Which routing number to use for a Bank of America wire transfer in California
Bank of America has multiple routing numbers depending on where your account is held and what type of transfer you're sending. For most wire transfers from a Bank of America account in California, you'll use 121000248. This is the primary routing number for Bank of America's Western region, which covers California.
However, the exact routing number can vary based on your specific branch location and account type. Before you wire money, confirm the routing number with your bank directly — either by calling the customer service number on the back of your card, visiting a local branch, or checking your account statements, which often list routing numbers at the bottom.
Using the wrong routing number can delay your transfer or send the money to the wrong account. The receiving bank will reject it if the routing number doesn't match their records for your account, and you'll have to start over.
Key Takeaways
- The standard Bank of America routing number for California wire transfers is 121000248, but confirm with your bank before sending.
- Your account statements, online banking portal, or a call to customer service will show the correct routing number for your specific account.
- Wire transfers require both a routing number and an account number to reach the right destination.
- A wrong routing number can delay your transfer or cause it to be rejected entirely.
Where to find your routing number on Bank of America statements
Your Bank of America account statements print the routing number at the bottom of the first page, usually near the left side. It appears alongside your account number and is labeled as the "routing number" or "ABA number" (ABA stands for American Bankers Association).
If you receive statements electronically, log into your online banking account and look for a section labeled "Account Details" or "Account Information." The routing number is typically displayed there alongside your account number and other account identifiers.
Statements are the most reliable source because they show the routing number tied to your specific account and branch, which is what you need for a wire transfer.
Confirming the routing number before you wire
Call Bank of America's customer service line at 1-800-432-1000 and have your account number ready. A representative can confirm the correct routing number for your account in seconds. This is the safest step if you're unsure or if you haven't wired money before.
You can also visit a Bank of America branch in person and ask a teller to write down the routing number for you. Bring your ID and account information.
Online banking portals sometimes display routing information under account settings or transfer options. Log in, navigate to the wire transfer section, and the system may show you the routing number automatically when you set up the transfer.
What happens if you use the wrong routing number
If you provide an incorrect routing number, the receiving bank will reject the transfer because the routing number won't match their records for the account you're trying to reach. The money will either bounce back to your Bank of America account or sit in a holding status while the banks sort it out.
The process to recover the funds can take several business days to a week. You'll need to contact Bank of America to trace the transfer and request a reversal or reroute. In the meantime, the money is unavailable to you.
This is why confirming the routing number before you initiate the transfer saves time and frustration.
Routing number versus account number
A routing number identifies the bank or branch where your account is held. A account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Both are required to complete a wire transfer.
The routing number tells the banking system which institution to send the money to. The account number tells that institution which account within their system should receive it. Without either one, the transfer cannot be processed.
Your account number is also printed on your statements and visible in your online banking portal. When you wire money, you'll provide both the routing number and the account number of the person or business receiving the funds.
International wire transfers from Bank of America in California
If you're sending money outside the United States, you may need a different code instead of a routing number. International transfers typically require a SWIFT code (also called a BIC code) rather than an ABA routing number.
Bank of America's SWIFT code for most U.S. locations is BOFAUS3N. However, some international transfers also require an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) if the receiving country uses that system. Ask the person or business receiving the money what information they need, then contact Bank of America to confirm you have the right codes.
International transfers take longer than domestic wires — usually three to five business days — and may include currency conversion fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 121000248 the routing number for all Bank of America accounts in California?
121000248 is the primary routing number for Bank of America's Western region, which includes California. However, some older accounts or accounts opened at specific branches may have a different routing number. Check your statements or call customer service to confirm the number for your account.
Can I find my routing number on my debit card?
No, routing numbers are not printed on debit cards. Check your account statements, online banking portal, or call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000. Your statements are the fastest source.
What if my wire transfer was rejected because of the routing number?
Contact Bank of America immediately and explain that the transfer was rejected. They can trace the transaction, request a reversal, and help you resend the money with the correct routing number. This process usually takes three to seven business days.
Do I need a different routing number for transfers between my own Bank of America accounts?
No. If you're transferring money between two of your own Bank of America accounts, you can use a standard transfer within your online banking portal, which doesn't require a routing number. This is faster and simpler than a wire transfer.