How to Find Your Bank of America Routing Number

Bank of America ABA Routing Number

Routing numbers are something we really cannot do without in the banking world. However, their original purpose may be different from how we think about them today.

The American Bankers Association (ABA) invented routing numbers or ABA numbers in 1910 to help track printed checks. At the time, there were many banks with similar names, and this was causing a lot of confusion in the banking world.

By creating routing numbers, the ABA was able to make check cashing and other banking transactions safer, more secure, and less prone to errors. The Federal Reserve also needs these numbers to process fedwire funds.

How Do Bank of America Routing Numbers Work?

Routing numbers might seem difficult to understand, but they are actually fairly simple once you consider a few key components. We’ll go over that and more in this article.

There are many technical terms for the routing number even though most of us just call it by that name. One such term is the routing transit number or RTN.

These numbers help banks and financial institutions identify your account. In particular, they indicate the bank at which you opened the account. In doing so, banks can process your transactions more securely and reliably.

Account Number vs. Routing Number

What is an Account Number?

This is one of the important numbers you will need for direct deposit, send money via wire transfer, and ordering checks. These numbers work together with your routing number to uniquely identify your account.

If you have multiple bank accounts, you will have a different account number for each one. However, if every account was opened at the same bank (in the same location), they will likely all have the same routing number. Account numbers are only assigned to one single bank account.

What is a Routing Number?

The routing transit number or RTN is often simply called the routing number. In some cases, it may be called the ABA number for the American Bankers Association. That is because the ABA manages all routing numbers.

You will see the routing number in printed your paper check. Typically, there are three sets of numbers on the bottom of a check. The first set is your routing number printed in magnetic ink (MICR).

The second set of numbers if your account number and the third set is the check number.

You will need your Bank of America Routing number for transactions such as:

• Electronic payment
• Domestic wire
• Ordering checks
• Automatic payments

Note that you may also see your routing number in another form. In the upper-right corner of the check, you might see a number in the format XX-XXX/XXXX. This is also a routing number in what’s known as fractional form.

However, you will probably not need to know your fractional form routing number. Usually, you will only have to know the number at the bottom of the check.

Importance of Routing Numbers

Routing numbers are important because we can’t do banking online without them. Your Bank of America routing number is a code that is necessary for money transfers.

For example, if you would like to set up direct deposit or make automatic payments on your mortgage, you will need your routing number. Thus, you will need the correct, valid routing number to initiate a transfer of money.

Also note that the routing number on your checks will not work for wire transfers. When processing a wire transfer, you will need a separate routing number. You will also need a BIC code if it is an international wire transfer.

You will have to verify your routing number before conducting any such transactions. To find this number, reference the table above corresponding to your state.

There may be multiple routing numbers for one bank within one state. However, no two banks have the same routing number.

Your Bank of America routing number is important for a number of financial vehicles. These include IRAs, prepaid cards, and savings accounts. Routing numbers also identify the financial institution when you send or receive money.

They are also used for Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposits, paying bills, and depositing checks.

This makes it easier to identify you and, in the case of routing numbers, your bank. Because it eliminates such confusion, the process is faster and more secure.

Are All Routing Numbers the Same?

No, there are many routing numbers which thousands of different banks use. However, routing numbers are not unique to one account or customer. Those who have checks from the same bank may have the same routing number.

Some banks have numerous routing numbers; others do not. Routing numbers identify where checks were printed. If a bank only has checks printed in one place, all routing numbers will be the same for its customers.

Wire Transfers and International Transfers

Although you will just have one Bank of America routing number for most transactions, wire transfers are different. There is a specific wire transfer number for Bank of America.

You will need this number if you want to do any kind of wire transfer with Bank of America. In addition to the wire transfer number, there is a code you need for international transfers.

Bank of America SWIFT Code

In addition to the number you will need for wire transfers, there is a separate code for international transfers.

This is what is known as a Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) code. There are two Bank of America SWIFT codes.

• For incoming wires in US dollars, the SWIFT code is BOFAUS3N.
• For incoming wires in any currency other than US dollars, the SWIFT code is BOFAUS6S.

Bank of America recommends using the SWIFT code for US dollars if you do not know the currency.

Conclusion on Bank of America ACH Routing Number

Having your Bank of America ACH routing number handy is necessary for all kinds of money transfers whether you’re living frugally or not.

Without this number, it’s unlikely you will be able to successfully send and receive money.

Your routing number is a nine-digit number which can be found at the bottom left of a check or through online banking. You can also find it in the list above. You will need this number for bill pay, wire transfers, and automatic bill pay.

Make sure you keep this list handy if you ever need to find your Bank of America routing number. You may want to bookmark this page so you can come back to it later.

Hopefully you found this information useful and it answered all of your questions. If not, let us know what other questions you have in the comments.

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