Your Bank of America routing number depends on which state your account was opened in, not where you live now
Bank of America uses different routing numbers for different regions. The routing number is a nine-digit code that tells other banks where to send money when you receive a transfer or direct deposit. If you have a checking or savings account with Bank of America, your routing number is tied to the specific branch location or region where your account was originally set up.
The most common Bank of America routing number is 026009593, which covers accounts opened in most states. However, if your account was opened in Connecticut, New York, or New Jersey, your routing number is 021200025. If your account was opened in Illinois, the routing number is 071000013. These differences exist because Bank of America inherited different regional banking networks through acquisitions over the years.
You do not need to guess or call the bank to find out which one applies to you. Your actual routing number appears on the bottom left of every check you have, printed before your account number. If you do not have checks, you can find it online through your Bank of America account or by calling the customer service number on the back of your debit card.
Key Takeaways
- Your Bank of America routing number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, before your account number.
- The most common routing number is 026009593, but accounts opened in Connecticut, New York, or New Jersey use 021200025, and Illinois accounts use 071000013.
- You can find your routing number by logging into your Bank of America online account under account details or by calling customer service.
- The routing number you need depends on where your account was opened, not where you currently live or which branch you use now.
Where to find your routing number online
Log into your Bank of America account on the website or mobile app. Go to the account details or account information section—the exact location varies slightly between the website and app, but it is always labeled clearly. Your routing number will be listed alongside your account number.
If you cannot find it in your account details, call Bank of America customer service at the number on the back of your debit card. A representative can tell you your routing number in under a minute. You do not need to provide extensive information; straightforward say you need your routing number for a wire transfer or direct deposit setup.
When you need a routing number
You need your Bank of America routing number when you set up direct deposit for paychecks or government benefits, when you receive a wire transfer from another bank, or when you authorize automatic bill payments from your account. The routing number tells the sending bank's system exactly where to direct the money.
If someone is sending you money and asks for your routing number, always verify you are giving them the correct one by checking your checks or your online account. A wrong routing number will cause the transfer to fail or go to the wrong account, which can delay your money by several days while the sending bank traces it.
Routing numbers for different account types
Bank of America uses the same routing number for checking and savings accounts within the same region. Whether your account is a basic checking account, a premium checking account, or a savings account, the routing number remains the same. The routing number is based on geography, not account type.
If you have multiple accounts at Bank of America opened in different states or regions, each account may have a different routing number. For example, if you opened a checking account in California and a savings account in Texas, those two accounts would have different routing numbers. Check each account separately in your online banking to confirm.
What to do if you receive conflicting information
If you see different routing numbers listed in different places, trust the one printed on your checks first. That is the routing number tied directly to your account. If you do not have checks, your online account is the second most reliable source.
Bank of America's website lists all regional routing numbers, but if you are unsure which region applies to your account, calling customer service is faster than trying to match your account to a region. They can confirm your routing number in seconds and answer any questions about why it differs from what you may have seen elsewhere.
Common mistakes when using a routing number
The most common error is confusing the routing number with the SWIFT code. The routing number is for domestic transfers within the United States. If you are receiving money from outside the United States, you need a SWIFT code instead, which is different. Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N, but this is only used for international transfers.
Another mistake is assuming your routing number never changes. In rare cases, Bank of America consolidates branches or restructures regions, which can change routing numbers. If you set up a recurring payment years ago, it is worth confirming the routing number is still correct before relying on it for an important transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my account number?
No. Your routing number identifies the bank and region (nine digits), while your account number identifies your specific account (usually 10 to 12 digits). Both appear on your checks, with the routing number on the far left and the account number in the middle.
Can I use any Bank of America routing number, or does it have to match my account?
You must use the routing number that matches the region where your account was opened. Using a different Bank of America routing number will cause the transfer to fail or be rejected. Always verify you are using the correct one for your specific account.
What if I opened my account online and do not know which region it is assigned to?
Check your checks or your online account details—both will show your correct routing number. If you opened the account online without selecting a specific state, Bank of America assigned it to a default region based on your address or the address you provided during setup. Your online account will reflect the correct routing number regardless.
Do I need a routing number to transfer money between my own Bank of America accounts?
No. Transfers between your own Bank of America accounts happen within the bank's system and do not require a routing number. You only need a routing number when money is coming from or going to a different bank.
What is the difference between a routing number and a branch number?
A routing number is regional and used for electronic transfers. A branch number identifies a specific physical location. You do not need a branch number for electronic transfers; the routing number is sufficient. If you are visiting a branch in person, the branch number is posted at the location.