Bank of America's routing number for wire transfers is 021000021

Bank of America uses the routing number 021000021 for domestic wire transfers sent to or from most of its accounts. This nine-digit number tells the sending bank where to direct the money within the Federal Reserve system. You will need it when you are the one sending a wire, or when someone outside your bank is sending you money and needs your receiving details.

The routing number is the same whether you are wiring from a checking account, savings account, or money market account at Bank of America. However, the routing number can vary if your account is held at a Bank of America subsidiary or if you bank through a different institution entirely. Always confirm the routing number with your own bank before sending or instructing someone else to send a wire.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America's standard domestic wire routing number is 021000021, used for transfers into or out of most BofA accounts.
  • You need your account number in addition to the routing number; the routing number alone does not identify your specific account.
  • If you are receiving a wire, provide the sender with your routing number, account number, and account type (checking or savings).
  • Bank of America may charge a fee for outgoing domestic wires, typically between $10 and $15, depending on your account type and balance.
  • International wire transfers use a different code called a SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N for most Bank of America locations) rather than a routing number.

Where to find your routing number if you are unsure

The easiest way to confirm Bank of America's routing number is to log into your online banking account or mobile app. Look for account details or settings; most banks display the routing number alongside your account number. You can also call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and ask them to confirm the routing number for your specific account.

Your routing number also appears on the bottom left corner of any check you have from that account. The nine-digit number printed there is your routing number. If you do not have checks or access to online banking, visiting a Bank of America branch in person is the most direct way to get this information.

What information you need to provide when receiving a wire

When someone is sending you money via wire transfer, you will need to give them three pieces of information: the routing number (021000021), your account number, and the type of account (checking or savings). The sender's bank will use all three to route the money to the correct place. Providing only the routing number is not enough—it identifies the bank, but not your individual account within that bank.

Write down exactly what you are giving the sender and double-check it before they initiate the transfer. A single digit wrong in your account number will send the money to someone else's account at Bank of America, and recovering it can take days or weeks. Most banks cannot reverse a wire transfer once it has been sent.

Fees and timing for Bank of America wire transfers

Bank of America charges a fee for outgoing domestic wire transfers. The amount depends on whether you are a regular customer or hold a premium account, and whether you send the wire online or in person at a branch. Standard fees typically range from $10 to $15 for a domestic wire, though some account tiers may have lower or higher fees.

Incoming wires to your Bank of America account are usually free. A domestic wire sent during business hours (typically before 2 p.m. on a business day) usually arrives the same day. Wires sent after hours or on weekends may not process until the next business day. International wires take longer and involve additional fees and currency conversion costs.

International wires from Bank of America use a different code

If you are sending money to a Bank of America account outside the United States, or if someone is sending you money from abroad, you will use a SWIFT code instead of a routing number. Bank of America's SWIFT code for most U.S. locations is BOFAUS3N. SWIFT codes are used by the international banking system to identify banks across borders.

International wires also require the recipient's International Bank Account Number (IBAN) if they are in Europe or certain other regions. The process is more complex than a domestic wire, fees are higher, and the transfer can take three to five business days. If you are unsure whether you need a SWIFT code or a routing number, ask the person sending the money which country their bank is in.

Common mistakes when providing wire transfer information

The most common error is transposing digits in the account number or routing number. Even one digit wrong sends the wire to the wrong place. Before you give your information to someone, read it aloud to them and have them read it back to you. If you are writing it down, use clear handwriting or type it in a way that cannot be misread.

Another mistake is confusing a routing number with an account number. The routing number is always nine digits and identifies the bank. Your account number is usually longer (10 to 12 digits) and identifies your specific account. Both are required for a wire transfer. Do not assume the sender knows which is which; tell them explicitly which number is which.

What to do if a wire transfer goes to the wrong account

If you sent a wire to the wrong account or provided incorrect information, contact Bank of America immediately. Call the number on the back of your debit card or 1-800-432-1000. The bank can attempt to recall the wire, but success depends on whether the receiving bank has already released the funds. If the money has been withdrawn, recovery becomes much harder and may require legal action.

If you are the recipient and received a wire that was not meant for you, do not spend it. Contact Bank of America and report that you received funds in error. The bank will work with the sending bank to reverse the transaction. Spending money that was sent to you by mistake can result in your account being overdrawn when the wire is reversed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 021000021 the routing number for all Bank of America accounts?

Yes, for domestic wire transfers to most Bank of America accounts. However, if your account is held through a Bank of America subsidiary or if you use a different financial institution, the routing number may differ. Always confirm with your bank before sending a wire.

Can I use the routing number from my checks for a wire transfer?

Yes. The routing number printed on the bottom left of your checks is the same one you use for wire transfers. It is safe to share this number with anyone who needs to send you money.

What happens if I give someone the wrong routing number?

The wire will be rejected or sent to a different bank. The sending bank will usually return the money to the sender's account, though this can take several days. Always double-check the routing number before providing it.

Do I need a routing number to receive a wire from outside the United States?

No. International wires use a SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N for Bank of America) instead of a routing number. You may also need to provide your IBAN if the sender's bank requires it. Ask the person sending the money what information their bank needs.

Can Bank of America reverse a wire transfer after it has been sent?

Only if the wire has not yet been released by the receiving bank. Once the recipient's bank has made the funds available, reversal becomes difficult and may require legal action. This is why confirming all details before sending is critical.