Bank of America's direct deposit routing number and address
Bank of America does not require you to mail direct deposit forms to a physical address. Instead, you provide your employer or the organization sending the payment with your Bank of America account number and routing number — the nine-digit code that identifies your specific branch. For most Bank of America accounts, the routing number is 026009593, though some accounts use 026012881 or 026013673 depending on your account type and the state where you opened it.
Your employer's payroll department or the benefits administrator will enter this routing number and your account number into their system. The payment then moves electronically on the date they specify. You do not need to contact Bank of America or send paperwork anywhere. The routing number and your account details are all that's needed to set up the transfer.
If you're unsure which routing number applies to your account, call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 or log into your online banking portal. Your account details page will show your routing number. You can also find it on the bottom left of any check you have from that account.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America direct deposits are set up through your employer's payroll system using your routing number and account number, not by mailing forms to an address.
- The most common Bank of America routing number is 026009593, but confirm yours through your online account or by calling 1-800-432-1000.
- Your account number appears on your checks and in your online banking portal under account details.
- Once your employer enters the routing and account numbers, direct deposits process automatically on the schedule your employer sets.
How to find your account number
Your Bank of America account number is printed on the bottom of your checks, in the middle section between the routing number on the left and the check number on the right. It is typically 10 digits long. You can also find it by logging into your Bank of America online account or mobile app — it appears on your account details page or in the account summary section.
If you do not have checks or online access, call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 with your Social Security number and photo ID information ready. A representative can provide your account number over the phone.
Confirming the correct routing number for your account
Bank of America operates multiple routing numbers depending on the state where your account was opened and the type of account you hold. The most widely used number is 026009593, but California accounts may use 121000248, Texas accounts may use 111000025, and New York accounts may use 021000021. Savings accounts, money market accounts, and checking accounts at the same branch may also have different routing numbers.
The safest approach is to verify your specific routing number before giving it to your employer. Log into your Bank of America account online, call 1-800-432-1000, or check the bottom left corner of a check from your account. Your employer's payroll system may also flag an incorrect routing number when you enter it, giving you a chance to correct it before the first deposit attempt.
What happens after you provide your information
Once your employer has your routing number and account number, they enter this information into their payroll system. On the date they specify — typically your regular payday — the payment is sent electronically to Bank of America. The transfer usually appears in your account within one to two business days, though some employers process payroll a day or two before the actual payday to account for processing time.
You will see the deposit listed in your online account and on your statement. Bank of America does not send a separate confirmation for each direct deposit, but you can view the transaction history in your account at any time. If a deposit does not appear by the end of the second business day, contact your employer's payroll department first to confirm they sent it, then call Bank of America if the issue persists.
Setting up direct deposit through your employer
Your employer's human resources or payroll department will provide you with a direct deposit form or an online portal where you enter your banking information. You will need to provide your routing number, account number, and the account type (checking or savings). Some employers also ask for the bank name and your name as it appears on the account.
Fill out the form completely and submit it to payroll. Keep a copy for your records. Most employers process direct deposit changes within one to two pay periods, so your first electronic deposit may not appear until your second or third paycheck after you submit the form. Ask your payroll department when they expect the first direct deposit to post.
Changing or canceling direct deposit
If you need to change your direct deposit to a different Bank of America account or to a different bank entirely, contact your employer's payroll department and request a new direct deposit form. Fill it out with your new banking information and submit it. The change typically takes effect within one to two pay periods.
To stop direct deposit altogether, submit a cancellation request to your payroll department in writing. Ask them to confirm the cancellation date. After that date, you will receive your pay by check or another method your employer offers. Some employers require you to pick up checks in person or arrange an alternative payment method before they will cancel direct deposit.
Troubleshooting common direct deposit issues
If your direct deposit does not arrive on the expected date, first check that you provided the correct routing number and account number to your employer. A single digit error will cause the deposit to fail or go to the wrong account. Contact your payroll department and ask them to confirm the information they have on file.
If the information is correct but the deposit still has not arrived after two business days, call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and provide them with the expected deposit amount and date. They can search for incoming transfers to your account. If the transfer was sent to the wrong account due to an error in the routing or account number, Bank of America may be able to help trace it, though recovery depends on whether the receiving bank cooperates.
Deposits rejected due to a closed account or frozen account will be returned to your employer. Your payroll department will contact you to provide corrected information. If your account was closed, you will need to provide a new account number at a different bank or reopen an account with Bank of America.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a routing number and an account number?
The routing number identifies the specific Bank of America branch or processing center where your account is held. The account number identifies your individual account within that branch. Both are required for direct deposit to work correctly.
Can I use the same routing number for multiple Bank of America accounts?
Not necessarily. Different account types or accounts opened at different times may have different routing numbers, even if they are at the same bank. Always verify the routing number for the specific account where you want the deposit to go.
How long does it take for a direct deposit to show up after my employer sends it?
Direct deposits typically appear in your account within one to two business days of being sent by your employer. Some deposits post the same day, depending on when your employer processes payroll and Bank of America's processing schedule. Weekends and holidays may delay posting by one additional day.
What should I do if my direct deposit goes to the wrong account?
Contact your payroll department immediately and ask them to verify the routing and account numbers they have on file. If the information is incorrect, provide the correct details and ask when the next deposit will be sent. If the deposit went to another Bank of America account, call 1-800-432-1000 and provide the transaction details so they can attempt to locate and recover it.
Do I need to notify Bank of America when I set up direct deposit?
No. Bank of America does not need advance notice. Once your employer sends the first direct deposit using your correct routing and account numbers, it will post to your account automatically. You only need to contact Bank of America if there is a problem with the deposit.