What Is a Routing Number ( Definition and How to Find It) (2024)

Last Updated : 12 Apr, 2024

Improve

Routing Number: A nine-digit string used by banks to identify certain U.S. financial institutions is the routing number, commonly called an ABA routing number (short for the American Bankers Association). Banks need this number to send money back and forth. You can usually see the routing number on the bottom left corner of your checks.

What Is a Routing Number?

A nine-digit string used by banks to identify certain U.S. financial institutions is the routing number, commonly called an ABA routing number (short for the American Bankers Association). The presence of this number indicates that the bank in question is either federally or state-chartered and has an account with the Federal Reserve.

Paper checks are used to utilize ABA routing numbers, whereas electronic account transfers and withdrawals use ACH routing numbers. Today, though, a single routing number is all that’s needed for a bank transaction.

How to Find a Routing Numbers?

On the bottom of paper checks from your bank, you can find your account and routing numbers. You can also see your routing number in your online banking. The routing number is the same for everyone at your bank, so you can look it up online. Make sure you check on a website that is really owned by your bank.

To find your routing number, you can check these places:

Bank statement: Look at your bank statement. The routing number is usually at the top or bottom.
Checkbook: On a check, the routing number is the first set of nine numbers at the bottom left corner.
Online banking: Log in to your online bank account. The routing number is often in the account information or settings.
Bank’s website or app: Some banks list routing numbers on their website or app, usually in the FAQs or help section.
Call your bank: You can call your bank’s customer service for the routing number.

How to Find a Routing Number Without a Check

If you don’t have a checkbook, you can still get your routing number. Look on your bank’s website or call your local bank branch. Each bank and place has its own routing number. Because a bank can have many routing numbers, make sure you get the right one for where you started your account.

If you need your routing number and don’t have a check, you can look in these places:

Your bank statement.
Your bank’s website or mobile app. You might have to sign in first.
Your bank’s phone customer service.
The American Bankers Association’s routing number lookup.

Routing Number vs. Account Number

On a check, there are three main sets of numbers at the bottom. The first set, usually 9 digits, is the routing number. The second set is your account number, and the third is the check number. But on some special checks, like cashier’s checks, these numbers can be in a different order.

These numbers are printed with magnetic ink. This is part of the check’s MICR line (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition), often called “micker.” The magnetic ink lets banks read and process the check’s details quickly.

Definition	A nine-digit code used to identify the bank	A unique number that identifies the account
Format	9 digits, typically in the format XXXXYYYYC	Varies in length, depending on the bank
Location on a check	Typically to the left of the account number	Typically to the right of the routing number
Purpose	Identifies the bank and its location	Identifies the specific account
Example	123456789 (for illustration purposes)	Varies by bank and individual account
Usage	Necessary for various banking transactions	Essential for transactions and deposits
Security Implications	Generally less sensitive than account number	More sensitive, as it directly links to the account

Conclusion

Routing number is key for managing your money. It’s used for setting up direct deposits, paying bills, and transferring money between accounts. Knowing your routing number helps make sure your money goes to the right place. Always keep this number safe and use it wisely to avoid any financial issues.

Routing Transit Numbers (RTNs) or American Bankers Association (ABA) routing numbers are what financial institutions use. Many simple financial transactions need both numbers. Your account’s holding bank is revealed via the routing number. Get in touch with your bank if you ever confuse the two sets of numbers that make up your account number and routing number.

What Is a Routing Number ( Definition and How to Find It) – FAQs

Where Can I Locate My Account and Routing Numbers?

Several locations, such as your checks, statements, mobile banking app, and the bank’s website, will display both sets of numbers. In most cases, you may find your checking account number and routing number printed on the bottom left of your check.

Is the Routing Number More Important Than the Account Number?

The account number follows the routing number. This is due to the fact that a routing number is a means by which a bank identifies itself; when combined with your account number, it allows identification of your account.

When making a direct deposit, which routing number should I use?

The sender or receiver of a direct deposit must know both your account number and your bank’s routing number in order for you to get the money.

Two routing numbers? For what reason?

While it’s true that no two banks will ever have the same routing number, big banks can have a plethora of numbers that correspond to different states or locations where your accounts are housed.

Where Can I Find My IBAN Number?

International bank account numbers, or IBANs, are the de facto norm for wire transfers throughout the world. The nation, bank, branch, and account are identified by their 34 alphanumeric characters. Only when sending money to a nation that has embraced the IBAN will countries in North America, Australia, and Asia utilize it for internal money transfers.