Finding Your Bank of America Routing Number in Washington
Bank of America uses different routing numbers depending on which state your account is held in. If your account is based in Washington, the routing number you need for wire transfers is 125000105. This nine-digit code tells the banking system where to send money when someone wires funds to your account.
The routing number is not the same as your account number. Your account number identifies your specific account within the bank; the routing number identifies the Bank of America branch or processing center that holds your account. You need both pieces of information to receive a wire transfer.
Bank of America assigns routing numbers by state because the Federal Reserve system routes transfers through regional processing centers. Washington accounts go through a specific processing center, which is why the routing number differs from accounts in other states.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America's routing number for Washington accounts is 125000105, used only for wire transfers to accounts held in that state.
- The routing number is different from your account number; you need both to receive a wire transfer.
- You can find your routing number on the bottom left of your checks, in your online banking portal, or by calling Bank of America customer service.
- Double-check the routing number before giving it to someone sending you money, because an incorrect number may delay or misdirect the transfer.
- Bank of America routing numbers vary by state, so accounts in Oregon or California use different routing numbers than Washington accounts.
Where to Find Your Routing Number
The easiest place to locate your routing number is on a check from your checking account. Look at the bottom left corner of the check. The first nine digits are your routing number. If you do not have checks or prefer not to use them, you can find the routing number in your Bank of America online banking account.
Log into your Bank of America account online or through the mobile app, go to your account details or settings, and look for routing information. The site will display your routing number alongside your account number. If you cannot locate it online, you can call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and provide your account information; they will confirm the correct routing number for your account.
Why the Routing Number Matters for Wire Transfers
When someone sends you a wire transfer, they must provide both your routing number and your account number to their bank. Their bank uses the routing number to identify which bank and processing center should receive the money. If the routing number is wrong, the transfer may go to the wrong bank, get delayed, or be rejected entirely.
Some wire transfers take one business day to arrive; others take longer if the routing information is incorrect and the transfer has to be traced and rerouted. Providing the correct routing number the first time prevents these delays. This is why it is important to double-check the number before you give it to someone sending you money.
Routing Numbers for Other States
Bank of America uses routing number 125000105 only for accounts held in Washington. If you have accounts in other states or if you are sending money to someone with a Bank of America account outside Washington, the routing number will be different. Each state has its own routing number assigned to Bank of America accounts in that state.
For example, California accounts use a different routing number, as do Oregon, Idaho, and other states. If you are unsure which routing number applies to an account, ask the account holder or contact Bank of America directly with the account holder's information. Using the wrong state's routing number will not deliver the transfer to the correct account.
What Happens If You Use the Wrong Routing Number
If you provide an incorrect routing number, the sending bank will attempt to route the transfer to the wrong financial institution. The receiving bank may reject the transfer, send it back to the sender, or hold it while they investigate where it should go. This process can take several business days or longer.
If the transfer is rejected, the sender will see the money returned to their account, but they may be charged a wire transfer fee by their bank even though the transfer failed. To avoid this, verify the routing number with the account holder before initiating any wire transfer. If a transfer does go to the wrong place, contact Bank of America immediately with the transfer details so they can help trace and recover the funds.
International Wire Transfers and Routing Numbers
The routing number 125000105 is used only for domestic wire transfers within the United States. If you are receiving a wire transfer from outside the United States, you will need different information. International transfers require a SWIFT code (also called a BIC code) instead of a routing number.
Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N. You may also need to provide your account number and sometimes an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) depending on the country the transfer is coming from. If you are expecting an international wire transfer, contact Bank of America to confirm what information the sender needs to provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the routing number on my checks the same as the one for wire transfers?
Yes. The nine digits at the bottom left of your check are your routing number, and this same number is used for wire transfers. You do not need a separate routing number for different types of transfers to your Bank of America account in Washington.
Can I use the same routing number if I move to a different state?
No. If you move and open a new Bank of America account in a different state, your new account will have a different routing number. You will need to provide the new routing number to anyone sending you wire transfers to that account.
What if someone tells me Bank of America's routing number is different?
Verify the number directly with Bank of America or check your own checks and online account. Scammers sometimes provide fake routing numbers to redirect transfers. Always confirm routing information through official Bank of America channels, not through email or unsolicited messages.
Do I need the routing number to send money out of my Bank of America account?
No. You need the routing number only when someone is sending money to your account. When you send a wire transfer from your Bank of America account, your bank already knows its own routing number and will include it automatically.