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

Bank of America does not use a single routing transit number across all accounts. The number you need for a wire transfer is tied to the state where your account was opened or is maintained. For most Bank of America checking and savings accounts, the routing number falls into one of two main numbers: 026009593 (used in most states) or 121000248 (used in some regions). However, the safest approach is to confirm the exact number for your specific account rather than guessing.

The routing transit number is a nine-digit code that tells the sending bank where to direct your money. When you wire funds from your Bank of America account or receive a wire into it, the routing number is how the banking system identifies Bank of America and routes the transfer correctly. Using the wrong number can delay your wire or send it to the wrong place entirely.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America's most common routing transit number is 026009593, but some accounts use 121000248 depending on the state where the account was opened.
  • You can find your account's specific routing number by logging into your Bank of America online account, calling customer service, or checking a blank check from your account.
  • The routing number is different from your account number — you need both pieces of information to send or receive a wire transfer.
  • If you send a wire with an incorrect routing number, contact Bank of America immediately; the wire may be returned or delayed, but it is unlikely to reach the wrong recipient.

How to find your routing number on a Bank of America check

The easiest way to locate your routing transit number is to look at a blank check from your Bank of America account. At the bottom left of the check, you will see three sets of numbers separated by colons or special symbols. The first set of nine digits is your routing transit number.

The order is always: routing number, then your account number, then the check number. If you do not have a check handy or have not ordered checks yet, this method will not work for you — but the other methods below are faster anyway.

Finding your routing number through Bank of America online or by phone

Log into your Bank of America online account or mobile app and navigate to the account details or account information section. Many users find the routing number listed under "Account Details" or when they select the specific account they want to wire from. The exact location varies slightly depending on whether you are using the website or the mobile app, but it is usually grouped with other account information like your account number and account type.

If you cannot locate it online, call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000. A representative can confirm your routing number in under a minute. Have your account number ready when you call, and be prepared to verify your identity. This is the most reliable method if you are unsure which routing number applies to your account.

Why Bank of America has multiple routing numbers

Bank of America operates across all 50 states and uses different routing numbers for different regions. This is standard practice in the banking system — large national banks often maintain separate routing numbers for different states or processing centers. The routing number tells the Federal Reserve and other banks not just that the money is going to Bank of America, but to which processing center it should go.

When you opened your Bank of America account, it was assigned to a specific processing center based on your state. That assignment determines which routing number your account uses. If you move to a different state, your routing number typically does not change — it stays tied to where the account was originally opened.

Routing number versus account number: what you need for a wire

A wire transfer requires both your routing transit number and your account number, and they are not interchangeable. Your routing number identifies Bank of America and the specific processing center. Your account number identifies you within that bank. Sending a wire with only one of these numbers will not work.

When you initiate a wire from Bank of America, the bank will ask you for both pieces of information. If you are receiving a wire into your Bank of America account, you will need to give the sender your routing number, account number, and your full name as it appears on the account. Double-check all three before you share them.

What happens if you use the wrong routing number

If you accidentally use an incorrect routing number, the wire will likely be rejected or returned to the sending bank. The Federal Reserve's routing system is designed to catch mismatches. The sending bank will usually notice that the routing number does not match the bank name you provided, or the receiving bank will reject the wire because the routing number does not correspond to an account that exists in their system.

If a wire is rejected, it typically returns to the sender within one to three business days, and the sender can resubmit it with the correct routing number. In rare cases, a wire sent to the wrong routing number might reach a different bank, but it would not be deposited into your account because your account number would not exist in that bank's system. Contact Bank of America immediately if you suspect you sent a wire with incorrect routing information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the routing number on my debit card the same as my wire transfer routing number?

No. Your debit card does not display a routing number. The routing number for wire transfers comes from your checking or savings account, not from any card. Check your account statements, your checks, or log into your online account to find the correct routing number.

Do I need a different routing number if I have multiple Bank of America accounts?

Not necessarily. If all your accounts were opened in the same state and are held at the same branch or processing center, they likely share the same routing number. However, if you have accounts opened in different states, they may have different routing numbers. Confirm the routing number for the specific account you are wiring from.

Can I wire money internationally using my Bank of America routing number?

The routing transit number is used only for domestic U.S. wire transfers. International wires require a SWIFT code instead. Bank of America can provide your SWIFT code if you ask, or you can find it on the bank's website under international wire instructions.

What if Bank of America merged or changed its routing number?

Bank of America's routing numbers have remained stable for many years. If the bank undergoes a merger or significant restructuring in the future, it would communicate changes to customers well in advance. For now, the routing numbers listed above are current, but always verify with the bank directly if you have not used your account for wire transfers in several years.