Where to find your routing number on a Bank of America check
Your Bank of America routing number is printed at the bottom left of every check you receive. It is a nine-digit code that comes before your account number. The routing number identifies which Bank of America branch or processing center handles your account, and you need it to send or receive wire transfers.
The number appears in this order along the bottom of the check: routing number, then account number, then check number. All three are printed in magnetic ink that machines can read. The routing number is always the first set of nine digits on the left side of that bottom line.
If you do not have a physical check in front of you, you can find your routing number through your Bank of America online banking account, by calling customer service, or by visiting a branch. But the check itself is the fastest way if you have one available.
Key Takeaways
- Your Bank of America routing number is the nine-digit code printed at the bottom left of your checks, before your account number.
- The routing number identifies which Bank of America location processes your account and is required for wire transfers and direct deposits.
- Bank of America routing numbers vary by state and account type, so always use the number from your own check rather than a general number you find online.
- If you cannot locate the number on a check, you can find it through your online banking account, by phone, or at a branch.
Why routing numbers matter for wire transfers
When you send a wire transfer from your Bank of America account, the routing number tells the banking system exactly where to pull the money from. Without it, the transfer cannot be processed. The receiving bank also uses your routing number to confirm that your account exists and is in good standing.
Bank of America uses different routing numbers depending on which state your account is based in. This is why you should always use the routing number printed on your own check rather than looking up a general Bank of America number online. Using the wrong routing number can delay your transfer or cause it to fail entirely.
What the other numbers on your check mean
The bottom of your check contains three separate pieces of information, each serving a different purpose. The routing number (nine digits on the far left) identifies your bank. The account number (typically ten to twelve digits in the middle) identifies your specific account within that bank. The check number (usually three to four digits on the right) is a reference for tracking individual checks.
When you provide information for a wire transfer, you will need both your routing number and your account number. The check number is not used for wire transfers — it is only for tracking purposes on paper checks.
How to read the MICR line on your check
The bottom line of your check is called the MICR line, which stands for Magnetic Ink Character Recognition. Banks use machines to read this line automatically, which is why the numbers are printed in a special magnetic ink and a specific typeface. The MICR line is the fastest and most reliable way to find your routing number because it is standardized across all banks.
The nine-digit routing number always appears first on the MICR line. It is separated from the account number by a special symbol that looks like a colon with extra marks (⊢⊣). This symbol helps the machine know where one number ends and the next begins. You do not need to type this symbol when you enter your routing number — just the nine digits themselves.
Finding your routing number if you do not have a check
Log into your Bank of America online banking account and look for account details or account information. Your routing number is usually listed there alongside your account number. You can also call Bank of America customer service at the number on the back of your debit card, and they will provide your routing number over the phone.
If you visit a Bank of America branch in person, any teller can write down your routing number for you. This is useful if you need to set up a wire transfer right away and do not have time to wait for online access or a phone call.
Common mistakes when using your routing number
The most common error is confusing your routing number with your account number. Your routing number is always nine digits and identifies the bank. Your account number is longer (usually ten to twelve digits) and identifies your specific account. When setting up a wire transfer, make sure you are entering each number in the correct field.
Another mistake is using an outdated routing number from an old check or from a different bank. If you have changed banks or if Bank of America has reorganized its processing centers, an old routing number may no longer work. Always use the number from a current check or from your online account information.
Do not assume that all Bank of America customers have the same routing number. Because routing numbers are based on location and account type, your routing number may be different from a friend's or family member's, even if you both bank with Bank of America. Always verify your own number before sending a wire transfer.
What happens after you provide your routing number for a wire transfer
Once you have entered your routing number and account number into a wire transfer form, the sending bank uses that information to locate your account in the Federal Reserve's database. The routing number directs the transfer to the correct Bank of America processing center, and the account number directs it to your specific account within that center.
Wire transfers typically process within one business day, though some can take longer depending on the time of day you send them and whether it is a weekend or holiday. The routing number does not affect the speed of the transfer — it only ensures the money reaches the right place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my Bank of America routing number the same as my account number?
No. Your routing number is nine digits and identifies Bank of America or a specific processing center. Your account number is longer (usually ten to twelve digits) and identifies your individual account. You need both for a wire transfer, but they go in different fields.
Can I use the same routing number for all my Bank of America accounts?
Usually yes, but not always. If all your accounts are in the same state and the same type (checking, savings), they share one routing number. If you have accounts in different states or different account types, they may have different routing numbers. Check each account's own check or online details to be certain.
What if the routing number on my check is smudged or hard to read?
Log into your Bank of America online account to find your routing number, call customer service, or visit a branch. Do not guess or use a routing number from someone else's check. An incorrect routing number will cause your wire transfer to fail or go to the wrong place.
Do I need my routing number to receive a wire transfer?
Yes. The person sending you money will need your routing number and account number to complete the transfer. You should provide both numbers to anyone who needs to send you a wire transfer.