Bank of America's 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 held. For most wire transfers out of a Bank of America checking or savings account, you will use the routing number 021000021 — but verify this is correct for your specific account before sending money, because using the wrong number can delay or misdirect your transfer.
The routing number is a nine-digit code that tells the banking system which financial institution holds the receiving account. When you send a wire transfer, you provide this number along with the recipient's account number so the money reaches the right bank. Bank of America's primary routing number works for most domestic wire transfers, but some older accounts or accounts opened in specific states may have different numbers on file.
The safest way to confirm your routing number is to call Bank of America directly at the number on the back of your debit card, log into your online banking portal, or ask a teller in person. Do not rely on a number you find online without confirming it matches your account.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America's primary routing number for wire transfers is 021000021, but you should confirm this matches your specific account before sending money.
- The routing number is required information for any wire transfer you send; using an incorrect number can delay or lose your transfer.
- You can find your correct routing number by calling Bank of America, checking your online banking account, or visiting a branch in person.
- Wire transfers are permanent once sent, so double-checking the routing number and account number before you submit is critical.
Where to find your routing number on Bank of America statements and checks
If you have a Bank of America checkbook, the routing number appears in the bottom left corner of each check, printed as the first set of nine digits. The format is always nine numbers with no dashes or spaces between them. This is the fastest way to locate the number if you have checks available.
You can also find the routing number in your online banking account. Log in to your Bank of America profile, navigate to your account details or account information section, and look for the routing number listed alongside your account number. The exact location varies depending on whether you are using the mobile app or the website, but it is typically under account settings or account summary.
Bank of America statements mailed to your address do not always print the routing number, so checks or online banking are more reliable sources. If you cannot locate it through either method, calling the customer service number on the back of your card is the fastest option.
Confirming the routing number before you wire money
Before you initiate any wire transfer, write down both the routing number and the recipient's account number and read them back to yourself out loud. Transposing even one digit will send your money to the wrong account or the wrong bank. Because wire transfers cannot be reversed once they are processed, this verification step is not optional.
If you are wiring money to someone you know, ask them to confirm the routing number and account number separately — do not rely on a single text message or email. If you are wiring to a business or organization, call their main phone number (not a number they provided in an email) and ask their accounting or finance department to confirm both numbers.
Bank of America will ask you to confirm these details when you submit the wire transfer request. Take the time to review the information on the screen before you click submit. Once the transfer is sent, the money is gone and recovery is extremely difficult.
Wire transfer fees and timing at Bank of America
Bank of America charges a fee for outgoing domestic wire transfers. The fee varies depending on whether you send the wire in person at a branch, through online banking, or by phone. Sending through online banking is typically the least expensive option. Ask about the current fee when you initiate the transfer, or check your account online after the transfer posts to see what was charged.
Domestic wire transfers sent before the bank's cutoff time (usually mid-afternoon on business days) typically arrive the same day or the next business day. Transfers sent after the cutoff or on weekends or holidays will process on the next business day. International wire transfers take longer — usually three to five business days — and may incur higher fees.
The receiving bank may also charge a fee to accept the incoming wire. This fee is usually deducted from the amount received, so the recipient gets slightly less than the amount you sent. Ask the recipient whether they are aware of this possibility.
What to do if your wire transfer does not arrive
If money you wired does not show up in the recipient's account within the expected timeframe, contact Bank of America immediately. Have your wire transfer confirmation number ready — this is a reference number Bank of America provides when you send the wire. Call the number on the back of your debit card and ask to speak with someone in the wire transfer department.
Bank of America can trace the wire using the confirmation number and tell you whether it has been sent, received, or held up somewhere in the system. If the money was sent to the wrong routing number or account number, recovery is possible but not may provide and may take weeks. If the receiving bank has the money but the recipient has not received it, the issue is on the receiving bank's side.
Do not assume the money is lost if it does not arrive within one business day. Delays happen, especially if the receiving bank is small or if the transfer was sent late in the day. Give it at least two business days before contacting Bank of America, unless you have a specific reason to believe something went wrong.
International wire transfers and SWIFT codes
If you are sending money outside the United States, you will need Bank of America's SWIFT code in addition to the routing number. A SWIFT code is an international identifier for banks; it serves the same purpose as a routing number but for cross-border transfers. Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N for most international wire transfers.
International wire transfers require more information than domestic transfers. You will need the recipient's full name, their account number, the name and address of their bank, and sometimes an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) if the recipient is in Europe or another region that uses them. Ask the recipient for all of this information before you initiate the transfer.
International wires are more expensive than domestic transfers and take longer to process. Bank of America charges a higher fee, and the receiving bank may also charge a fee. The money typically arrives within three to five business days, though some countries take longer. Exchange rates may also apply if the recipient's account is in a different currency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 021000021 the routing number for all Bank of America accounts?
021000021 is Bank of America's primary routing number and works for most accounts, but some older accounts or accounts in specific states may have different numbers. Always confirm your routing number by checking your checks, your online banking account, or calling Bank of America before you send a wire transfer.
Can I wire money from Bank of America to another bank?
Yes. You provide the other bank's routing number and the recipient's account number, and Bank of America sends the money to that institution. You do not use Bank of America's routing number when sending money out; you use the receiving bank's routing number.
What happens if I use the wrong routing number?
The money may be sent to the wrong bank or the wrong account. If this happens, contact Bank of America immediately with your confirmation number. Recovery is possible but not may provide and may take weeks. This is why confirming the routing number before you send is critical.
How long does a Bank of America wire transfer take?
Domestic wire transfers sent before the bank's cutoff time (usually mid-afternoon on business days) typically arrive the same day or the next business day. International transfers take three to five business days or longer, depending on the receiving country and bank.
Do I need a different routing number if I am receiving a wire transfer?
No. The routing number is the same whether you are sending or receiving money. You provide your Bank of America routing number (021000021) and your account number to anyone sending you a wire transfer.