What an ABA routing number is and why Bank of America uses one

An ABA routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies which bank will receive your wire transfer. Bank of America has different routing numbers depending on which state your account is in and what type of account you hold. When you send a wire through Bank of America, the receiving bank uses this number to know exactly where to send the money.

The ABA (American Bankers Association) created this system decades ago so banks could sort and deliver transfers correctly. Without it, a wire sent to "Bank of America" could land in the wrong branch or the wrong account type. Bank of America's routing numbers are public information — you are not hiding anything by sharing one, but you do need the correct one for your specific account.

The routing number is different from your account number. Your account number identifies you within the bank; the routing number identifies the bank itself (or a specific processing center within it). Both are required to complete a wire.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America routing numbers vary by state and account type, so you must find the one that matches your specific account location.
  • You can find your routing number on the bottom left of your checks, in your online banking portal, or by calling Bank of America directly.
  • When sending a wire out of Bank of America, you provide the receiving bank's routing number, not Bank of America's.
  • When receiving a wire into Bank of America, you give the sender your Bank of America routing number along with your account number.
  • Bank of America charges a fee for outgoing domestic wires (typically $15 to $30) and may charge for incoming wires depending on your account type.

How to find your Bank of America routing number

The fastest way is to look at the bottom left corner of any check from your Bank of America account. The first nine digits printed there are your routing number. If you do not have checks handy, log into your Bank of America online banking account, go to Account Details or Account Information, and the routing number will be listed there alongside your account number.

You can also call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and ask for your routing number. Have your account number ready. If you are unsure which state your account was opened in, the representative can confirm that too — it matters because some states have multiple routing numbers.

Do not guess or use a routing number you find online without confirming it matches your account. Using the wrong routing number will delay your wire or send it to the wrong place entirely, and recovering misdirected funds takes weeks.

Sending money out of Bank of America

When you initiate a wire transfer from your Bank of America account, you will need the receiving bank's routing number, not your own. You will also need the recipient's full name, account number, and the receiving bank's name and address. Bank of America will ask you to confirm all of this information before processing the wire.

You can send a wire through Bank of America's online banking portal, by phone, or in person at a branch. Online is usually fastest — the wire typically leaves within hours. Phone and branch wires may take longer depending on when you call or visit. Bank of America charges a fee for outgoing domestic wires; the amount varies but is typically between $15 and $30.

Once you submit the wire, you will receive a confirmation number. Keep this number in case you need to track the transfer or dispute it later. The receiving bank usually receives the funds within one business day for domestic transfers, though it can take longer if the receiving bank processes wires on a delayed schedule.

Receiving money into Bank of America

When someone sends you money via wire, you give them your Bank of America routing number and your account number. You also tell them your full name as it appears on the account. The sender's bank uses the routing number to know which Bank of America processing center to send the money to, and the account number to deposit it into the right account.

Bank of America typically deposits incoming wires the same business day they are received, though timing depends on when the sending bank initiates the transfer. If a wire arrives after Bank of America's processing cutoff (usually late afternoon), it may not post until the next business day. Some Bank of America account types charge a fee for incoming wires; others do not. Check your account terms or call to confirm.

If you are expecting a wire and it does not arrive within two business days, contact Bank of America with the sender's name, the amount, and the date it was sent. Bank of America can trace the wire and determine whether it was sent to the correct routing number and account.

Differences between routing numbers and SWIFT codes

A routing number works only for transfers within the United States. If you are sending or receiving money from outside the US, you need a SWIFT code instead. Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N (for most US locations). SWIFT codes identify banks internationally the way routing numbers do domestically.

If someone outside the US is sending you money, ask them to use Bank of America's SWIFT code along with your account number. If you are sending money internationally, your bank will ask for the receiving bank's SWIFT code. Do not confuse the two — using a routing number for an international wire will cause the transfer to fail.

Common mistakes when using Bank of America routing numbers

The most common error is using the wrong routing number for your state or account type. Bank of America has multiple routing numbers, and using one that does not match your account can misdirect the wire. Always verify the routing number matches your specific account before sending money.

Another mistake is providing your own routing number when sending a wire. You need the receiving bank's routing number, not Bank of America's. If you are sending money out, the recipient tells you their bank's routing number. If you are receiving money, you tell the sender your Bank of America routing number.

A third error is confusing a routing number with an account number or SWIFT code. These are three different pieces of information, and each serves a different purpose. Write down what each one is before you initiate a transfer so you do not mix them up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Bank of America have the same routing number for all accounts?

No. Bank of America routing numbers vary by state and sometimes by account type. You must use the routing number that corresponds to the state where your account is held. Check your checks or your online banking portal to confirm you have the correct one for your account.

Can I use someone else's Bank of America routing number to send them money?

No. The routing number identifies the bank branch or processing center, not the individual account. You need both the routing number and the account number. The routing number alone will not direct the money to the right person.

What happens if I send a wire to the wrong routing number?

The wire may be rejected, delayed, or sent to the wrong bank. If this happens, contact Bank of America immediately with your confirmation number. They can attempt to trace and recover the transfer, but this process can take weeks. Always double-check routing numbers before sending.

Is there a fee to receive a wire at Bank of America?

It depends on your account type. Some Bank of America accounts charge a fee for incoming wires (typically $10 to $15), while others do not. Check your account agreement or call Bank of America to confirm whether your account charges for incoming transfers.

Can I wire money internationally using Bank of America's routing number?

No. Routing numbers work only for US transfers. For international wires, you need Bank of America's SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N) instead. Ask the sending bank whether they need additional information like an IBAN or intermediary bank details.