There are quite a few situations in life where you’ll be asked for a bank routing number. For example, when you get a job, you’ll need your routing number to set up direct deposit. It’s also required when setting up automatic bill payments from your bank account. Further, if you want to send money to a bank account in the U.S., you’ll need their routing number.
But what is a routing number, exactly, and where can you find it? Here’s what you need to know.
Key takeaways
- A routing number is a nine-digit code used in the U.S. banking system to identify financial institutions and guide money transfers.
- A routing number identifies the institution that holds a bank account, while a bank account number identifies a specific account within an institution.
- You’ll need a routing number in many situations, such as when you’re setting up direct deposit, arranging automatic bill payments, or sending money to a person’s bank account.
- Routing numbers can be found on bank statements, through online banking accounts, and on checks.
- To send money directly to a U.S. bank account through Western Union, you’ll need your recipient’s routing number and account number.
What is a routing number?
Routing numbers were first introduced by the American Bankers Association (ABA) in 1910 and were adopted by the banking industry in 1911. While the system has evolved, routing numbers still play a central role in the U.S. financial system.
Today, a routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the financial institution that holds a U.S. bank account. This identification is important for U.S. money transfers because it identifies which banks hold the accounts involved in transactions. Larger banks may have multiple routing numbers, while smaller institutions typically only have one.
Routing number vs. Account number
A routing number identifies the U.S. financial institution where an account is held. A bank account number, on the other hand, is an eight- to 17-digit number that identifies a specific account within a financial institution.
Both numbers are required to complete a money transfer successfully. Without an account number, the payment would only be routed to the recipient’s bank or credit union, but not to their specific account. Conversely, without a routing number, a payment wouldn’t make it to the right institution in the first place, so the bank account number wouldn’t be helpful.
Why routing numbers matter in the U.S.
Routing numbers matter in the U.S. because they identify the financial institution that holds a person’s or business’s bank account. Without them, the payment transfer system won’t know where to pull money from or send money to. As a result, routing numbers—together with bank account numbers—make domestic money transfers possible.
Internationally, other systems exist to serve the same purpose. For example, International Bank Account Numbers (IBANs) are 34-digit numbers that identify an individual account at a specific institution in a specific country. Further, Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) codes are 8- or 11-digit numbers that identify a person’s bank, country, location, and (optionally) branch. Both are used to facilitate international transfers between banks in different countries.
How to find your routing number
Every U.S. financial institution has a routing number assigned to each of its accounts. You can call customer service to ask for yours. However, you can also typically find your routing number yourself in the following places:
- Your bank statements
- Your checks, on the bottom left corner
- Your bank’s mobile app or online banking portal
Additionally, many banks list their routing numbers on their websites by state or region.
When you need a routing number
You’ll need a routing number (and bank account number) in a variety of situations that involve money transfers, such as:
- Direct deposits: To receive paychecks, tax refunds, or government benefits directly into your bank account.
- Automatic payments: To set up recurring payments for bills, loans, or other automatic withdrawals from your account.
- Wire transfers: To send or receive domestic wire transfers between financial institutions.
- Electronic funds transfers (EFTs): For other electronic transfers, including those through the Automated Clearing House.
- Mobile payments: To link bank accounts to mobile apps and digital wallets for secure money transfers.
In short, any time you send money to or from a bank account, it’ll usually involve a routing number.
Send money to a bank account with Western Union
Western Union makes it easy to send money, both to bank accounts and agent locations for cash pickup. Fund your transfer from a bank account, credit card, debit card, or cash. From there, you’ll need to enter your recipient details, including routing number and account number for funds to deliver to a U.S. bank account. Track your transfer and ensure your money quickly gets where you need it to.
Ready to get started? Simply head over to our website or download our mobile app to send money now.
FAQs
Learn more about routing numbers and where to find them.
You can often find your routing number within your bank’s mobile banking app or online banking portal. Routing numbers are also printed on checks (the first nine digits printed in the bottom left corner) and tend to be listed on banking statements. If you can’t find yours, you can call your bank’s customer service line and ask for it.
Yes, a routing number and an ABA number are the same thing. They both refer to the nine-digit code used to identify a financial institution within the U.S. for the purpose of processing money transfers. Sometimes you’ll also hear it called a “transit number” or “RTN” (routing transit number).
A routing number is often required when money is electronically transferred to or from a bank account. For example, you’ll need it when setting up direct deposit, scheduling automatic bill payments, or sending a wire transfer.
No, routing numbers only identify U.S. financial institutions for domestic money transfers. If you want to complete an international transaction, you’ll need an international identifier, such as a SWIFT code or IBAN.
