Bank of America has multiple routing numbers, and which one you use depends on where your account is and what you're doing with it
Bank of America does not have a single routing number. The bank operates different routing numbers for different states and different transaction types. If you're setting up a direct deposit, paying a bill, or sending a wire transfer, you may need a different routing number than someone else at the same bank in a different state.
The routing number is a nine-digit code that tells the banking system which branch or processing center should handle your transaction. Using the wrong one can delay a deposit, send a payment to the wrong place, or cause a transfer to fail entirely. The good news is that Bank of America makes it straightforward to find the right one for your situation.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America routing numbers vary by state and by transaction type, so you cannot use the same number for every situation.
- Your account statement, online banking portal, or a call to Bank of America customer service will show you the correct routing number for your specific account.
- Wire transfers, ACH transfers, and check deposits may each require different routing numbers depending on how the transaction is processed.
- If you use the wrong routing number, the transaction may be rejected or delayed, but it will not be sent to another customer's account.
How to find your Bank of America routing number
The fastest way is to log into your Bank of America online account or mobile app. Go to your account details or settings, and the routing number will be listed there. It is specific to the account type and the state where you opened it.
You can also find it on a check from your account. Look at the bottom left corner of the check. The first set of numbers (before the colon) is your routing number. This number is printed on every check you receive from Bank of America.
If you do not have access to your account or a check, call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000. Have your account number ready, and they will give you the routing number for your specific account and tell you whether it applies to the transaction you are planning.
Routing numbers for different transaction types
Bank of America uses different routing numbers for different kinds of transactions. For ACH transfers (the most common type for direct deposits and bill payments), you typically use the routing number on your checks or in your account details. For wire transfers, Bank of America sometimes uses a different routing number, and the bank may also ask for additional information like a SWIFT code if the wire is going to another country.
When you set up direct deposit with an employer or government agency, ask them whether they need an ACH routing number or a wire routing number. Most direct deposits use ACH, which means the routing number from your check will work. If you are sending money to pay a bill or transfer funds between banks, the receiving institution will tell you which routing number to use.
Do not guess or use a routing number you find online without confirming it with Bank of America first. A wrong routing number can cause the transaction to be rejected or sent to the wrong processing center, which delays the money reaching its destination.
State-specific routing numbers
Bank of America operates in all 50 states, and each state has its own routing number. If you opened your account in California, your routing number will be different from someone who opened an account in New York, even if you both bank with Bank of America.
The routing number is tied to the state where your account was opened, not where you live now. If you moved to a different state after opening your account, your routing number does not change. Your original routing number stays with the account.
This is why the most reliable way to find your routing number is through your own account details or a check, rather than searching online. A number you find on a website might be correct for someone else's account but wrong for yours.
What happens if you use the wrong routing number
If you enter an incorrect routing number, the transaction will usually be rejected before it goes through. The sending bank's system will not recognize the routing number as valid, and the transaction will fail. You will get a notice that the payment could not be processed, and you can then correct it and try again.
In rare cases, a transaction with a wrong routing number might be sent to a different Bank of America processing center, which delays it by a day or two. The money will not go to another customer's account—the banking system is designed to prevent that. However, the delay can cause problems if you were counting on the money arriving by a certain date, such as before a bill is due.
If a transaction fails or is delayed because of a routing number error, contact the institution that sent the money (your employer, the bill payment service, or your bank) and ask them to resubmit it with the correct routing number.
Routing numbers for different account types
Bank of America offers checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, and other products. In most cases, all of these accounts at the same branch use the same routing number. However, some specialty accounts or accounts opened through a third party may have different routing numbers.
If you have multiple accounts with Bank of America, check your statements or account details for each one. The routing number should be listed on each statement. If you are unsure whether two accounts share the same routing number, ask Bank of America customer service—they can confirm it in seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same routing number for direct deposit and bill payments?
Usually yes. Most direct deposits and bill payments both use ACH routing, which means the routing number from your check or account details will work for both. However, some bill payment services or employers may ask for a wire routing number instead. When you set up the transaction, the institution will tell you which type they need.
What is the difference between a routing number and an account number?
A routing number identifies the bank and the processing center. An account number identifies your specific account within that bank. You need both to send or receive money. The routing number is the same for many customers; your account number is unique to you.
Do I need a different routing number if I moved to another state?
No. Your routing number is tied to the state where you opened the account and does not change if you move. You can use the same routing number no matter where you live now.
Is it safe to give someone my routing number?
Yes. A routing number is not sensitive information—it is printed on every check you write and is publicly available. Someone with only your routing number cannot access your account or withdraw money. They would also need your account number and other information to do that.
What if Bank of America gives me a different routing number than what I found online?
Use the number Bank of America gave you. The bank's customer service has access to your specific account details and knows which routing number applies to your situation. Numbers found online may be outdated, incorrect for your state, or intended for a different transaction type.