Bank of America's routing number depends on which state your account is in
Bank of America does not use a single routing number for all wire transfers. The number you need depends on the state where your account is held. For most wire transfers out of a Bank of America checking or savings account, you will use a routing number that corresponds to your account's home state.
The most commonly used Bank of America routing number for wire transfers is 021000021, which applies to accounts in most states. However, if your account is in Connecticut, New York, or a few other states, your routing number may be different. Before you initiate a wire, confirm which number applies to your specific account by checking your bank statements, calling Bank of America directly, or logging into your online banking portal.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America's primary wire transfer routing number is 021000021, but the correct number depends on which state your account is located in.
- You can find your account's routing number on the bottom left of your checks, in your online banking account, or by calling Bank of America customer service.
- Using the wrong routing number will delay your wire transfer or cause it to be rejected entirely.
- The routing number for wire transfers is different from the routing number used for ACH transfers or direct deposit, so do not assume they are the same.
Where to find your Bank of America routing number
The easiest place to locate your routing number is on a check from your account. Look at the bottom left corner of the check — the first nine digits are your routing number. If you do not have checks available, you can find this information in your Bank of America online banking account under account details or account settings.
You can also call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 and ask for your wire transfer routing number. Have your account number ready when you call. The representative will confirm the correct routing number for your specific account and state.
Why routing numbers matter for wire transfers
A routing number tells the banking system which financial institution and branch should receive your wire transfer. If you provide an incorrect routing number, the wire may be sent to the wrong bank, delayed significantly, or rejected entirely. Some banks will attempt to correct an obvious error, but others will not — and recovering a misdirected wire can take weeks.
Bank of America maintains different routing numbers for different states and different types of transfers (wire, ACH, direct deposit). Using the wrong type of routing number for a wire transfer will cause problems. Always confirm you are using the wire transfer routing number, not an ACH or direct deposit number.
The difference between wire routing numbers and other routing numbers
Bank of America assigns different routing numbers depending on how money is moving. The routing number for a wire transfer is not the same as the routing number for an ACH transfer or direct deposit. If you are sending a wire, you must use the wire routing number — using an ACH number will not work.
This is a common source of confusion because the numbers look similar and both appear on your checks or account information. Before you send any wire, double-check that you have the correct routing number for that specific transfer type. When in doubt, call Bank of America and state clearly that you are sending a wire transfer.
What information you need to send a wire transfer
Beyond the routing number, you will need several pieces of information to complete a wire transfer. You need the recipient's full name, their account number, and the routing number for their bank (not Bank of America's). You also need to know the amount and have a reason for the transfer ready — banks ask this for compliance purposes.
If the wire is going to an international account, you will also need the recipient's bank's SWIFT code and possibly their IBAN (International Bank Account Number). Domestic wires within the United States use only the routing number and account number. Gather all this information before you start the wire process, because incomplete information will cause delays or rejection.
How to initiate a wire transfer through Bank of America
You can send a wire transfer through Bank of America online, by phone, or in person at a branch. Online is usually the fastest — log into your account, navigate to the transfer or payments section, and select "wire transfer." Enter the recipient's information, your Bank of America routing number (not theirs), and the amount.
If you prefer to do this by phone, call 1-800-432-1000 and ask to send a wire transfer. A representative will walk you through the process and confirm all details before the wire is sent. In-person wires at a branch are also available, though this takes longer. Bank of America typically charges a fee for outgoing wire transfers — the amount varies, so ask before you confirm.
Common mistakes to avoid when sending a wire
The most common error is confusing your own routing number with the recipient's bank routing number. You provide Bank of America with your routing number only if you are receiving a wire. If you are sending a wire, you need the recipient's bank routing number, not Bank of America's. Read the form carefully to see which number goes in which field.
Another frequent mistake is using an old or incorrect account number for the recipient. Even a single digit wrong will send the money to the wrong account or cause the wire to bounce. Ask the recipient to confirm their account number in writing before you send anything. Also verify the recipient's bank name and routing number — scammers sometimes provide fake routing numbers that look similar to the real ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 021000021 the routing number for all Bank of America accounts?
021000021 is the most common Bank of America wire transfer routing number and applies to most states. However, some states have different routing numbers. Check your account statements or call Bank of America to confirm the correct number for your specific account location.
Can I use my routing number to receive a wire transfer?
Yes. When someone sends you a wire transfer, they will need your Bank of America routing number and your account number. Provide them with your wire transfer routing number specifically, not an ACH or direct deposit number.
What happens if I use the wrong routing number?
The wire may be sent to the wrong bank, rejected, or delayed. If this happens, contact Bank of America immediately. They can sometimes trace the wire and recover it, but this process can take weeks. Prevention is much faster than recovery.
Do I need a different routing number for international wire transfers?
For international wires sent from your Bank of America account, you still use your Bank of America routing number. However, the recipient's bank information will include a SWIFT code instead of (or in addition to) a routing number. Bank of America will guide you through what information is needed for the destination country.
How long does a Bank of America wire transfer take?
Domestic wire transfers typically arrive the same business day if sent before the bank's cutoff time, usually around 2 p.m. International wires take longer — typically one to three business days depending on the destination country and the receiving bank's processing speed.