Bank of America's ABA number is 121000248, but you may need a different routing number depending on which state your account is in and how you're sending money.
Bank of America uses multiple routing numbers because the bank operates across the country and wire transfers sometimes route through different processing centers. The number 121000248 is the most common one for domestic wire transfers, but if your account is held at a Bank of America branch in a specific state, you might need a state-specific routing number instead. The safest approach is to find your own account's routing number rather than assuming a general one will work.
A wire transfer requires the receiving bank's ABA number (also called a routing number) to move money from your Bank of America account to another bank. If you're sending money out of Bank of America, you don't need Bank of America's ABA number — you need the ABA number of the bank that will receive the money. If someone is sending you money and asking for your bank's routing number, that's when you'd provide Bank of America's number.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America's primary ABA number for wire transfers is 121000248, but state-specific routing numbers exist and may be required depending on your account location.
- When you send a wire transfer from Bank of America, you need the receiving bank's ABA number, not Bank of America's.
- You can find your account's correct routing number by logging into your Bank of America online account, calling customer service, or visiting a branch.
- Wire transfers using an incorrect routing number may be delayed, rejected, or sent to the wrong bank, so verify the number before sending.
Where to find your Bank of America routing number
The quickest way is to log into your Bank of America online account or mobile app. Once you're signed in, look for account details or account information — the routing number is usually listed there alongside your account number. You can also call Bank of America's customer service line at 1-800-432-1000 and ask for your account's routing number; they'll confirm it over the phone.
If you prefer to do it in person, visit any Bank of America branch with your ID and ask a teller for your routing number. They can also print it for you. The number on the bottom left of your checks is also your routing number, though not all accounts come with checks.
Why Bank of America has multiple routing numbers
Bank of America processes wire transfers through different Federal Reserve districts depending on the state where your account is held. This means an account opened at a Bank of America branch in California may have a different routing number than one opened in New York, even though both are Bank of America accounts. The routing number directs the wire to the correct processing center.
This is standard practice across large banks with branches nationwide. The ABA routing system was designed this way to ensure wires reach the right regional processing hub. When you call Bank of America or check your account online, the number you're given is the correct one for your specific account.
What happens if you use the wrong routing number
If you provide an incorrect routing number when sending a wire, the transfer may be delayed while the bank tries to figure out where it should go. Some wires are rejected outright and returned to your account, which can take several business days. In rare cases, a wire sent to the wrong routing number ends up at a different bank entirely, and recovering it becomes complicated.
This is why it's worth taking 30 seconds to verify the number before you send. If you're wiring money to someone else's account, ask them to confirm their bank's routing number with their own bank rather than relying on a number they found online or in an old document.
Sending money out of Bank of America
When you initiate a wire transfer from your Bank of America account, you'll need the receiving bank's ABA number, not Bank of America's. You'll also need the recipient's account number, the recipient's name, and the receiving bank's name and address. Bank of America will ask for all of this information before processing the wire.
Domestic wire transfers typically process the same business day if you send them before the bank's cutoff time, usually around 2 p.m. Eastern time. International wires take longer and may require additional information like a SWIFT code. Bank of America charges a fee for outgoing wires — the amount varies, so check your account or call to confirm the current fee.
Receiving a wire transfer at Bank of America
If someone is sending you money and asks for your bank's routing number, give them Bank of America's routing number for your account. You can provide the general number 121000248, but it's safer to give them your specific account routing number to avoid any delays. You'll also need to provide your account number and your full name as it appears on the account.
Once the sender initiates the wire, it typically arrives within one to two business days for domestic transfers. Bank of America will deposit it directly into your account. You can check the status of an incoming wire by calling customer service or logging into your account online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 121000248 the routing number for all Bank of America accounts?
It's the most common one, but not necessarily the one for your account. Your specific routing number depends on the state where your account is held. Always check your own account details or call Bank of America to confirm your routing number before sending or receiving a wire.
Can I use any Bank of America routing number, or does it have to be the one for my state?
You should use the routing number specific to your account. While some general Bank of America routing numbers may work, using the wrong one can cause delays or rejection. Your bank can tell you the correct number in under a minute.
What's the difference between a routing number and an ABA number?
They're the same thing. ABA stands for American Bankers Association, the organization that created the routing number system. Banks use the terms interchangeably.
Do I need a routing number to send money through Bank of America's app?
No. When you send money through Bank of America's app or online banking to another person's account, you typically enter their account number and the receiving bank's name, and the system looks up the routing number automatically. You only need to manually enter a routing number if you're setting up a wire transfer or an external transfer to an account at a different bank.
What if I send a wire to the wrong routing number?
Contact Bank of America immediately. If the wire hasn't been processed yet, they may be able to stop it. If it's already gone through, the receiving bank may be able to reject it and send it back, but this can take several business days. Having the correct routing number before you send prevents this problem.