Bank of America routing numbers are nine-digit codes that tell other banks where to send your money
A routing number is a nine-digit identifier that the banking system uses to direct money to the correct financial institution. When you receive a wire transfer, set up direct deposit, or pay a bill by check, the routing number tells the sending bank which institution holds your account. Bank of America uses different routing numbers depending on which state your account is held in and what type of account you have.
You need the routing number when someone outside your bank wants to send you money electronically. Your employer uses it for direct deposit. A creditor uses it to collect a payment. Another bank uses it when you move money between institutions. The routing number is not secret — it appears on the bottom left of every check you write, and Bank of America publishes them publicly.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America routing numbers are nine digits and vary by state and account type, so you cannot assume one number works for all accounts.
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of any check you write, before your account number.
- Bank of America publishes a full list of routing numbers by state on its website, organized by the state where your account branch is located.
- The routing number is the same for all customers at the same branch location, so it does not change when you move money or close an account.
- Wire transfers, direct deposit, and ACH transfers (like bill pay) all require your routing number to reach the correct account.
How to locate your routing number on a check
The fastest way to find your routing number is to look at a check from your account. At the bottom left of the check, you will see three groups of numbers separated by colons or special symbols. The first group — always nine digits — is your routing number. The second group is your account number. The third is the check number.
If you do not have a check handy, you can order checks from Bank of America or call customer service at 1-800-432-1000. You do not need to wait for them to arrive — Bank of America's website and phone line can tell you your routing number when ready once you confirm your identity.
Bank of America routing numbers by state
Bank of America operates in all 50 states, and each state has its own routing number. The routing number depends on the state where your branch is physically located, not where you live or where you opened the account. If you moved to a new state but kept your original branch, your routing number stays the same.
The most commonly used routing numbers are 011000015 (for most states) and 026009593 (for California). However, Bank of America maintains a complete list on its website organized by state. To find yours, go to the Bank of America routing number lookup page, select your state, and the number will appear. You can also call 1-800-432-1000 and provide your account information to confirm the correct number.
| What You Need It For | Where to Use Your Routing Number |
|---|---|
| Direct deposit from your employer | Give to your HR or payroll department |
| Wire transfer into your account | Provide to the sending bank |
| Bill pay or ACH transfer | Enter when setting up the payment |
| Moving money to another bank | Give to the receiving bank |
| Receiving a check payment | Write on the back of the check or provide verbally |
Why Bank of America has multiple routing numbers
Bank of America is one of the largest banks in the United States and operates branches in every state. The Federal Reserve assigns routing numbers by geographic region to keep the banking system organized and to route payments efficiently. Because Bank of America has branches across the country, it needs different routing numbers for different regions.
This does not mean your account is harder to use — it just means you need to know which state your account is registered to. If you opened your account in Texas but now live in New York, your routing number is still the Texas number. The banking system will find your account correctly because your routing number and account number together are unique.
Routing numbers for wire transfers versus ACH transfers
Bank of America uses the same routing number for most types of transfers — wire transfers, direct deposit, ACH payments, and checks all use the standard routing number for your state. However, some banks maintain separate routing numbers for wire transfers. Bank of America publishes both on its website, and the difference is usually noted clearly.
When you set up a wire transfer or direct deposit, the institution receiving your information will tell you which routing number to use. If you are unsure, use the standard routing number for your state. If that does not work, contact Bank of America to confirm whether a wire-specific number is needed.
What happens if you use the wrong routing number
If you provide an incorrect routing number, the money will go to the wrong bank. The sending bank will eventually catch the error and return the funds to the sender, but this can take several days or weeks. Your employer or the person sending you money will see the rejection and may contact you to ask for the correct number.
If the wrong routing number happens to belong to another Bank of America branch, the money might reach a Bank of America account — but not yours. The receiving bank will hold the funds and eventually return them. To avoid this, double-check your routing number before you give it out. Write it down from a check or confirm it directly from Bank of America's website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my account number?
No. Your routing number identifies your bank (nine digits on the left of your check), and your account number identifies your specific account (longer number in the middle). Both are needed for electronic transfers.
Can I use the same routing number for all my Bank of America accounts?
Yes, if all your accounts are at the same branch location. The routing number is tied to the branch, not the individual account. If you have accounts at different branches in different states, each branch has its own routing number.
Do I need a different routing number for mobile banking or online transfers?
No. Bank of America uses the same routing number whether you transfer money through the app, website, phone, or in person. The routing number never changes based on how you send the money.
What if Bank of America merged with another bank — does my routing number change?
Bank of America has not merged with another major bank in recent years. If a merger occurred, the bank would notify you and provide a new routing number if needed. Your account would continue to work during any transition period.
Can someone use my routing number to take money from my account?
Your routing number alone cannot be used to withdraw money. A person would need both your routing number and your account number, plus authorization from you or a court order. Routing numbers are public information — they appear on every check you write.