Finding your Bank of America routing number is a common need, whether you're setting up direct deposit, initiating a bill payment, or arranging a wire transfer. It's a crucial piece of information that ensures your money goes to the right bank. Unlike your account number, which identifies your specific account, a routing number acts like a bank's address, directing funds to the correct financial institution.
So, ready to find yours? Let's dive in!
Understanding Routing Numbers: The Basics
Before we jump into the "how-to," let's quickly clarify what a routing number is. Also known as an ABA routing transit number (RTN), it's a nine-digit code that identifies the specific financial institution a payment is being sent to. Think of it as a unique identifier for your bank.
- Why are there different routing numbers? Many large banks, like Bank of America, have multiple routing numbers depending on the state or region where your account was opened, and sometimes even for different types of transactions (like wire transfers versus regular electronic payments). This helps ensure efficient processing of transactions within their vast network.
Step 1: Identify Your Need – What Are You Using It For?
This is the most crucial first step, as the routing number you need can vary! So, tell me, what's the purpose of your routing number search today?
- Are you setting up a direct deposit for your paycheck?
- Are you trying to make an online bill payment?
- Are you receiving a domestic wire transfer?
- Are you receiving an international wire transfer?
- Are you just curious to know it for future reference?
Once you have a clear answer to this question, proceed to the relevant step below.
Step 2: Checking Your Physical Check (The Easiest Way for Most Transactions)
If you have a physical Bank of America checkbook handy, you're in luck! This is often the simplest and most reliable way to find the routing number for general electronic payments (like direct deposits and ACH transfers).
Sub-heading: Where to Look on Your Check
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Locate the Bottom Left Corner: Pick up one of your personal checks. At the very bottom, you'll see three sets of numbers.
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The First Set is Your Routing Number: The nine-digit number on the far left is typically your routing number. It's usually separated by special symbols or spaces from the other numbers.
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Identify the Other Numbers:
- The middle set of numbers is your account number.
- The number on the far right is the check number (or serial number).
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Important Note: The routing number on your check is usually tied to the state where you opened your account. If you moved to a different state but kept the same account, the routing number on your checks will remain the original one.
Step 3: Accessing Your Routing Number Through Online Banking (Convenient & Always Available)
Bank of America's online banking platform is a fantastic resource for finding your routing number, especially if you don't have a checkbook nearby.
Sub-heading: Using the Bank of America Website
- Log In: Go to the official Bank of America website (
www.bankofamerica.com - Navigate to Account Details: Once logged in, locate the account for which you need the routing number. You'll typically find an option like "Account Details," "Account Information," or "View Account & Routing Numbers."
- Find the Routing Number: Your routing number should be clearly displayed there. Bank of America often lists both the routing number for electronic payments and, if applicable, the specific routing number for wire transfers.
Sub-heading: Using the Bank of America Mobile App
- Open the App: Launch the Bank of America Mobile Banking app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Log In: Enter your User ID and Passcode, or use biometric login (fingerprint/Face ID) if enabled.
- Select Your Account: Tap on the account for which you need the routing number.
- View Account Details: Look for an option like "Account Details" or "Show Account & Routing Numbers." It's often found directly under your account balance.
- Locate the Numbers: Both your account number and the relevant routing number(s) will be displayed. The app is particularly helpful as it often distinguishes between routing numbers for different transaction types.
Step 4: Consulting Your Bank Statement (A Physical Reference)
Your monthly Bank of America statements, whether paper or electronic, can also be a source for your routing number.
Sub-heading: Where to Look on Your Statement
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Review the Statement Header or Footer: The routing number is usually printed near your account information, often at the top or bottom of the statement.
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Check for a Dedicated Section: Some statements might have a small box or section specifically labeled "Routing Number" or "ABA Routing Number."
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Pro Tip: Keep old bank statements securely stored. They can be a great reference for various account details.
Step 5: Special Cases: Wire Transfers and State-Specific Routing Numbers
This is where things can get a little more specific. While the methods above cover most common needs, wire transfers have a dedicated routing number, and regular ACH transfers can be state-dependent.
Sub-heading: Bank of America Wire Transfer Routing Number
For both domestic and international wire transfers, Bank of America uses a universal routing number:
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026009593
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Crucial for International Wires: In addition to the wire transfer routing number, for international wire transfers, you will also need Bank of America's SWIFT/BIC code:
- For incoming wires in USD: BOFAUS3N
- For incoming wires in foreign currencies: BOFAUS6S
Always double-check with the sender for their specific requirements when dealing with international transfers.
Sub-heading: State-Specific Routing Numbers for ACH/Electronic Payments
For everyday electronic payments like direct deposits and automatic bill payments (ACH transfers), Bank of America often uses routing numbers that vary by the state where you opened your account. While the online banking/app methods will provide your specific routing number, here's a general list for common states (always verify your specific number using the methods above):
- Alabama: 051000017
- Arizona: 122101706
- California: 121000358
- Florida (East): 063100277
- Florida (West): 063100277
- Georgia: 061000052
- Illinois (North): 071000505
- New York: 021000322
- North Carolina: 053000196
- Texas (North): 111000025
- Texas (South): 111000025
This list is not exhaustive and is subject to change. Always confirm your specific routing number through your online banking, mobile app, or a physical check.
Step 6: Contacting Bank of America Customer Service (When All Else Fails)
If you're still unsure or can't access any of the above resources, don't hesitate to reach out to Bank of America directly.
Sub-heading: Ways to Contact Customer Service
- Phone: You can call their general customer service line at 1-800-432-1000. Be prepared to verify your identity.
- Visit a Branch: A teller at any Bank of America branch will be able to provide you with your account's routing number after verifying your identity.
- Secure Message (Online Banking): If you're logged into online banking, you can often send a secure message to customer support, who can then provide the information.
Remember, for security purposes, never share your full account number or other sensitive details in public forums or unsecure communication channels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to finding your Bank of America routing number, with quick answers:
How to find Bank of America routing number on a check?
Look at the bottom left corner of your physical check. It's the first set of nine digits.
How to find Bank of America routing number in online banking?
Log in to your Bank of America online account, go to "Account Details" for the specific account, and the routing number will be displayed there.
How to find Bank of America routing number using the mobile app?
Open the Bank of America mobile app, log in, tap on your account, and look for "Account Details" or "Show Account & Routing Numbers."
How to find Bank of America routing number for direct deposit?
For direct deposits, use the routing number found on your checks or in your online banking/mobile app. It's usually state-specific.
How to find Bank of America routing number for wire transfers?
The universal routing number for Bank of America wire transfers (domestic and international) is 026009593.
How to find Bank of America routing number by state?
While a general list exists, the most accurate way to find your state-specific routing number is through your online banking account or mobile app.
How to verify a Bank of America routing number?
The most reliable ways to verify are through your official Bank of America online banking account, the mobile app, or by calling their customer service.
How to get Bank of America SWIFT code for international transfers?
For international wire transfers, the SWIFT code for USD is BOFAUS3N, and for foreign currencies, it's BOFAUS6S. This is used in conjunction with the wire routing number.
How to locate routing number if I don't have a check?
You can find it through your Bank of America online banking, mobile app, bank statement, or by contacting customer service.
How to distinguish between routing number and account number?
The routing number is a 9-digit code identifying the bank, usually the first set of numbers on a check. The account number identifies your specific account within that bank, and it's typically a longer number in the middle of the check.
