Bank of America Routing Numbers and Wire Transfer Instructions

Quick find guide:

How do I find routing numbers?
What is a routing number?
How do I setup a direct deposit?
How do I receive money from outside the United States?
US Dollar Denominated Wire Transfer Information
Foreign Currency Denominated Wire Transfer Information
How much does it cost to complete a wire transfer?
How long does a transfer take?

How do I find routing numbers?

1. Look at the bottom left of your Bank of America paper check.

2. If you live in Ohio, we've compiled a list of your essential routing numbers for Bank of America.
ABA: 051000017
ACH: 051000017
Wire Transfer: 051000017
SWIFT/BIC Code for USD Denominated Transfers: BOFAUS3N

3. Simply visit here to view all the Bank of America routing numbers for each routing number associated with all regions.

4. View the routing numbers on Bank of America's website.

What is a routing number?

ABA: (American Bankers Association number), also known as a Routing Transfer Number (RTN) is a nine-digit code that normally appears on the bottom of paper checks. This routing number is used to correctly identify the issuing financial institution. ABA numbers can be the same as wire numbers, and vary from financial institution. Ensure you check with your bank that you're using the right one.

ACH: (Automatic Clearing House number) is an electronic payment delivery system primarily used for direct deposits, making payments, and collecting funds. Most employers will use this routing number when setting up direct deposits for employees pay. It can also be used for when setting up auto-pay with different companies.

Wire: Some banks will require a different routing number used for wire transfers. It can be the same as an ABA or ACH number, and varies on the issuing institution. Simply the fastest method of sending/receiving funds, unless you are using a service like Transferwise, in which funds would be transferred immediately. Money can be available in as little as one day with a wire transfer, but international wire transfers could require you to wait up to six business days. The only downfall with this payment method is that financial institutions will charge large fees associated with the quick availability of funds.

SWIFT/BIC: (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication / Bank Identifier Code) is a code used to identify financial institutions worldwide. The code can be 8 or 11 digits long, and will have different parts associated with it. The first four characters identify the bank, the next two will identify the country, and the last two will identify the location. If the code is a total of 11 digits, the ending three digits will identify the branch. If the last three are XXX, this means that the SWIFT/BIC code belongs to the main branch. Anything deviating from XXX will identify a secondary or local branch.

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How do I setup a direct deposit?

In order to setup a direct deposit, you will simple need the ACH number, also known as a routing number: 051000017 (Ohio), and your checking account number. Savings accounts can also be used for direct deposit but some banks may have limitations on these types of transactions, potentially charging you a fee for the amount of times you transfer money inbetween accounts. Many employers will have an option to allow you to setup direct deposit, instead of receiving a physical check every pay period.

How do I receive money to Bank of America from outside the United States?

In order to conduct these type of transfers, you will need to consider a wire transfer. Below are the two types of wire transfers for international use. Please note that some banks will have different receiving information for U.S. dollar and foreign denominated currency transfers. The sender will need the following information to successfully send money to your Bank of America account. Ensure the SWIFT/BIC number is given correctly to ensure there is no issue in receiving your transfer. Some banks have different SWIFT/BIC codes for foreign currency and US dollar transfers due to the conversion rate of different currencies. Also note that the cost to send a wire transfer can be substantial.

US dollar Denominated International Wire Transfer Information

Use this information to receive funds internationally and in US dollars.

Non-US dollar (Foreign) Denominated International Wire Transfer Information

Use this information to receive funds internationally in a foreign currency. Ex Euro, Pound, Canadian Dollars, etc.

How much does it cost to complete a wire transfer?

Banks tend to charge between $10 and $30 for domestic wire transfers, and between $30 and $50 for international wire transfers. In 2018, wire transfer fees can be avoided by using services like transferwise.
Banks only charge so much because they can. Realistically, for a bank to convert money from one currency to another costs a fraction of what they charge. This is the most recommended service due to how fast it takes and the minimal fees paid. Below is a chart comparing national banks and what they charge to transfer funds internationally.

Cost to convert $1,000 into Euros to send internationally

Caution commercial banks will charge large fees on the money you send because of their overhead. Transferwise is a great option for international wire transfers due the low cost and ease of use.

How long does a transfer take?

Depending on the financial institution and where the sending bank is located, it can take between one and six business days. Typically for domestic transfers, it will take one day, and for international wire transfers, it can take between three and six. After seven business days and if you haven't seen any new transactions in your account, contact your bank to see what the problem might be.