Your routing number depends on which state your account was opened in
Bank of America does not have a single routing number for all customers. Instead, the number you need depends on where your branch is located — specifically, which Federal Reserve district serves that state. If you opened your account in California, you use a different routing number than someone who opened theirs in New York or Texas.
The routing number is a nine-digit code that tells other banks and payment systems where to send money when you receive a transfer, direct deposit, or automatic payment. Think of it as your bank's address in the banking system. When your employer sends your paycheck via direct deposit, or when you set up an automatic bill payment, you provide this number so the money goes to the right place.
You can find your specific routing number in three ways: on the bottom left of your checks, in your online banking account, or by calling Bank of America directly. The fastest method is usually to log into your account online or through the mobile app — the routing number is listed in the account details section.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America routing numbers vary by state, so you need the one for the state where your account was opened, not where you currently live.
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of your checks, in your online banking account details, and on Bank of America's website.
- You need your routing number when setting up direct deposit, automatic bill payments, or receiving wire transfers from other people or organizations.
- If you cannot find your routing number online, calling Bank of America's customer service line will give you the correct number in minutes.
How to find your routing number online
Log into your Bank of America account through 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 both have this information readily available. Your routing number will be listed alongside your account number.
If you do not remember your login information, you can also visit the Bank of America website and use their routing number lookup tool. You enter your state and the tool shows you the routing number for accounts opened in that state. This works if you know which state your account is tied to.
Finding the routing number on your checks
Look at the bottom left corner of any check from your account. You will see a series of numbers. The first nine digits are your routing number. The next set of numbers is your account number. This method works only if you have checks and can see them clearly — the numbers are printed in a special magnetic ink that can be hard to read if the check is worn or faded.
If your checks are old or damaged, the numbers may be difficult to read even with good lighting. In that case, logging into your online account or calling customer service is faster and more reliable than trying to decipher worn check numbers.
Calling Bank of America for your routing number
You can reach Bank of America's customer service at 1-800-432-1000. Have your account number or the phone number associated with your account ready. A representative will confirm your identity and provide your routing number within a few minutes. This is the most reliable method if you cannot access your account online or do not have checks available.
If you are calling from outside the United States, Bank of America has international phone numbers listed on their website. The wait time varies depending on how busy the line is, but routing number requests are usually handled quickly.
When you need your routing number
You provide your routing number whenever someone or an organization needs to send money directly into your account. The most common situations are setting up direct deposit for your paycheck, arranging automatic bill payments, or receiving a wire transfer from another person or business.
You do not need your routing number to send money out of your account — only to receive money into it. When you pay a bill or send money to someone else, you use your account number and the recipient's routing number, not your own.
What happens if you use the wrong routing number
If you give someone the wrong routing number, the money may go to a different Bank of America account, to a different bank entirely, or be rejected by the system. The sender will typically be notified that the transfer failed, and the money will be returned to them — but this can take several days or even weeks.
If the money goes to another Bank of America account by mistake, it is usually caught and corrected, but you may experience a delay in receiving your funds. This is why it is important to double-check the routing number before you give it out, especially for important payments like payroll or loan disbursements.
Routing number versus account number
These are two different numbers that work together. Your routing number identifies which bank and which location processes your account. Your account number identifies your specific account within that bank. When you set up direct deposit or automatic payments, you usually provide both numbers together.
Think of it this way: the routing number is like the address of a post office, and your account number is like your mailbox number at that post office. The routing number gets the money to the right bank; the account number gets it to your specific account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my bank code?
No. Your routing number is used within the United States banking system. A bank code (also called a SWIFT code or BIC code) is used for international wire transfers. If you are sending or receiving money from outside the United States, you may need a different code. Bank of America can provide this if you ask.
Can I use any Bank of America routing number, or does it have to match my state?
You should use the routing number for the state where your account was opened. Using a different state's routing number may cause delays or failed transfers. If you moved to a different state after opening your account, your original routing number is still correct — you do not need to update it.
Do I need a different routing number for checking and savings accounts?
No. Both your checking and savings accounts at Bank of America use the same routing number. The account number is what distinguishes between them. When you provide your routing number and account number together, the bank knows which specific account to use.
What if I have multiple Bank of America accounts?
All your Bank of America accounts opened in the same state share the same routing number. Each account has its own account number. When you set up a transfer or direct deposit, the routing number stays the same, but you specify which account by providing the correct account number.
Can I find my routing number on a Bank of America debit card?
No. Your debit card shows your card number, expiration date, and CVV, but not your routing number. You will need to check your checks, your online account, or call customer service to find your routing number.