Bank of America's wire transfer routing number depends on which state your account is in

Bank of America does not use a single routing number for all wire transfers. The number you need depends on the state where your account is physically located, not where you live or where you're sending money. This matters because the Federal Reserve sorts wire transfers by the receiving bank's location, and using the wrong number can delay your transfer or cause it to fail.

The most common Bank of America wire routing number is 021000021, which covers accounts in most states including California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois. However, if your account is in Connecticut, New Jersey, or New York (for certain branches), the routing number may be different. Before you wire money, confirm which state your Bank of America account is registered to.

You can find your account's correct routing number by logging into your Bank of America online account, calling 1-800-432-1000, or visiting a local branch with your account number and ID. The routing number will also appear on the bottom left of your checks if you have them.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America's primary wire routing number is 021000021, but the correct number depends on the state where your account is registered.
  • Using the wrong routing number can delay your wire transfer or cause it to fail, so verify your account's location before sending money.
  • You can find your specific routing number through your online account, by calling Bank of America customer service, or by visiting a branch in person.
  • The routing number on your checks is the same one you use for wire transfers, so you can reference that if you have them available.

Why routing numbers vary by state

The Federal Reserve operates 12 regional banks across the country, and each one processes wire transfers for banks in its territory. Bank of America has branches and processing centers in multiple regions, so the Fed needs to know which regional center should handle your transfer. The routing number tells the Fed which processing location to use.

This system exists because wire transfers move through the Federal Reserve's network, not directly between banks. Even though you're sending money to another bank, your bank's routing number tells the Fed where to send the instruction first. Using a routing number that doesn't match your account's state can cause the transfer to be rejected or rerouted, adding days to the process.

How to confirm your account's state location

Your account's state is determined by where you opened it or where Bank of America assigned it when you became a customer. It's not the state on your ID or where you currently live. If you moved after opening your account, your routing number typically stays the same unless you formally changed your account's home branch.

Log into your Bank of America account online and look for account details or account information. Your account summary should show the branch location or state. If you're unsure, call 1-800-432-1000 and have your account number ready. A representative can tell you immediately which routing number applies to your account and can also confirm whether your account is set up to send outgoing wire transfers.

The difference between routing numbers and account numbers

A routing number identifies the bank or branch where your account lives. Your account number identifies your specific account within that bank. When you wire money, you need both pieces of information: the routing number tells the receiving bank which Bank of America location to contact, and the account number tells that location which account to pull the money from.

If you give someone your routing number without your account number, they cannot access your money. If you give them your account number without the routing number, the wire cannot reach your bank at all. Both are required, and both must be correct for the transfer to go through.

Wire transfers versus ACH transfers and routing numbers

Bank of America uses the same routing number for both wire transfers and ACH transfers (automated clearing house transfers, which are slower and cheaper). However, some banks maintain separate routing numbers for each type of transfer. With Bank of America, you can use 021000021 or your state-specific routing number for either type of transfer.

Wire transfers typically arrive the same business day or within 24 hours. ACH transfers take three to five business days. The routing number is the same, but the speed and cost are different. If you're sending money urgently, ask the person receiving it whether they can accept a wire transfer, since ACH transfers are cheaper for the sender but slower for the receiver.

What to do if your wire transfer is rejected

If your wire transfer fails or is returned, the most common reason is an incorrect routing number or account number on the receiving end. Check the confirmation email or receipt from your wire transfer and verify that you entered the receiving bank's routing number, not Bank of America's. The receiving bank's routing number is what tells the system where to send the money.

If the transfer was rejected because of an error on your end, contact Bank of America immediately. Wire transfers that fail are usually returned to your account within one to three business days, but you'll want to confirm the money came back before you try again. If the receiving bank rejected it, they can tell you why and what information needs to be corrected.

International wire transfers and routing numbers

For wire transfers outside the United States, Bank of America uses a different code called a SWIFT code instead of a routing number. The SWIFT code for Bank of America is BOFAUS3N. You may also need an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) if you're sending money to Europe or certain other regions. The receiving bank will tell you which codes they need.

Domestic wire transfers use routing numbers. International wire transfers use SWIFT codes and sometimes IBANs. Do not confuse the two. If you're sending money to another country, ask the receiving bank for their SWIFT code and IBAN rather than asking for a routing number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 021000021 the routing number for all Bank of America accounts?

021000021 is the most common Bank of America wire routing number and covers accounts in most states. However, accounts in Connecticut, New Jersey, and certain New York branches may have different routing numbers. Contact Bank of America to confirm the correct number for your specific account.

Can I find my routing number on my debit card?

No, routing numbers do not appear on debit cards. They appear on the bottom left of checks, in your online account under account details, or by calling Bank of America customer service. Your debit card shows your card number and expiration date, but not your routing number.

What happens if I use the wrong routing number for a wire transfer?

The wire transfer may be rejected, delayed, or sent to the wrong bank. If rejected, the money is typically returned to your account within one to three business days. If sent to the wrong location, it may take longer to recover. Always verify the routing number before sending a wire transfer.

Do I need a different routing number if I moved to a new state?

Not automatically. Your account's routing number is based on where you opened it or where Bank of America assigned it, not where you currently live. If you moved, your routing number typically stays the same unless you formally changed your account's home branch with Bank of America.

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

No. International wire transfers require a SWIFT code, not a routing number. Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N. You may also need an IBAN depending on the receiving country. Ask the receiving bank which codes they need before you initiate an international transfer.