Setting up direct deposit at Bank of America requires your routing number and account number — two pieces of information you can find in the BofA Mobile Banking app in under a minute. Once your employer has those numbers and processes the change, your pay deposits directly into your BofA account on payday.
Step 1 — Find Your BofA Routing and Account Numbers
Bank of America Mobile Banking app:
- Sign in and tap your checking account
- Tap Manage → Account & Routing Numbers
- Your routing number and full account number display on screen
BofA Online Banking (desktop):
- Log in at bankofamerica.com
- Select your checking account
- Click Information & Services → Routing Number
Paper check: The 9-digit routing number is printed at the bottom left of any BofA check. Your account number follows it.
| What You Need | Where to Find It |
|---|---|
| Routing number (9 digits) | App → Manage → Account & Routing Numbers |
| Account number | Same screen |
| Account type | Checking |
BofA routing numbers vary by state. The most common are 026009593 (New York) and 121000358 (California). See the complete Bank of America routing number guide for all states.
Step 2 — Complete Your Employer’s Direct Deposit Form
Provide your employer’s payroll department with the following:
- Bank name: Bank of America, N.A.
- Routing number: Your state-specific BofA routing number
- Account number: Your full BofA checking account number
- Account type: Checking
- Deposit amount: Full paycheck or a specific dollar amount
Many employers use online payroll platforms (ADP, Paychex, Gusto, Rippling, Workday) where you can enter these numbers directly without a paper form. Log into your employee portal and look for a Payment or Direct Deposit section.
If a voided check is required: Write VOID across a blank Bank of America check in large letters and submit it. Alternatively, BofA’s online banking site allows you to print an account verification document that many employers accept in place of a physical voided check.
Step 3 — Wait for Activation
Bank of America activates your direct deposit within 1–2 full payroll cycles of your employer submitting the change.
| Payroll Schedule | Typical Wait |
|---|---|
| Weekly | 1–2 weeks |
| Biweekly | 2–4 weeks |
| Semi-monthly (1st and 15th) | 2–6 weeks |
| Monthly | 4–8 weeks |
BofA posts most direct deposits at midnight ET on the scheduled payday. Funds are generally available by the time you wake up. For exact posting times by bank, see when does direct deposit hit.
Monthly Fee Waiver With Direct Deposit
Direct deposit is one of the easiest ways to waive the Bank of America Advantage Plus Banking monthly fee:
| Account | Monthly Fee | Direct Deposit Waiver |
|---|---|---|
| Advantage Plus Banking | $12/month | Any qualifying direct deposit |
| Advantage Relationship Banking | $25/month | Requires minimum balance, not direct deposit |
| SafeBalance Banking | $4.95/month | No waiver available |
A “qualifying direct deposit” at BofA is any recurring electronic deposit from an employer, government agency, or pension — not transfers from other personal accounts.
Splitting Your BofA Direct Deposit
You can split your paycheck across multiple Bank of America accounts. Common setups include:
- A fixed dollar amount (e.g., $500) to BofA Savings and the remainder to BofA Checking
- A percentage split between two accounts
To split, provide your employer with two separate direct deposit authorization forms — one for each BofA account with its own account number.
Troubleshooting: Direct Deposit Didn’t Arrive
- Confirm with payroll — Verify the routing and account numbers submitted are correct
- Check the date — Direct deposits scheduled for a bank holiday post the next business day
- Wait until 9 AM — Most arrive by then; some post as late as midday
- Call BofA — Reach customer service at 1-800-432-1000. They can tell you whether an incoming ACH deposit is pending for your account
For failed deposits sent to a wrong account number, your employer’s payroll processor must issue a reversal, which typically takes 3–5 business days to resolve.
Related Bank of America Guides
- Bank of America routing number by state
- Bank of America ATM withdrawal limit
- Bank of America transfer limits
- Bank of America fees
The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy