What a Bank of America transit number is and where to find it
A transit number is a nine-digit code that identifies the specific Bank of America branch where your account is held. It is also called a routing number or ABA number. When you send a wire transfer, the receiving bank uses this number to route your money to the correct branch and account.
Your transit number appears on the bottom left of your checks, before your account number. If you do not have checks or cannot locate the number, you can find it by logging into your Bank of America online account, calling Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000, or visiting your local branch in person.
Bank of America has different transit numbers depending on the state where your account was opened and the type of account you hold. Using the wrong transit number will delay your wire or send it to the wrong place, so verify the number matches your specific branch before you send.
Key Takeaways
- Your Bank of America transit number is a nine-digit code on the bottom left of your checks that identifies your branch.
- Different Bank of America branches in different states have different transit numbers, so you must use the one for your specific branch.
- You can find your transit number online through your Bank of America account, by phone, or by visiting your branch.
- Using an incorrect transit number will cause your wire transfer to be delayed or routed to the wrong account.
How to locate your transit number online
Log into your Bank of America account at bankofamerica.com. Once you are signed in, go to the Accounts section and select the account you want to wire from. Look for account details or account information — the routing number (transit number) will be listed there alongside your account number.
Bank of America also displays this information in the "Wire Instructions" section if you have wired money before. If you cannot find it in your account dashboard, the bank's website has a routing number lookup tool where you can enter your state and account type to retrieve the correct nine-digit code.
Calling Bank of America to confirm your transit number
Call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and tell the representative you need your routing number for a wire transfer. Have your account number ready. The representative will confirm your transit number and can also tell you if there are any restrictions on outgoing wires from your account.
This method is useful if you want to verify the number you found online or if you are unsure which account the wire should come from. The call usually takes fewer than five minutes.
Why different Bank of America branches have different transit numbers
Bank of America operates thousands of branches across the United States, and each branch has its own transit number. The transit number tells the Federal Reserve and other banks which physical location (or processing center) holds your account. When you wire money, the receiving bank uses this number to route the funds through the banking system to the correct branch.
If you opened your account in California but later moved to Texas, your transit number does not change — it remains tied to the branch where you originally opened the account. This is why it is important to use the transit number for your specific account, not just any Bank of America transit number.
Common mistakes when using your transit number for wires
The most common error is using a transit number from a different Bank of America branch or confusing the transit number with your account number. Your account number is typically 10 digits and appears after the transit number on your checks. Swapping these two will cause the wire to fail or go to the wrong account.
Another mistake is using an outdated transit number if your account was transferred or consolidated during a branch closure or merger. If you have not used your account for a wire in several years, verify the transit number is still correct before sending money. Bank of America will confirm the current number if you call or check online.
What happens after you provide your transit number
Once you submit a wire transfer with your correct transit number, Bank of America processes it through the Federal Reserve's wire system. The transit number directs the money to your branch, and your account number directs it to your specific account within that branch. The receiving bank receives the transit number and uses it to route the incoming wire to their customer's account.
Domestic wires typically complete within one business day. International wires take longer and may require additional information beyond your transit number, such as a SWIFT code. If your wire does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact Bank of America with your confirmation number and they can trace it using the transit number and account number you provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my Bank of America transit number the same as my routing number?
Yes. Transit number and routing number are the same thing. Both refer to the nine-digit code that identifies your specific Bank of America branch. You may also hear it called an ABA number, which stands for American Bankers Association.
Can I use any Bank of America transit number, or does it have to be from my branch?
You must use the transit number for the specific branch where your account is held. Using a different Bank of America transit number will cause the wire to be delayed or sent to the wrong location. Check your checks or your online account to confirm you have the correct one.
What if I do not have checks and cannot log into my account?
Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 with your account number and identification ready. A representative can provide your transit number over the phone. You can also visit a Bank of America branch in person and ask a teller to write down your routing number.
Does my transit number change if I move to a different state?
No. Your transit number stays the same because it is tied to the branch where you originally opened your account, not your current location. If you want a transit number for a branch in your new state, you would need to open a new account at that branch.
What should I do if my wire transfer fails because of an incorrect transit number?
Contact Bank of America immediately with your wire confirmation number. The bank can attempt to recall the wire or redirect it if it has not yet been processed. Have the correct transit number ready so you can resubmit the wire. This is why verifying the number before sending is important.