Bank of America routing numbers vary by state and account type
Bank of America does not have a single routing number. The number you need depends on which state your account is held in and, sometimes, which type of account you have. If you use the wrong routing number, your transfer may be delayed, rejected, or sent to the wrong account entirely.
The routing number is a nine-digit code that tells the banking system which Bank of America branch or processing center should receive your money. When you set up direct deposit, send a wire transfer, or receive an ACH payment, you are telling another bank or employer: "Send this money to Bank of America, and use this routing number to find the right place inside Bank of America to put it."
Bank of America publishes its routing numbers publicly, and you can find the correct one in seconds if you know your state. You do not need to call or visit a branch.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America routing numbers are specific to the state where your account is located, not the state where you live or work.
- You can find your routing number on the bottom left of any check you have written from that account, or on the Bank of America website by entering your state.
- If you are setting up direct deposit or a wire transfer, confirm you have the routing number for the state your account is in, because using the wrong state's number will delay or reject the transaction.
- The routing number is different from your account number; you need both for most transfers, but only the routing number changes by state.
Where to find your routing number in seconds
The fastest way is to look at a check from your Bank of America account. The routing number is printed on the bottom left of the check, before your account number. It is always nine digits. If you do not have a check, go to bankofamerica.com, select your state from the routing number lookup tool, and the site will display the correct number for accounts held in that state.
You can also call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and provide your account number. A representative will confirm the routing number for your account. This takes longer than looking it up yourself, but it is useful if you want to verify the number before sending a large transfer.
How routing numbers are organized by state
Bank of America operates in all 50 states, and each state has its own routing number. The routing number is tied to the state where your account is domiciled — meaning the state where you opened it or where the branch that manages it is located — not the state where you currently live.
For example, if you opened a Bank of America account in California and then moved to Texas, your routing number remains the California routing number. If you later open a new account in Texas, that account will have the Texas routing number. The two accounts have different routing numbers even though they belong to the same person at the same bank.
This matters because if you provide the wrong state's routing number, the receiving bank will either reject the transfer or send it to the wrong account. The transaction will not automatically correct itself.
Routing numbers for wire transfers versus ACH transfers
Most Bank of America accounts use the same routing number for both wire transfers and ACH transfers (the automated system used for direct deposit, bill pay, and peer transfers). However, some business accounts and older accounts may have different routing numbers for each method.
If you are setting up a wire transfer, ask the person or organization sending the money whether they need a wire routing number or an ACH routing number. If they say wire, confirm with Bank of America that your account's wire routing number is the same as the standard routing number for your state. If it is different, they will provide it when you call.
For most personal checking and savings accounts, you can use the state routing number for both types of transfer.
What to do if a transfer was sent to the wrong routing number
If you provided an incorrect routing number and the transfer was rejected, contact the sender and ask them to resubmit with the correct number. This usually takes one to two business days to process again.
If the transfer went through but to the wrong account, contact Bank of America immediately at 1-800-432-1000. Explain that a transfer arrived in your account that was not meant for you, or that a transfer you sent went to the wrong place. Bank of America can freeze the funds and work with the other bank to return the money, but the sooner you report it, the better. If the receiving account holder withdraws the money before the banks can recover it, the process becomes much harder.
Do not assume the transfer will bounce back on its own. Routing numbers are designed to prevent that. Once money reaches the correct bank and account number, it stays there unless both banks agree to reverse it.
Routing number versus account number: what each one does
The routing number tells the banking system which bank to send money to. Your account number tells that bank which account within the bank should receive it. You need both for any transfer.
The routing number is public information — it is printed on every check and published on the bank's website. Your account number is private and should not be shared except with people or organizations you trust to send you money or withdraw funds on your behalf.
If someone asks for your routing number alone, that is usually safe. If they ask for your routing number and account number together, make sure you know why they need it and that you trust them before you provide it.
Common mistakes when using a Bank of America routing number
The most common error is using a routing number from the wrong state. If you moved or have multiple Bank of America accounts in different states, double-check which account you are using and which state that account is in.
Another mistake is confusing the routing number with the SWIFT code. Bank of America has a SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N) that is used only for international wire transfers. If you are sending money outside the United States, you may need the SWIFT code instead of the routing number. Ask the receiving bank which one they need.
A third error is transposing digits. Routing numbers are nine digits, and even one digit wrong will cause the transfer to fail or go to the wrong place. Copy the number carefully, or use the Bank of America website lookup tool to avoid typing it by hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bank of America have the same routing number for all accounts?
No. The routing number depends on the state where your account is held. If you have two accounts in different states, they have different routing numbers. If you have two accounts in the same state, they share the same routing number.
Can I use any Bank of America routing number, or does it have to match my account?
It has to match the state where your account is held. Using a different state's routing number will cause the transfer to fail or go to the wrong account. Always confirm your account's state before providing a routing number.
What is the difference between a routing number and a SWIFT code?
A routing number is used for domestic transfers within the United States. A SWIFT code is used for international wire transfers. Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N. Ask the receiving bank which one you need before sending money outside the U.S.
If I moved to a new state, do I need to update my routing number?
No. Your routing number is tied to the state where your account was opened, not where you live now. It does not change when you move. If you open a new account in your new state, that account will have a different routing number.
Where do I find my routing number if I do not have checks?
Go to bankofamerica.com and use the routing number lookup tool. Enter your state, and the site will display the correct routing number. You can also call 1-800-432-1000 with your account number, and a representative will provide it.