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

Bank of America uses different routing numbers for different regions. If your account is in New York, the routing number is 021000021. This nine-digit code tells the banking system which Bank of America branch processes your account and where funds should go during a wire transfer.

The routing number is not the same as your account number. Your account number identifies your specific account; the routing number identifies the bank and region. You need both pieces of information to send or receive a wire transfer.

Bank of America branches in other states use different routing numbers. If you have an account in California, Florida, Texas, or another state, that routing number will be different from the New York number. Always confirm you have the correct routing number for the state where your account is physically held, not where you currently live.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America's routing number for New York accounts is 021000021, used for wire transfers and other electronic payments.
  • Routing numbers are region-specific; accounts in other states have different routing numbers even though they are all Bank of America.
  • You can find your routing number on the bottom left of your checks, in your online banking portal, or by calling Bank of America directly.
  • Wire transfers require both the routing number and the account number to reach the correct destination.
  • Double-check the routing number before sending a wire transfer, because mistakes can delay the transfer or send funds to the wrong bank.

Where to find your routing number without calling the bank

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 nine digits on the bottom left of the check, before your account number. If you do not have checks on hand, this method takes less than a minute.

Your online banking portal also displays your routing number. Log into your Bank of America account, go to the account details or account information section, and the routing number will be listed there. The exact location varies slightly depending on whether you use the mobile app or the website, but it is always in the account information area.

If you cannot access your checks or online account, you can call Bank of America's customer service line at 1-800-432-1000. A representative can confirm your routing number over the phone. Have your account number ready when you call.

Why wire transfers need both routing and account numbers

A routing number alone cannot complete a wire transfer. Think of it as the address of the bank; your account number is the address of your mailbox inside that bank. The routing number directs the transfer to Bank of America's New York processing center, and your account number tells that center which specific account receives the money.

If you provide the correct routing number but the wrong account number, the transfer will reach Bank of America but go into someone else's account. If you provide the wrong routing number, the transfer may go to a different bank entirely, and recovering the funds becomes much harder. This is why banks ask you to double-check both numbers before sending a wire.

Common mistakes when using routing numbers for wire transfers

The most common error is using a routing number from a different state. If you moved from New York to another state but still have a New York Bank of America account, you must use the New York routing number (021000021), not the routing number for your new state. The routing number corresponds to where the account is held, not where you live.

Another mistake is confusing the routing number with the SWIFT code. Bank of America's SWIFT code (BOFAUS3N) is used for international wire transfers, while the routing number is used for domestic transfers within the United States. If you are sending money to someone outside the U.S., you will need the SWIFT code instead.

Some people also transpose digits when copying the routing number by hand. Always type or paste the number directly from your check or online account rather than writing it down and re-entering it. A single digit wrong will send the transfer to the wrong destination.

What happens after you provide the routing number

Once you submit a wire transfer with the correct routing number and account number, Bank of America's system routes the transfer to the receiving bank. Domestic wire transfers typically complete within one business day, though some arrive the same day if sent before the bank's cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. local time).

The receiving bank then uses the routing number to identify itself and the account number to deposit the funds into the correct account. If either number is wrong, the receiving bank will reject the transfer or hold it for investigation. This is why confirming both numbers before sending is critical.

International wire transfers from a New York Bank of America account

If you are sending money outside the United States from your New York Bank of America account, you will not use the routing number. Instead, you will use Bank of America's SWIFT code, which is BOFAUS3N. You will also need the recipient's international bank account number (IBAN) or their bank's SWIFT code.

International wire transfers take longer than domestic ones—usually three to five business days—and may involve additional fees. Bank of America can provide you with the exact fee and timeline when you initiate the transfer. Ask about the exchange rate as well, since international transfers involve currency conversion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 021000021 the routing number for all Bank of America accounts in New York?

Yes, 021000021 is the routing number for all Bank of America accounts held in New York, regardless of which branch you opened the account at or which branch you visit. The routing number is tied to the state, not the individual branch location.

What if I send a wire transfer with the wrong routing number?

The transfer will either be rejected by the receiving bank or sent to the wrong bank. Contact Bank of America immediately if you realize the mistake before the transfer completes. If it has already gone through, you will need to work with both banks to trace and recover the funds, which can take weeks.

Can I use the same routing number for checks, ACH transfers, and wire transfers?

Yes, the routing number 021000021 works for all types of electronic transfers from a New York Bank of America account, including checks, ACH transfers (automatic payments), and wire transfers. The routing number does not change based on the type of transfer.

Do I need a different routing number if I moved out of New York?

No. If your account is still held at a New York Bank of America branch, you continue using the New York routing number (021000021) even if you now live in another state. The routing number is based on where the account is held, not where you live.

Where do I find the SWIFT code if I am sending money internationally?

Bank of America's SWIFT code for international transfers is BOFAUS3N. You can also find it in your online banking portal or by calling customer service. The SWIFT code is different from the routing number and is only used for transfers outside the United States.