Where to find your routing number on a Bank of America check
Your Bank of America routing number is printed on the bottom left of every check you receive. It is a nine-digit code that comes before your account number. The routing number identifies which Bank of America branch or processing center handles your account, and you need it to send money out of your account through a wire transfer or set up automatic payments.
The bottom of a check always displays three separate numbers in this order: the routing number on the far left, your account number in the middle, and the check number on the right. All three are printed in a special magnetic ink that machines can read. The routing number is always nine digits long and starts with 0, 1, or 2 for most U.S. banks.
If you do not have a check in front of you, you can also find your routing number by logging into your Bank of America online account, calling Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000, or visiting a local branch with your ID. The routing number is the same for all Bank of America customers in your region, so it does not change between accounts or checks.
Key Takeaways
- Your Bank of America routing number is the nine-digit code printed on the bottom left of your checks, before your account number.
- The routing number identifies which Bank of America processing center handles your account and is required for wire transfers and automatic payments.
- You can find your routing number on a check, in your online banking portal, by phone, or at a local branch.
- Bank of America routing numbers vary by region, so confirm you have the correct one for your account location before sending a wire transfer.
Why wire transfers require a routing number
A routing number tells the banking system which financial institution to send your money to and which branch or processing center within that institution should receive it. Without a routing number, the wire transfer system cannot direct your funds to the correct place. The routing number works together with your account number to create a complete address for your money.
When you initiate a wire transfer, you provide the recipient's bank routing number (not your own) so the money leaves your Bank of America account and arrives at the correct destination. The receiving bank uses the routing number to identify itself and deposit the funds into the recipient's account. This is why you need to double-check the routing number before sending a wire — a mistake in even one digit can send your money to the wrong bank or the wrong account.
Different routing numbers for different regions
Bank of America uses different routing numbers depending on which state or region your account is based in. If you moved or opened your account in a different state, your routing number may be different from someone else's Bank of America account. The routing number on your check reflects the location where your account was opened or is currently maintained.
Before you wire money, confirm that you are using the routing number that matches your account location. If you are unsure which routing number applies to your account, log into your online banking portal or call customer service. Using the wrong routing number for your region can delay the wire transfer or cause it to be rejected entirely.
Reading the MICR line on your check
The bottom of your check contains what is called the MICR line — MICR stands for Magnetic Ink Character Recognition. This line holds three pieces of information printed in special ink that banking machines can scan and read automatically. The routing number is always the first set of nine digits on this line, followed by your account number and then your check number.
The MICR line looks like a series of numbers separated by small vertical lines or symbols. If you have trouble reading it because the print is faint or worn, you can request a new box of checks from Bank of America, or you can contact customer service to have them read the number to you over the phone. Never guess at a digit — one wrong number will cause the wire transfer to fail or go to the wrong place.
What to do if you cannot find your routing number
If you do not have checks available, log into your Bank of America online account and look for account details or account information. Many banks display the routing number in the account summary section. You can also download your account statements, which often include routing information at the bottom or in a separate section.
If you prefer to speak with someone, call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 with your account number and ID ready. A representative can confirm your routing number over the phone. You can also visit any Bank of America branch in person with your ID and ask a teller to provide your routing number. All three methods take only a few minutes and ensure you have the correct nine-digit code before you send a wire transfer.
Confirming the routing number before you wire
Once you have located your routing number on your check, write it down or copy it into a secure location before you initiate a wire transfer. Double-check that all nine digits are correct and that you have not accidentally skipped a digit or misread a number. Many wire transfer mistakes happen because of a single digit entered incorrectly.
If you are sending money to someone else and they have provided you with a routing number, ask them to verify it against their own check or banking portal. Do not rely on a routing number given to you verbally or in a text message without confirmation. Once a wire transfer is sent, it is very difficult to reverse, so taking 30 seconds to confirm the routing number is worth the effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my Bank of America routing number the same on all my checks?
Yes, if all your checks are linked to the same Bank of America account in the same region. If you have multiple accounts or accounts in different states, each may have a different routing number. Check the bottom left of each check to confirm, or contact Bank of America customer service.
Can I use my routing number to receive a wire transfer?
No. To receive a wire transfer, you provide the sender with your routing number and your account number. The sender uses your routing number to identify your bank and your account number to identify your specific account. You do not initiate anything — the sender's bank handles the transfer on their end.
What happens if I use the wrong routing number for a wire transfer?
The wire may be rejected by the receiving bank, delayed while the bank tries to locate the correct account, or sent to the wrong financial institution entirely. If you realize you used the wrong routing number after sending the transfer, contact Bank of America immediately to report the error and ask if the wire can be recalled or redirected.
Do I need my routing number to set up direct deposit?
Yes. Your employer or the organization sending you money will ask for your routing number and account number to set up direct deposit. You can find both on your check, in your online banking portal, or by calling customer service. Make sure both numbers are correct before submitting the form.