Which routing number to use for a Bank of America wire transfer in New York
Bank of America uses different 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 New York, the routing number is 021000021. This is the main routing number for Bank of America's New York operations and works for domestic wires sent to other banks.
The routing number tells the Federal Reserve and other banks where to send your money. Using the wrong one can delay your transfer or send it to the wrong place entirely. Before you wire anything, confirm which routing number applies to your specific account and transfer type — your bank statement or online banking portal will show your account's routing number.
If you're wiring money out of a Bank of America account in New York to another bank, you'll give the receiving bank your account's routing number so they know where the money came from. If you're receiving a wire into your Bank of America New York account from someone else, you'll give them the 021000021 routing number so they know where to send it.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America's primary routing number for New York wire transfers is 021000021, used for most domestic wires.
- Your account statement or online banking portal shows your specific routing number, which may differ based on the branch where your account was opened.
- Always confirm the routing number with Bank of America directly before sending a wire, since using the wrong number can delay or misdirect your transfer.
- The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank to the Federal Reserve and other financial institutions.
- International wire transfers from Bank of America may require a SWIFT code instead of or in addition to a routing number.
How routing numbers work in wire transfers
A routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies a specific bank or branch to the Federal Reserve banking system. When you send a wire transfer, the routing number tells the sending bank's system which institution should receive the money. The Federal Reserve uses this number to route the transfer through the banking network to the correct destination.
Each bank has one or more routing numbers. Large banks like Bank of America may have different routing numbers for different regions or account types, though many accounts in the same state share the same routing number. The routing number is not secret — it appears on the bottom left of your checks and in your online banking account details.
Finding your Bank of America routing number in New York
The fastest way to find your routing number is to log into your Bank of America online banking account. Go to your account details or account information section — most banks display the routing number alongside your account number. You can also call Bank of America's customer service line at 1-800-432-1000 and ask for your account's routing number.
Your routing number also appears on the bottom left corner of any checks you have from that account. If you don't have checks or online access, visit a Bank of America branch in New York with your ID and ask a teller for your routing number. They can provide it in seconds.
Bank of America's website also lists routing numbers by state and region. Search "Bank of America routing number New York" on their site to see options, but always verify against your own account details before sending a wire.
Domestic versus international wire transfers
Domestic wire transfers within the United States use a routing number. International wire transfers from Bank of America typically require a SWIFT code instead, which is an eight or eleven-character code that identifies Bank of America globally. Bank of America's SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N for most international wires.
Some international transfers may ask for both a routing number and a SWIFT code, or may ask for an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) if the receiving country uses that system. Before sending an international wire, contact Bank of America or ask the receiving bank which codes they need. Providing the wrong code can cause the transfer to be rejected or delayed.
Common mistakes when wiring from a Bank of America account
The most common error is using an outdated or incorrect routing number. If you copied a routing number from an old document or a website that hasn't been updated, it may no longer be correct. Always pull the routing number from your current account details or by calling the bank directly.
Another frequent mistake is confusing your own routing number with the routing number of the bank you're sending money to. When you initiate a wire from your Bank of America account, you use Bank of America's routing number. The receiving bank's routing number is only needed if someone is sending money to you.
Transposing digits is also easy to do. Routing numbers are nine digits long, and a single wrong digit can send your money to the wrong bank or cause the transfer to fail. Type the number carefully, and if your bank's system allows, verify it before confirming the transfer.
What to do if your wire transfer is delayed or rejected
If your wire doesn't arrive within one business day, contact Bank of America immediately. Have your confirmation number ready — this is the reference number Bank of America gave you when you sent the wire. The bank can trace the transfer using this number and tell you where it is in the system.
If the wire was rejected, Bank of America will usually tell you why. Common reasons include an incorrect routing number, a mismatched account number, or insufficient funds in your account. The bank can advise you on how to correct the information and resend the wire.
If the money went to the wrong bank because of a routing number error, contact Bank of America and the receiving bank as soon as possible. The receiving bank may be able to reverse the transfer or redirect it, but this process can take several days. The sooner you report the error, the better your chances of recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the routing number 021000021 the same for all Bank of America accounts in New York?
021000021 is Bank of America's primary routing number for New York, but some accounts opened at specific branches may have a different routing number. Always check your account statement or online banking to confirm your account's routing number before sending a wire.
Can I use the same routing number for checks and wire transfers?
Yes. The routing number on your checks is the same one you use for wire transfers. Both checks and wires use the routing number to identify your bank to the financial system.
What happens if I give someone the wrong routing number to send me money?
The wire may be rejected, delayed, or sent to the wrong bank. If you gave them an incorrect routing number, contact Bank of America and the sender immediately so they can correct it and resend the transfer.
Do I need a SWIFT code to wire money from Bank of America in New York?
No, not for domestic wires. SWIFT codes are only used for international transfers. For wires within the United States, use your routing number.
How long does a wire transfer take if I use the correct routing number?
Domestic wire transfers typically arrive within one business day, often within a few hours. International wires can take three to five business days depending on the receiving country and bank.