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.
The routing number you need depends on three things: the state where your account is held, whether you're doing an ACH transfer (like direct deposit or bill pay) or a wire transfer, and sometimes which specific branch opened your account. Using the wrong routing number will not send your money to the wrong place — the banking system will reject it or route it correctly anyway — but it can cause delays.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America's routing number varies by state, so a California account uses a different number than a New York account.
- ACH transfers (direct deposit, bill pay) and wire transfers sometimes use different routing numbers at the same bank.
- You can find your specific routing number by logging into your online account, calling Bank of America, or checking the bottom left of your checks.
- The routing number is always nine digits and appears on the first line of numbers at the bottom of a check, before your account number.
How to find your routing number in your Bank of America account
The fastest way is to log into your Bank of America online account or mobile app. Go to Settings or Account Information, and look for "Routing Number" or "Bank Details." The number will be nine digits. Write it down exactly as it appears — a single digit wrong will cause a transfer to fail.
If you have a Bank of America check, the routing number is printed at the bottom left, before your account number. The format is always: routing number (9 digits), then account number (10-12 digits), then check number. If you do not have checks or cannot access your account, call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and tell them your account type and the state where you opened it. They will give you the correct routing number in seconds.
Routing numbers for ACH transfers versus wire transfers
Most Bank of America customers use the same routing number for both ACH transfers (direct deposit, bill pay, person-to-person transfers) and wire transfers. However, some accounts or some states may have different numbers for each type. When you set up a direct deposit with your employer or a bill payment with a vendor, ask them which type of transfer they use. If they say ACH, use your standard routing number. If they say wire, confirm with Bank of America that the same number works for wires.
The difference matters because ACH transfers move through a different system than wires. ACH transfers typically take one to three business days. Wire transfers are faster — usually same-day or next-day — but they cost money and cannot be reversed once sent. Using the wrong routing number for a wire can delay the transfer by a day or more while the system sorts it out.
State-by-state routing numbers and why they exist
Bank of America operates in all 50 states, and the Federal Reserve assigns different routing numbers to different regions. This is a legacy of how the banking system was built — routing numbers were originally tied to the physical location where a check was processed. Today, the routing number still reflects the state where your account is held, even though the actual processing happens electronically.
If you moved to a different state and kept your Bank of America account, your routing number does not change. It stays tied to the state where you originally opened the account. If you opened a new account in a different state, that account will have a different routing number. You can have multiple Bank of America accounts in different states, and each one will have its own routing number.
What happens if you use the wrong routing number
If you use a Bank of America routing number from the wrong state, the transfer will usually still go through — the banking system has safeguards to catch and correct these mistakes. However, it may take an extra day or two. The receiving bank will see that the routing number does not match the account holder's location and will either correct it automatically or send it back to the sender for clarification.
If you use a completely wrong routing number — one that does not belong to Bank of America at all — the transfer will be rejected. The money will return to your account within one to three business days, and you will see a notification that the transfer failed. This is why it is important to double-check the number before you send anything, especially for large amounts or time-sensitive payments.
Finding routing numbers for other Bank of America products
If you have a Bank of America business account, investment account, or credit card, the routing number may be different from your personal checking account. Business accounts sometimes have their own routing numbers. Investment accounts and credit cards typically do not use routing numbers at all — they use different identifiers for transfers.
If you are setting up a transfer from a Bank of America credit card or investment account, ask the receiving institution what information they need. They may ask for your account number instead of a routing number, or they may ask for both. Bank of America customer service can tell you which routing number applies to each of your accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the routing number on my check the same as my online banking routing number?
Yes. The routing number printed on your checks is the same one you will see in your online account. If they do not match, contact Bank of America when ready — it could indicate a problem with your account or a fraudulent check.
Can I use the same routing number for direct deposit and bill pay?
Yes, in almost all cases. Both direct deposit and bill pay are ACH transfers, so they use the same routing number. Wire transfers may use a different number, but Bank of America will tell you if that applies to your account.
What if I do not know which state my Bank of America account is registered to?
Log into your online account and look at your account details or profile. The state will be listed there. If you cannot find it, call 1-800-432-1000 with your account number and they will tell you when ready.
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 sending money to or receiving money from accounts at other banks.
Will my transfer fail if I use an outdated routing number?
Bank of America routing numbers do not change unless the bank restructures its operations, which is rare. If you have an old routing number from years ago, it will likely still work, but it may process more slowly. Use the current number from your checks or online account to avoid delays.