) tells that bank: "This is Bank of America, and here's the specific branch or processing center handling this transaction." Without it, the money has no address.
Bank of America's ABA numbers are not all the same. The number you need depends on what you're doing and sometimes where your account is located. A wire transfer might use a different ABA than a direct deposit, even though both go to the same Bank of America account. This matters because using the wrong number can delay your payment or send it to the wrong place entirely.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America has multiple ABA numbers depending on the type of transaction and sometimes the state where your account is held.
- You can find your specific ABA number on the bottom left of your checks, in your online banking portal under account details, or by calling Bank of America directly.
- Wire transfers, direct deposits, and ACH transfers may each require different ABA numbers, so confirm which one applies before you provide it.
- Using an incorrect ABA number can delay payment processing or route money to the wrong account, so double-check before submitting.
Where to find your Bank of America ABA number
The easiest place to look is your checkbook. On the bottom left of any check, you'll see three groups of numbers separated by colons. The first group—usually nine digits—is your ABA number. If you don't have checks or prefer not to look there, log into your Bank of America online account, go to account details or account information, and the routing number will be listed there.
You can also call Bank of America directly at the number on the back of your debit card or on your statement. When you call, tell them what type of transaction you're setting up (direct deposit, wire transfer, or ACH payment), because they may give you a different number depending on the transaction type. Some employers or payment processors ask for the ABA number before you even call, so knowing where to find it saves time.
Why Bank of America has more than one ABA number
Bank of America operates multiple processing centers across the country, and different transaction types route through different centers. A wire transfer might go through Bank of America's wire processing center in one state, while a direct deposit goes through an ACH processing center in another. Each center has its own ABA number so the sending institution knows which path to take.
This is standard across all large banks, not unique to Bank of America. Smaller regional banks often have just one ABA number because they have one processing center. But when a bank operates nationwide with multiple systems handling different kinds of payments, multiple ABA numbers are necessary for the system to work correctly.
The difference between ABA numbers for different transaction types
If you're setting up direct deposit for your paycheck, your employer will ask for your ABA number. If you're sending a wire transfer to someone else's account, you might need a different one. If you're setting up an automatic bill payment through an ACH network, that might be yet another number. The reason is routing: each system processes payments differently and sends them through different networks.
Before you give out your ABA number, ask the person or organization requesting it what it's for. If they say "direct deposit," use the direct deposit ABA. If they say "wire transfer," use the wire transfer ABA. Bank of America's customer service can tell you which number to use for your specific situation, and it takes less than five minutes on the phone.
What happens if you use the wrong ABA number
If you provide an incorrect ABA number, the payment doesn't automatically bounce back to the sender. Instead, it may be delayed while the banking system tries to figure out where it should go. Some payments get held for investigation. Others reach Bank of America but go to the wrong account or branch, which then has to be manually corrected—a process that can take days or weeks.
In rare cases, a payment sent to the wrong ABA number reaches a completely different bank. That bank then has to contact Bank of America to figure out what happened, and the money gets returned to the sender. During all of this, you don't have access to the funds, and the person who sent it thinks the payment failed. This is why double-checking the ABA number before submitting is worth the thirty seconds it takes.
How ABA numbers fit into the larger payment system
Your ABA number is one piece of information the banking system uses to route money. The complete picture includes your account number, your name, and sometimes additional verification. When you give someone your banking information for a transfer, you're typically providing your ABA number, your account number, and your account type (checking or savings). Together, these three pieces tell the sending bank exactly where your money should land.
The ABA number itself doesn't identify you—it identifies Bank of America. Your account number identifies you within Bank of America. This is why you can safely share your ABA number; it's public information. Your account number is what you protect, because that's what actually accesses your money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my ABA number the same as my routing number?
Yes. ABA number and routing number are the same thing. ABA stands for American Bankers Association, the organization that originally assigned these numbers. You'll see both terms used interchangeably, but they refer to the identical nine-digit code.
Can I use the same ABA number for wire transfers and direct deposits?
Sometimes, but not always. Bank of America may provide you with the same number for both, or they may give you different numbers depending on the transaction type. Always confirm with Bank of America or the organization requesting the number which ABA to use for your specific transaction.
What if I'm moving my account to a different Bank of America branch?
Your ABA number does not change when you move branches within Bank of America. The routing number stays the same because it identifies Bank of America's processing system, not a specific branch location. Your account number may change depending on how the branch handles the transfer, so confirm that with the new branch.
Do I need my ABA number to receive money from outside the United States?
International wire transfers require additional information beyond your ABA number. You'll typically need your ABA number, account number, account type, and a SWIFT code (which identifies Bank of America internationally). Contact Bank of America before receiving an international transfer to get all the information the sender needs.
Can someone access my account if they have my ABA number?
No. Your ABA number alone cannot access your account. Someone would need your account number and typically additional verification to move money from your account. Your ABA number is public information; your account number is what you protect.