Bank of America's ACH routing number depends on which state your account is in
Bank of America uses different ACH routing numbers based on the state where your account was opened or is primarily held. The most commonly used number is 011000015, which works for most Bank of America accounts across the country. However, some accounts use state-specific routing numbers, and using the wrong one can delay your transfer by a day or more.
The routing number is a nine-digit code that tells the banking system which institution should receive the money. For ACH transfers — the slower, cheaper method that takes one to three business days — you need the ACH routing number, not the wire transfer routing number. Bank of America publishes a full list of state-specific ACH routing numbers on their website, but most people can stop at 011000015 and move forward.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America's primary ACH routing number is 011000015, and it works for accounts in most states.
- Some states have their own Bank of America ACH routing numbers, which you can find on Bank of America's official routing number lookup tool.
- You need your account number and the recipient's routing number to send an ACH transfer, but not your own routing number if you are the one receiving money.
- ACH transfers take one to three business days and cost nothing, making them slower but cheaper than wire transfers.
How to find your specific state's ACH routing number
Start by going to Bank of America's routing number lookup page on their website. Enter your state, and the tool will show you the correct ACH routing number for accounts opened in that state. If you opened your account in one state but have since moved, use the state where you originally opened the account — that is usually what determines which routing number applies to you.
If you are unsure which state your account is tied to, call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 or log into your online banking and look at your account details. Your account statement also lists the routing number at the bottom of the page, though it may not specify whether it is the ACH or wire routing number. When in doubt, ask the person or business requesting the number whether they need the ACH routing number or the wire routing number — they are different, and using the wrong one will not stop the transfer, but it may route it incorrectly.
When you need the ACH routing number versus other numbers
You need the ACH routing number when you are setting up a transfer that will take one to three business days — for example, moving money between your own accounts at different banks, paying a bill through your bank's bill pay system, or receiving a direct deposit from an employer. The ACH system is the backbone of most routine money movement in the United States.
You do not need a routing number if you are the one receiving money. The person or company sending you money needs their bank's routing number and your account number. If someone is asking you for a routing number to send you money, they are confused — ask them for the name and account number of the account they want to send it to, and they can look up their own routing number.
What information you need to provide for an ACH transfer
To send an ACH transfer from your Bank of America account, you will need the recipient's bank routing number, their account number, and the account type (checking or savings). You do not need to provide your own routing number — your bank already knows it. You will need to specify the amount and the date you want the transfer to go out, and most banks let you schedule it up to 30 days in advance.
If you are receiving an ACH transfer, the sender needs your Bank of America routing number (011000015 for most accounts, or your state-specific number), your account number, and your account type. They do not need your name, though providing it helps prevent mistakes. Once they initiate the transfer, it will arrive in one to three business days depending on when they sent it and whether it was sent on a business day.
Common mistakes when using the ACH routing number
The most common error is confusing the ACH routing number with the wire transfer routing number. Bank of America's wire routing number is different from the ACH routing number, and sending money to the wrong routing number can cause it to arrive at the wrong bank or be rejected entirely. Always confirm which type of transfer you are making before you look up the number.
Another frequent mistake is using an outdated routing number. Bank of America has consolidated branches and changed routing numbers over the years. If you have an old routing number written down somewhere, do not assume it is still correct — look it up fresh each time. The third common error is entering the routing number incorrectly. It is nine digits with no dashes or spaces. If you type it wrong, the transfer may fail or go to the wrong place.
How ACH transfers work after you provide the routing number
Once you provide the routing number and account details, the sending bank submits the transfer to the ACH network, which is run by a nonprofit called Nacha. The ACH network batches transfers together and processes them in cycles throughout the day. Most transfers initiated before the bank's cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. or 5 p.m., depending on the bank) will arrive the next business day. Transfers sent after the cutoff or on weekends will arrive the day after that.
Bank of America will deduct the money from the sending account immediately or within a few hours, but the receiving bank may not credit it right away. Some banks hold ACH transfers for a day to check for fraud. Once the receiving bank credits the account, the money is yours and cannot be reversed by the sender without your permission, unlike wire transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 011000015 the routing number for all Bank of America accounts?
It is the most common one and works for most accounts nationwide, but some states have their own Bank of America ACH routing numbers. Use Bank of America's routing number lookup tool to confirm the number for your state, or call 1-800-432-1000 to ask.
Can I use the ACH routing number for a wire transfer?
No. Wire transfers require a different routing number. Using the ACH routing number for a wire transfer will likely cause the transfer to fail or be rejected. Always confirm which type of transfer you are making and use the correct routing number for that type.
What happens if I give someone the wrong routing number?
The transfer may fail, be rejected, or arrive at the wrong bank. If money goes to the wrong place, contact your bank immediately. They can sometimes retrieve it, but the process is slow and not always successful. Always double-check the routing number before you send it.
Do I need to provide my routing number if someone is sending me money?
Yes. The sender needs your Bank of America routing number and your account number to initiate the transfer. They do not need your name, but providing it helps prevent mistakes. Make sure you give them the correct routing number for your account.