Which routing number to use depends on where your California account is held

Bank of America has multiple routing numbers for California, and using the wrong one can delay or reject your wire transfer. The routing number you need depends on which Bank of America branch or processing center handles your specific account, not just your location. Most California accounts use 121000248, but some use 061000052 or 111000025. The fastest way to find the correct number is to call Bank of America directly or check your account documents — guessing can cost you time and fees.

Your routing number is printed on the bottom left of your checks and is also visible in your online banking account. Bank of America customer service can confirm it in under a minute if you call 1-800-432-1000 with your account number ready. Do not assume all California Bank of America accounts share the same routing number — they do not.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America's most common California routing number is 121000248, but your account may use a different one depending on which processing center handles it.
  • You can find your correct routing number by calling Bank of America customer service, checking your checks or account statements, or logging into your online banking.
  • Using the wrong routing number will not send money to the wrong person, but it will likely be rejected and returned, delaying your transfer by several business days.
  • Wire transfer fees at Bank of America are $15 for online domestic wires or $30 if you send the wire in person at a branch.

How to find your specific routing number

The easiest method is to log into your Bank of America online account or mobile app. Look for account details or account information — the routing number is usually listed there alongside your account number. If you have a checkbook, the routing number is the first nine digits at the bottom left of any check.

You can also call Bank of America's customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and provide your account number. A representative will confirm your routing number in less than a minute. If you are at a Bank of America branch in person, any teller can print your routing number on a slip of paper. This method is useful if you need it immediately before sending a wire.

The three most common California routing numbers

121000248 is the routing number for most Bank of America accounts in California. This number routes to Bank of America's main processing center and works for the majority of personal and business accounts opened in the state. If you opened your account in the last ten years, this is likely your routing number.

061000052 is used for some Bank of America accounts, particularly older accounts or those tied to specific branch locations. If your account was opened many years ago or transferred between branches, you may have this routing number. This number is less common but still active for certain account types.

111000025 is less common but appears on some California accounts. This routing number is sometimes associated with accounts that were originally opened under different Bank of America subsidiaries or merged entities. If you inherited an account or took over one from a business transition, this number may apply to you.

If you are unsure which one applies to you, do not guess. A wrong routing number will not send your money to the wrong person — the wire will be rejected and returned to your account, usually within two to five business days. You will then have to resubmit with the correct number, losing time and potentially paying another wire fee.

What happens when you send a wire transfer

When you initiate a wire transfer from your Bank of America account, you provide the recipient's bank routing number, account number, and name. The routing number tells the Federal Reserve which bank to send the money to. Bank of America then deducts the wire fee from your account — typically $15 for online domestic wires or $30 if you send it in person at a branch — and sends the funds.

The receiving bank gets the money within one business day, usually the same day if sent before 2 p.m. Pacific Time. The recipient's bank uses the routing number to deposit the funds into the correct account. If the routing number is wrong, the receiving bank will reject the transfer and send it back to Bank of America, which returns it to your account. This rejection process typically takes two to five business days, during which your money sits in limbo.

Confirming the recipient's information before you send

Before you wire money, always confirm the recipient's routing number with them directly — do not rely on email or text. Ask them to provide it from their own bank account or banking app. Scammers sometimes pose as businesses or family members and provide a fake routing number to redirect funds to their own account.

Once a wire transfer is sent, it is nearly impossible to stop or reverse. Bank of America can attempt to recall the transfer, but if the receiving bank has already released the funds, the money is gone. Verify the routing number, account number, and recipient name match exactly before you hit send. Take an extra minute to triple-check — it is far easier than trying to recover funds after they have been sent.

Wire transfer fees and timing at Bank of America

Bank of America charges $15 for a domestic wire transfer sent online through your account or mobile app. If you go to a branch in person and ask a teller to send the wire, the fee is $30. International wire transfers cost more — typically $45 online or $50 in person — and take longer to arrive, sometimes three to five business days depending on the destination country.

Domestic wires sent before 2 p.m. Pacific Time on a business day usually arrive the same day. Wires sent after 2 p.m. or on weekends and holidays are processed the next business day. The receiving bank may take an additional day to post the funds to the recipient's account, depending on their own processing schedule. Plan accordingly if the recipient needs the money on a specific date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same routing number for all my Bank of America accounts?

Not necessarily. If you have multiple accounts at Bank of America, they may use different routing numbers depending on the account type or when it was opened. Check each account separately or call customer service to confirm. Using the wrong routing number for a specific account will cause the wire to be rejected.

What if Bank of America gave me a routing number and the wire was rejected?

Call Bank of America immediately and ask them to trace the wire. Provide the date, amount, and recipient information. They can attempt to recall the transfer if the receiving bank has not yet released the funds. If the funds were already deposited elsewhere, you will need to contact the receiving bank and file a claim for unauthorized transfer.

Is the routing number the same for checking and savings accounts?

Yes. Bank of America uses the same routing number for both checking and savings accounts held at the same branch or processing center. The routing number identifies the bank, not the account type. Your account number is what tells the bank which specific account to deposit the money into.

Do I need a different routing number if I move out of California?

No. Your routing number stays the same even if you move. The routing number is tied to the processing center that handles your account, not your current address. You can update your address with Bank of America, but your routing number will not change.

What if the recipient says they need a different routing number for California?

Ask them to confirm with their own bank. Some businesses or organizations have multiple routing numbers for different purposes, but Bank of America's routing number for your account does not change based on where the recipient is located. If they insist on a different number, verify it directly with their bank before sending any money.