What a routing number is and why you need it
A routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies which Bank of America branch or processing center handles your account. When money moves between banks—whether you're setting up direct deposit, sending a wire transfer, or paying a bill through another institution—that institution needs to know where to send the money. The routing number tells them.
Think of it like an address for your bank. Your account number identifies which account at that bank, but the routing number identifies the bank itself (or more precisely, the specific processing center). Without it, a transfer could go to the wrong place or fail entirely.
You'll need your routing number whenever you're giving banking details to an employer, a bill-pay service, or another financial institution. It's not secret information—it's printed on your checks and available to anyone who asks—but you do need the right one for your specific account type and location.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America routing numbers vary by state and account type, so you need the one that matches where your account is held.
- The routing number appears on the bottom left of your checks, before your account number.
- You can find your routing number through your Bank of America online banking portal, by calling customer service, or by visiting a branch.
- Different routing numbers exist for wire transfers, ACH transfers, and other transaction types, though most everyday transfers use the same number.
- If you use the wrong routing number, the transfer may be rejected or delayed, so verify before submitting.
Where to find your routing number on a check
If you have a Bank of America checkbook, the routing number is printed on the bottom left of every check. It's the first set of nine digits, followed by your account number (which is longer), then the check number on the right.
The routing number appears in two places on the check: once in the magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) line at the bottom in a special font, and once in plain text above it. Either one is correct—they're the same number. The MICR line is what bank machines read automatically, but you can read the plain-text version if that's easier.
If you don't have checks or can't locate them, this is not your only option. You have several other ways to find the number without a physical check.
How to find your routing number online or by phone
Log into your Bank of America online banking account and go to the account details or account information section. Most accounts display the routing number alongside the account number. The exact location varies slightly depending on whether you're using the website or the mobile app, but it's usually under "Account Details" or "Account Information."
If you don't have online banking set up or prefer to speak to someone, call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000. Have your account number ready. A representative can confirm your routing number over the phone and can also tell you if you need a different routing number for a specific type of transaction.
You can also visit a Bank of America branch in person. Any teller can print your routing number for you or write it down. This is useful if you need it when ready and don't have online access.
Why Bank of America has multiple routing numbers
Bank of America operates routing numbers for different states and different types of transactions. The routing number for an account held in California may differ from one held in New York, even though both are Bank of America accounts. This is because routing numbers are tied to the Federal Reserve district and the specific processing center that handles that account.
Additionally, some financial institutions use different routing numbers for wire transfers versus ACH transfers (the system used for direct deposit and bill payments). Bank of America typically uses the same routing number for both, but it's worth confirming with the institution requesting the number if you're unsure which type of transaction you're making.
The routing number you use for direct deposit is almost always the same one you'd use for a wire transfer or a bill payment from another bank. If someone tells you that you need a different routing number for a specific purpose, verify that claim directly with Bank of America before providing it.
What to do if you're unsure which routing number to use
If you have multiple Bank of America accounts in different states or account types, confirm with the institution requesting the number which one they need. Give them the routing number that corresponds to the account you want the money to go into. If you're setting up direct deposit, your employer's payroll system will ask which bank and state—use that information to select the correct routing number.
When in doubt, use the routing number from your checks or from your online banking portal for the specific account. That is the correct routing number for that account. If the receiving institution rejects it, they will tell you, and you can contact Bank of America to verify or ask for an alternative.
Do not guess or use a routing number you found online without confirming it matches your account. A wrong routing number will cause the transfer to fail or be delayed, and you may have to contact both banks to trace where the money went.
Common mistakes when providing your routing number
The most common error is confusing the routing number with the account number. The routing number is always nine digits and comes first on your check. Your account number is longer (typically 10 to 12 digits) and comes after the routing number. If you provide the account number when someone asks for the routing number, the transfer will fail.
Another mistake is providing a routing number from an old check or from a different bank. If you've moved or switched accounts, make sure you're using the routing number for your current account at your current bank. Old checks are not reliable sources.
Some people also provide the check number by accident. The check number is the shortest set of digits on the check, on the right side. It is not the routing number and should never be used for transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the routing number the same for all Bank of America customers?
No. Bank of America routing numbers vary by state and sometimes by account type. Two Bank of America customers in different states may have different routing numbers. Always use the routing number for the specific account and state where your account is held.
Can I use the same routing number for wire transfers and direct deposit?
In most cases, yes. Bank of America typically uses the same routing number for both ACH transfers (which include direct deposit) and wire transfers. However, if you're setting up a transaction with another institution, confirm with them which routing number they need.
What happens if I give the wrong routing number?
The transfer will usually be rejected by the receiving bank, and the money will not reach your account. In some cases, it may be delayed while the banks work to correct it. Contact Bank of America and the sending institution when ready if this happens.
Do I need to memorize my routing number?
No. You only need it when you're setting up a new transfer or providing banking details to an employer or service. You can look it up each time you need it from your checks, online banking, or by calling customer service.
Is my routing number private information?
Your routing number is not secret. It's printed on every check you write and is publicly available. However, you should only provide it to institutions you trust. Never provide it along with your full account number to unknown sources, as that combination could allow unauthorized access to your account.