Your routing number is a nine-digit code that tells other banks and payment systems where to send money to your Bank of America account.
Think of it like an address for your bank. When you set up a direct deposit from an employer, pay a bill online, or send money to someone else's account, the sending bank needs to know which bank to send it to. Bank of America's routing number is that identifier. It is not secret — you will find it printed on your checks, and you can look it up anytime without logging in.
The routing number is different from your account number. Your account number identifies your specific account at Bank of America. Together, the routing number and account number tell the payment system exactly where your money should land.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America's routing number is a nine-digit code that directs payments to your account, and the number varies depending on which state your account was opened in.
- You can find your routing number on the bottom left of any check you have, or look it up on Bank of America's website without logging in.
- You will need your routing number when setting up direct deposit, paying bills online, or transferring money between banks.
- The routing number is not confidential — sharing it with an employer or payroll company is safe and necessary for direct deposit to work.
Where to find your Bank of America routing number
The easiest place to find it is on a check. Look at the bottom left corner of any check from your account. You will see three groups of numbers. The first group of 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, you can look it up on Bank of America's website. Go to bankofamerica.com, and search for "routing number" in the help section. You will need to enter your state, because Bank of America uses different routing numbers for different states. Once you enter your state, the site will show you the correct nine-digit number.
You can also call Bank of America's customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and ask for your routing number. Have your account number ready when you call.
Why the routing number changes by state
Bank of America operates in multiple states, and the banking system assigns different routing numbers to different regions. This is true for most large banks — they do not use a single routing number nationwide. The routing number you need depends on which state your account was opened in, not necessarily where you live now.
If you moved to a different state after opening your account, you still use the routing number from the state where you opened it. The payment system will still find your account correctly. You do not need to update anything or open a new account.
When you need to provide your routing number
You will need your routing number when an employer or payroll company sets up direct deposit. They ask for both your routing number and your account number so they can deposit your paycheck into the right account at the right bank.
You also need it when you set up automatic bill payments through your bank's website or app. If you are paying a utility company, insurance company, or loan servicer, Bank of America will ask for your routing number to process the payment from your account.
If you are transferring money from another bank to your Bank of America account, the other bank will ask for your Bank of America routing number. The same applies if you are sending money out of Bank of America to another bank — you will provide the other bank's routing number.
Is it safe to share your routing number
Yes. Your routing number is not confidential information. It is printed on every check you write, and you can look it up without logging into your account. Sharing it with your employer, a bill payment company, or another bank is safe and necessary for those services to work.
What you should never share is your full account number combined with your routing number, your PIN, your online banking password, or any other security code. Those are what someone would need to access your account without permission. The routing number by itself cannot be used to withdraw money or access your account.
What happens if you use the wrong routing number
If you give someone the wrong routing number, the payment will go to the wrong bank. The sending bank will eventually figure out the error and either return the money to the sender or contact you to correct it. This can take several business days, and it may delay your paycheck or payment.
To avoid this, double-check the routing number before you submit it. If you are setting up direct deposit, ask your employer or payroll company to confirm they received the correct number. If you are setting up a bill payment or transfer, review the information on the confirmation screen before you approve it.
Routing number versus SWIFT code and other identifiers
Bank of America also has a SWIFT code, which is used for international wire transfers. The SWIFT code is different from the routing number and is used when sending money to or from accounts outside the United States. If you are making an international transfer, you will need the SWIFT code, not the routing number.
For domestic transfers within the United States, always use the routing number. SWIFT codes are longer and are used only for international payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bank of America have more than one routing number?
Yes. Bank of America uses different routing numbers for different states. The routing number you need depends on which state your account was opened in. You can find the correct one by entering your state on Bank of America's website or by calling customer service.
Can someone withdraw money from my account if they have my routing number?
No. A routing number by itself cannot be used to withdraw money or access your account. Someone would also need your account number, PIN, online password, or other security information. Sharing your routing number with employers and payment companies is safe.
What if I set up direct deposit and use the wrong routing number?
Your paycheck will go to the wrong bank. The sending bank will eventually catch the error and return the money to your employer, or contact you to correct it. This can delay your paycheck by several days. Always double-check the routing number before submitting it.
Do I need a routing number to use my debit card?
No. You only need a routing number for direct deposits, bill payments, transfers between banks, and checks. Debit card purchases do not require a routing number — just your card and PIN.
Will my routing number change if I move to a different state?
No. Your routing number is tied to the state where you opened your account, not where you live now. If you move, you keep the same routing number and do not need to update anything.