Bank of America's routing number depends on which state your account is in
Bank of America uses different routing numbers based on the state where your account was opened or is maintained. The most commonly used routing number is 021000021, which handles most accounts and wire transfers nationwide. However, if your account is tied to a specific state branch, you may have a different routing number.
The routing number is a nine-digit code that tells the banking system which Bank of America location processes your account. When you send a wire transfer, the receiving bank uses this number to route the money to the correct branch. Using the wrong routing number can delay your transfer or send it to the wrong place entirely.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America's primary routing number for wire transfers is 021000021, which works for most accounts regardless of state.
- Your specific routing number depends on the state where your account is registered, and you can find it on the bottom left of your checks or in your online banking portal.
- The routing number is different from your account number — you need both to send or receive a wire transfer.
- Bank of America's customer service can confirm your exact routing number before you send a wire to make sure it reaches the right place.
Where to find your routing number on a check
If you have Bank of America checks, your routing number appears in the bottom left corner, printed as the first set of nine digits. The format looks like this: the routing number comes first, then your account number, then the check number on the far right.
This is the fastest way to locate your routing number if you have checks available. Write down all nine digits exactly as they appear — a single wrong digit will cause the wire to fail or go to the wrong account.
Finding your routing number online or by phone
Log into your Bank of America online banking account and go to the account details or account information section. Most accounts display the routing number alongside your account number. If you cannot locate it in your portal, call Bank of America's customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and have your account number ready.
When you call, tell the representative you need your routing number for a wire transfer. They will confirm the correct nine-digit code for your specific account and state. Writing it down during the call prevents mistakes when you enter it into the wire transfer form.
State-specific routing numbers
While 021000021 works for most Bank of America wire transfers, some states have their own routing numbers. These include California, Texas, Florida, New York, and several others. If your account is registered in one of these states, your routing number may differ from the primary one.
The easiest way to confirm which routing number applies to your account is to check your checks or call customer service. Do not guess or use a routing number you find online without verifying it matches your account's state registration. A mismatch can cause the wire to be rejected or delayed by several business days.
The difference between routing number and account number
Your routing number identifies which Bank of America branch or processing center handles your account. Your account number identifies your specific account within that branch. Both are required to send a wire transfer, and they are not interchangeable.
When you initiate a wire, you will be asked for both pieces of information. The routing number tells the system where to send the money; the account number tells it which account to deposit it into. Providing only one or providing them in the wrong fields will cause the transfer to fail.
Confirming your routing number before sending a wire
Before you send any wire transfer, double-check your routing number against the information Bank of America provided. Call customer service or log into your account one more time to verify the nine digits are correct. This takes two minutes and prevents a wire from going to the wrong place.
If you are sending money to someone outside your household, also ask them to confirm the routing number they gave you. Scams sometimes involve providing a fake routing number so money goes to a fraudster's account instead of the intended recipient. Verification protects both you and the person receiving the wire.
What happens if you use the wrong routing number
If you enter an incorrect routing number, the wire may be rejected outright, or it may be sent to a different bank or account. Bank of America cannot always retrieve a wire sent to the wrong routing number, especially if it has already been deposited elsewhere. The process to recover the funds can take weeks and may not succeed.
If you realize you used the wrong routing number immediately after sending the wire, contact Bank of America right away. Provide the wire confirmation number and explain the error. The sooner you report it, the better the chance of stopping or redirecting the transfer before it settles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 021000021 the routing number for all Bank of America accounts?
021000021 works for most Bank of America wire transfers nationwide, but some state-specific accounts may have different routing numbers. Check your checks or call customer service to confirm which routing number applies to your account.
Can I use my routing number to receive a wire transfer?
Yes. When someone sends you a wire transfer, they will need your Bank of America routing number and your account number. Provide both pieces of information to ensure the money reaches your account.
What if my Bank of America account is in multiple states?
Your routing number is tied to the state where your account is registered or was originally opened, not where you currently live. If you moved and want to confirm your routing number, call customer service with your account details.
Do I need a different routing number for ACH transfers versus wire transfers?
Bank of America uses the same routing number for both ACH transfers and wire transfers. The nine-digit code on your checks works for either type of electronic transfer.
How long does a wire transfer take once I provide the correct routing number?
Wire transfers typically complete within one business day when the routing number and account number are correct. Some transfers settle the same day if sent before the bank's cutoff time, usually around 2 p.m. Eastern Time.