Bank of America's ABA number is 121000248, used to route money into your account from outside sources
An ABA number is a nine-digit code that identifies a specific bank branch in the United States. Bank of America's main ABA number is 121000248. This number tells the banking system which institution should receive a payment when money moves between banks — whether that's a wire transfer, an ACH payment (the system that handles direct deposits and bill payments), or a check clearing through the Federal Reserve.
The number itself does not change based on which Bank of America branch you use or what type of account you have. It is the same whether you bank at the downtown branch or online. However, Bank of America operates multiple routing numbers for different purposes and regions, so if you are setting up a payment and the system asks for a routing number, 121000248 is the one that works for most transactions.
You need this number when someone outside your bank wants to send you money directly — your employer setting up direct deposit, a government agency sending a refund, or a vendor paying an invoice. The sender uses your ABA number plus your account number to move the funds to the right place.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America's primary ABA number is 121000248, and it works for wire transfers, ACH payments, and direct deposits.
- The ABA number is the same across all Bank of America branches and account types — it identifies the bank, not your specific account.
- You provide your ABA number along with your account number when you want someone to send you money electronically.
- Bank of America has other routing numbers for specific purposes, so confirm which one a payment system requires before entering it.
Where to find your ABA number
The easiest place to find Bank of America's ABA number is on the bottom left corner of any check you have. The first nine digits printed in that magnetic ink are the routing number. If you do not have checks, log into your Bank of America online account or mobile app and look under account details or account information — most banks display the routing number there.
You can also call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and ask for your routing number. Have your account number ready when you call. The representative will confirm the correct number for your account type and the transaction you are setting up.
When Bank of America has different routing numbers
Bank of America maintains multiple routing numbers for different transaction types and regions. The number 121000248 is the standard one for most ACH transactions and wire transfers. However, if you are setting up a payment and the system rejects this number or asks you to choose from a list, the other number you might see is for a specific purpose — such as payments through the Federal Reserve's wire system or transactions in a particular state.
This happens because Bank of America operates as a large network with different processing centers. When you are asked for a routing number, the payment system usually specifies what type of transaction it is handling. If you enter the wrong routing number, the payment will either be rejected when ready or delayed while the bank sorts out where it should go. If you are unsure which number to use, ask the person or organization requesting the information — they often know which routing number their system requires.
ABA number versus account number
The ABA number and your account number are two separate pieces of information that work together. Your ABA number (121000248 for Bank of America) identifies the bank. Your account number is unique to you and identifies which account at that bank should receive the money. Think of it like an address: the ABA number is the city, and your account number is your house on that street.
When you give someone your banking information to send you money, you provide both numbers. A direct deposit form, for example, will have two fields: one for routing number and one for account number. If you give only the routing number without the account number, the money cannot reach you. If you give the account number without the routing number, the sender's bank will not know which bank to send it to.
What happens when you provide the wrong routing number
If you accidentally give someone the wrong routing number, the payment will go to a different bank instead of Bank of America. The sending bank's system will process the transaction and send the money to the routing number you provided. That other bank will then try to match the account number to one of their accounts, which usually fails because the account number does not belong to them.
When this happens, the receiving bank typically returns the payment to the sender, and the sender's bank credits the money back to the original account. This process can take several business days. To avoid this, double-check the routing number before you give it to anyone. If you are unsure, verify it through your Bank of America account or by calling customer service rather than guessing.
Using your ABA number for wire transfers
Wire transfers are one of the most common uses for an ABA number. When you send or receive a wire transfer, both banks need routing numbers to process the transaction. If you are receiving a wire transfer into your Bank of America account, you provide the sender with 121000248 plus your account number. The sender's bank uses this information to route the money directly to your account, usually within one business day.
Wire transfers are faster than ACH payments because they move through a different system (the Federal Reserve's wire network rather than the ACH network). However, they also cost more — Bank of America typically charges a fee for outgoing wire transfers, though incoming wires are usually free. If someone is wiring you money and asks for your routing number, 121000248 is the correct answer for a Bank of America account.
ACH payments and direct deposits
ACH stands for Automated Clearing House, and it is the system that handles most routine electronic payments — direct deposits from your employer, bill payments you set up online, and transfers between your own accounts at different banks. ACH transactions use the same routing number as wire transfers: 121000248 for Bank of America.
ACH payments are slower than wire transfers but cheaper or free. A direct deposit typically takes one to two business days to appear in your account after your employer sends it. If you set up a bill payment through your bank's website, it may take three to five business days to reach the payee, depending on when you schedule it. The routing number stays the same regardless of how long the transaction takes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bank of America's ABA number the same for all branches?
Yes. The routing number 121000248 is the same whether you bank at a physical branch or use Bank of America online. The ABA number identifies the bank as a whole, not individual branches. Your specific branch location does not change the routing number you need to receive money.
Do I need a different routing number for checking versus savings accounts?
No. Bank of America uses the same routing number for all account types. Whether you are receiving money into a checking account, savings account, or money market account, the routing number is 121000248. The account number is what distinguishes between your different accounts at the bank.
What if someone asks for my routing number and I am not sure it is legitimate?
Legitimate organizations — your employer, a government agency, a utility company — will tell you upfront that they need your routing and account numbers to send you money. If someone is asking for this information and you are unsure why, contact Bank of America directly before providing it. Never give banking information to someone who calls you unexpectedly claiming to be from your bank.
Can I use Bank of America's routing number to receive money from outside the United States?
International wire transfers use a different system and require additional information beyond the ABA number, such as a SWIFT code or IBAN. Bank of America's ABA number (121000248) works only for transfers within the United States. If you are expecting money from another country, contact Bank of America to get the correct international wire instructions for your account.
What if a payment system says my routing number is invalid?
Double-check that you entered 121000248 correctly — it is nine digits with no dashes or spaces. If the system still rejects it, the payment platform may require a different routing number for its specific processing method. Contact Bank of America customer service with the name of the organization requesting the number, and they can confirm which routing number that system uses.