Routing Number: How to Find It and When to Use It (2024)

Last Updated on July 12, 2023 by pf team

Of the different types of numbers on the front of a check, the routing number can seem the most mysterious. The routing number, also known as an ABA routing transit number, serves as an address.

In effect, the routing number tells the banking system which bank holds a given bank account.

Routing Number: How to Find It and When to Use It (1)

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ABA routing transit number history

The history of the routing number dates to 1910. The American Bankers Association (ABA) introduced the number to eliminate confusion when processing checks.

Many banks have similar names. This can lead to processing errors. However, a routing number gives an exact location, not unlike a street address or an IP address.

Although introduced to process checks efficiently and accurately, routing numbers have found new utility in today’s banking world.

Checks haven’t gone away yet. But their use is less common today as online payments and electronic payments gain in popularity.

Now, routing numbers help process transactions ranging from direct-deposit paychecks to electronic payments through mobile apps. While the technology changes, the role of a routing number remains the same.

The routing number still tells the banking system which bank holds the account. Both banks and credit unions use routing numbers as their “address”.

However, a growing number of other payment methods also use routing numbers as a way of sending money.

What is a routing number?

The routing number is the nine-digit number on checks that identifies your bank. You’ll also see this number referred to by different names. For example, you may also find the routing number called an ABA routing transit number or ABA RTN.

The routing number on a check uses special features that include a specific font printed in magnetic ink. This is a technology called Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR).

These features allow the use of sorting machines and help ensure readability. This process helps route the check to the right bank for processing.

How to find a routing number?

Whether setting up direct deposit or setting up a payment app, there are times when you’ll need to find your routing number.

  • Paper bank check: Finding your routing number on a check is often easiest because it’s on the bottom left of the check. Look for the number with 9 digits. Account numbers and check numbers can vary in length but only the routing number has 9 digits.
  • Paper bank statement: Most banks don’t provide the routing number on printed bank statements. Instead, you can find the routing number on a check. You can also find your routing number by using your bank’s mobile app or by calling customer service. Alternatively, you can find your routing number through the ABA website.
  • Banking app: Online accounts and mobile banking accounts can be another way to find your routing number. Designs for apps and websites vary, so you may have to dig around a bit. However, you’ll often be able to find the number quickly.
  • Bank customer service: Of course, you can also get your routing number by contacting your bank’s customer service staff. Just reach out by phone or visit a branch. Be prepared to identify yourself, as is common with calls to financial institutions.

Where is the routing number on a check?

Routing Number: How to Find It and When to Use It (2)

On the bottom of a check, you’ll find 3 numbers printed in a special font. The first of these numbers is the routing number, which you can identify by counting the number of digits. A routing number always has 9 digits.

On the same line, also called the MICR line, you’ll also find your account number and the check number – in that order. All these numbers are machine readable. This speeds processing and reduces errors.

Account numbers and check numbers can vary in the number of digits they use, but only the routing number uses 9 digits. This helps you identify the routing number easily.

What do the check routing number digits represent?

Much as with zip codes, the numbers that make up a routing number have distinct meanings.

  • First four digits: The first 4 numbers in a routing number represent the Federal Reserve Routing Symbol. These 4 numbers help the banking system know how to process the check. There are 12 Federal Reserve Banks throughout the US, all of which service a geographic area called a district.
  • Fifth through eighth digits: Next, you’ll find the 4 digits that indicate which bank or financial institution within the Federal Reserve District the check is drawn upon. This series of numbers is also called the ABA Institution Identifier.
  • Ninth digit: The ninth number within a routing number is a “check digit”. This can be used to verify if a routing number is valid using a special math formula. However, if you need to verify a routing number, it may be better to contact the bank directly.

What do you need your bank routing number for?

While most often associated with checks, routing numbers are also used elsewhere and perhaps even more frequently than with checks. Here are some of the more common reasons to use a routing number.

  • To set up your account online: You may not need your routing number to set up an online account with your own bank. But you’ll need it for other online accounts that can access your account. For example, personal finance software and accounting software typically require a routing number.
  • To set up direct deposit: If you want to get paid directly by an employer without having to deal with checks, you’ll need your routing number. Often, you’ll also need to provide a copy of a voided check for verification.
  • To make an electronic funds transfer: To send money with a bank transfer, you’ll need your routing number and account number. You’ll also need both numbers for the recipient. Think of these as the “to” and “from” addresses that you’d find on a letter.
  • To receive an electronic funds transfer: For incoming transfers or payments, you’ll need to provide your routing number and account number to the payor.
  • To deposit money in another person’s name: Many banks don’t allow deposits into someone else’s account. However, transfer services like Zelle allow you to send money to another person’s account. You may need your routing number to get set up with the service.

Routing number vs. account number

You’ll find both the routing number and your account number on the same line at the bottom of a check.

There are some similar functions to each number. But each serves as a unique identifier and uses a different number format.

  • Similarities: Both numbers help to identify the bank account owner and tell banks how to process the check. The routing number identifies the Federal Reserve District and the bank or financial institution within that district. The account number provides the “address” of an account at the bank identified by the routing number.
  • Differences: Besides the differences in function between a routing number and an account number, you’ll also find a difference in format. The most obvious difference is in the number of digits. A routing number always has 9 digits as defined by the ABA’s Routing Number Policy. This policy has been in place for over 100 years. An account number may have 5 digits – or 10, or some other number of digits. Each bank can choose their own system for account number formats. However, the 9-digit format is reserved for the routing number.

What to do if the routing number changes

If your bank is acquired or merges with another bank, your routing number might change as well.

If you have a lot of services tied to your account or receive direct deposits, it’s important to update these with your new routing number.

  • Follow bank instructions when routing and account numbers change. You’ll receive instructions from your bank or credit union that explain why your routing number changed. They’ll also explain what you’ll need to do to make updates. To be accurate, you’ll want to start using the new number as soon as possible. But don’t worry. The old routing number will still work for a while even after the change. Banks also provide advance notice if your routing number will be changing.
  • Update the routing number for automatic deposits and withdrawals. If you’re like most US households, chances are good that several automatic transactions each month use your routing number. Give the new routing number to your employer if you have direct deposit. Also, update any providers that automatically debit your bank account. Services paid by debit card don’t need to be updated unless your bank gives you a new debit card number.
  • Check your past bank statements to be sure you haven’t missed anything. It’s easy to overlook automated transactions that use your routing number. Check your bank statements to be sure you’ve updated everyone who needs your new routing number.

ABA routing transit number lookup

Sometimes you may need to look up your routing number or check on the routing number for a check you’ve received. You can get the information you need directly from the American Banking Association.

FAQs

How to transfer money using routing number and account number?

You can transfer money from your bank account using your bank’s Bill Pay service or a bank-to-bank funds transfer. The latter is also called an ACH transfer. These methods use your routing number and account number.

New services like Zelle make sending money easier than ever. However, which method you use may depend on the purpose of the money transfer.

How to withdraw money with account and routing number?

Many times, the simplest ways to withdraw money with your account and routing number are by writing a check or by making a withdrawal at the bank. In the latter case, expect to show your ID.

Do I need a routing number for international transfer?

Check with your bank to find out the number you’ll need for international transfers. For example, international wire transfers use a BIC/SWIFT Code rather than an ABA routing number.

What is an ACH routing number?

The terms routing number and ACH routing number are used interchangeably, and both refer to the 9-digit code used to identify a US bank. An ACH routing number is more commonly called an ABA routing number or simply a bank routing number.

Does a wire transfer need a routing number?

For domestic wire transfers, you’ll need the routing number and account number for both the sending and receiving accounts. For international wire transfers, you’ll need the SWIFT Code rather than the US routing number.

What is a routing number on a debit card?

Debit cards don’t use routing numbers, at least not at the consumer level. Instead, you’ll use your debit account number for debit transactions.

Is a Swift Code the same as a routing number?

While similar to a routing number, a SWIFT Code is used in international money transfers. A routing number is only used in domestic money transfers.

Can a bank routing number be 8 digits?

Technically, a routing number uses 8 digits to identify the Federal Reserve District and the specific bank or financial institution. However, routing numbers in use today utilize 9 digits. The 9th digit used to verify the previous 8 digits according to a math formula.

Can routing numbers start with 0?

Nearly all routing numbers do start with a zero. However, a routing number can also start with a 1, 2, or 3.

Are routing numbers different for wire transfers?

Domestic wire transfers within the US use standard ABA routing numbers. International wire transfers use a similar type of identifier called a Swift Code.

Bottom line

Many times, your routing number operates silently in the background. There aren’t many situations in daily life where you’ll need it. There’s no need to memorize your routing number.

Instead, just know where you can find it, as detailed above. Also, be sure to make updates if your routing number changes. In cases where you do need to use your routing number, be sure to double check the number.

Any transaction that uses your routing number will fail if you don’t have the correct number.

You may also like:

  • How to Void a Check and When to Use One?
  • How to Transfer Money From One Bank to Another?
  • What Do You Need to Open a Bank Account?
Routing Number: How to Find It and When to Use It (2024)

FAQs

Routing Number: How to Find It and When to Use It? ›

You'll need to know that number for tasks such as reordering checks, setting up direct deposit to your checking account, or sending or receiving wire transfers. It's easy to find your routing number by looking at one of your paper checks, or it may be available when you log on to your bank account online.

How do I know which routing number to use? ›

Where is the ABA Routing Number on my checks? You can find the ABA Routing Number at the bottom of your checks. The ABA Routing Number is the left-most number, followed by your account number, and then by the number of the check.

How to calculate routing number? ›

The easiest way to find your bank's routing number is to look at the first nine digits in the bottom-left corner of your physical checks. If you look along the bottom of your checks, you'll usually see three different numbers aligned in a row. From left to right, the first is the routing number for your bank.

Which of the two routing numbers should I use? ›

Compatibility with different payment systems:

ACH routing numbers are used specifically for electronic transactions, so they may not be compatible with all payment systems. On the other hand, ABA routing numbers are used for both electronic and paper transactions and are more widely accepted.

How do you explain a routing number? ›

A routing number is a unique, nine-digit number that functions as an address for your bank. It is used for electronic transactions such as funds transfers, direct deposits, digital checks, and bill payments.

Which routing number do I use to pay bills? ›

Chase Bank routing numbers
StateRouting Number
California322271627
Colorado102001017
Connecticut021100361
Delaware083000137
46 more rows
Apr 29, 2024

What happens if you use the wrong routing number? ›

If you attempt a transaction with the wrong routing number, it will usually fail to process. However, in a worst-case scenario, money could be deposited into the wrong account. If you accidentally give someone the wrong routing number, get in touch as soon as possible to correct the error.

How do you decode a routing number? ›

Breaking It Down: What Your Routing Number Really Stands For

The first four digits are the Federal Reserve routing symbol, the next four digits are the American Bankers Association institution identifier (aka a code that represents your specific bank or credit union) and the final digit is the check digit.

How to determine if a routing number is valid? ›

The Routing Number Lookup tool can help verify the Routing Number is associated with a specific financial institution. You can also find routing numbers on the websites of most financial institutions or by calling them directly.

What routing number do I use to transfer money? ›

Whether you're setting up a direct deposit, making an electronic payment, or initiating a wire transfer, you'll use the same ABA routing number for your bank. It's important to note that the ABA routing number is specific to your bank or credit union and serves as a unique identifier.

Which routing number do I use for paychecks? ›

Bank of America routing numbers
StateRouting number
California121000358
Colorado123103716
Connecticut011900254
Delaware031202084
48 more rows
Jun 3, 2024

When to use paper and electronic routing number? ›

ABA routing numbers are used for paper or check transfers. ACH routing numbers are used for electronic transfers. Transactions using ACH routing numbers “clear” faster (same or next day) than funds transferred on paper checks using ABA numbers.

What should my routing number look like? ›

Where is the routing number located on a check? The first set of numbers on the lower left corner of a check is the routing number. Keep in mind the routing numbers are 9-digit codes and the character symbol surrounding the numbers is not part of the routing number on a check.

How do you format a routing number? ›

The MICR routing number consists of nine digits: XXXXYYYYC. where XXXX is Federal Reserve Routing Symbol, YYYY is ABA Institution Identifier, and C is the check digit.

How to calculate check digit for routing number? ›

The first four digits represent the Federal Reserve routing symbol. The next four digits identify an ABA institution. The last component (the ninth number) is the “check digit.” This single number is important because it is used to verify the authenticity of the routing number.

Which routing number do I use, wire or electronic? ›

ABA routing numbers are used for paper or check transfers. ACH routing numbers are used for electronic transfers. Transactions using ACH routing numbers “clear” faster (same or next day) than funds transferred on paper checks using ABA numbers.

Which routing number do I use for salary at Bank of America? ›

The ACH routing number for Bank of America accounts in California is 121000358.

Does the routing number matter for direct deposit? ›

You'll need your routing number in a variety of situations, including setting up direct deposit, automatic loan payments or recurring transfers like bill payments. You'll also need it when you file taxes if you want to receive your tax refund as a direct deposit or to debit a tax payment from your account.

Are routing numbers specific to each bank? ›

Routing and account numbers are assigned to indicate precisely where funds in a transaction are coming from and going. Similarly, routing numbers identify each banking institution with a unique numerical ID.

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