Bank of America's routing number depends on which state your account is in

Bank of America uses different routing numbers for different regions. The routing number you need for a wire transfer is determined by the state where your account was opened, not where you live now or where you're sending money to. If you opened your account in California, you'll use California's routing number even if you've moved to Texas.

The most common Bank of America routing number is 121000248, which covers most states including California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois. However, some states have their own routing numbers. Connecticut uses 011000015, and Iowa uses 073000228. If you're unsure which state your account is tied to, check your account paperwork or call Bank of America directly.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Bank of America routing number is based on the state where you opened your account, not your current location.
  • The routing number 121000248 works for accounts opened in most U.S. states, but some states have different numbers.
  • You can find your routing number on the bottom left of your checks, in your online banking portal, or by calling Bank of America's customer service line.
  • Wire transfers require both your routing number and your account number, and the routing number must match your account's home state.

Where to locate your routing number quickly

The fastest way to find your routing number is to look at a check from your Bank of America account. The routing number appears as the first set of nine digits on the bottom left of the check, before your account number. If you don't have checks available, you can log into your Bank of America online banking account and find it in the account details or transfer settings section.

You can also call Bank of America's customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and ask for your routing number. Have your account number ready when you call. The representative will confirm which routing number applies to your account based on where it was opened.

Routing numbers by state

Bank of America maintains a list of state-specific routing numbers, though most accounts use the national number. Here are some of the states with their own routing numbers:

StateRouting Number
Connecticut011000015
Iowa073000228
Massachusetts011000015
New Hampshire011000015
Rhode Island011000015
Vermont011000015
Most other states121000248

If your account was opened in a state not listed here, use 121000248. Bank of America's website has a complete routing number lookup tool where you can enter your state and account type to confirm the exact number for your situation.

What happens if you use the wrong routing number

Using an incorrect routing number can delay your wire transfer or cause it to be rejected entirely. The sending bank's system may not recognize the routing number as valid for Bank of America, and the transfer could be returned to the sender. This process typically takes several business days, and your money sits in limbo during that time.

In some cases, a wire sent to the wrong routing number may reach a different Bank of America account or a different bank altogether. This is rare but serious — it means your money went to someone else's account. If this happens, contact Bank of America immediately and provide the wire confirmation number. The bank can attempt to recover the funds, but recovery is not may provide and can take weeks.

Routing number versus account number for wire transfers

A wire transfer requires both your routing number and your account number, and they serve different purposes. The routing number tells the sending bank which financial institution to send the money to — in this case, Bank of America and which regional processing center. The account number tells Bank of America which specific account within the bank should receive the funds.

When you provide wire transfer instructions, always double-check both numbers. A correct routing number with a wrong account number will send your money to Bank of America, but to the wrong person's account. Similarly, a correct account number with a wrong routing number may not reach Bank of America at all.

International wire transfers and SWIFT codes

If you're sending money internationally from a Bank of America account, you'll need a SWIFT code instead of a routing number. Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N. SWIFT codes are used by banks worldwide to identify each other in the international payment system, similar to how routing numbers work domestically.

International wires also require the recipient's IBAN (International Bank Account Number) or their bank account number in the format their country uses. The process is more complex than domestic wires and typically takes longer — usually three to five business days instead of one to two days. Fees for international wires are also higher than domestic transfers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use 121000248 for any Bank of America account?

Most accounts use 121000248, but not all. If your account was opened in Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, or Vermont, you need a different routing number. Check your checks or call Bank of America to confirm which number applies to your specific account.

What if I don't know which state my account was opened in?

Log into your Bank of America online account and look for account details or statements. Your original account opening documents will also show the state. If you can't find it, call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and they'll tell you based on your account number.

Do I need a different routing number for different types of wire transfers?

No. The routing number stays the same whether you're sending a domestic wire, receiving a wire, or doing a transfer between your own accounts. The routing number is tied to your account's home state, not the type of transaction.

Is the routing number on my debit card the same as the one for wire transfers?

Your debit card doesn't display a routing number. The routing number for wire transfers is the same one that appears on your checks and in your online banking account details. It's based on your account's state, not your card.