Are you trying to send money or set up automatic bill pay? If so, you’ll need your bank account number and your routing number on hand. If you don’t know what a routing number is, you can find it on the bottom left-hand corner of a check. It’s a nine-digit number used to identify your bank account or credit union in a transaction. Learn more about routing numbers, where to find it, and when you may need it.
A routing number is used to identify a bank account or credit union. Routing numbers consist of nine digits. These nine digits are divided into three parts:
- Federal Reserve Routing Symbol: The first four digits indicate the Federal Reserve district and branch associated with the bank. These first two digits are typically between 00 and 12.
- ABA Institution Identifier: The next four digits identify the appropriate financial institution within the district.
- Check Digit: The final digit verifies the accuracy of the routing number. It is a digit calculated form the previous eight digits with a mathematical formula.
Is an ABA number the same as a routing number?
The short answer is yes. Routing numbers were created by the American Bankers Association (ABA) in 1910. If you’ve also heard of an ABA number, it’s the same as a routing number. Some routing numbers may also be referred to as an Automatic Clearing House (ACH) routing number. ACH routing numbers are a subsect of ABA routing numbers that are used for electronic transactions between institutions. If you are trying to transfer money back home, your bank account may use an ACH routing number.
Some financial institutions only have one routing number, and others have multiple. Smaller banks typically only have one routing number, while larger multinational banks and financial institutions may have multiple.
How to find your routing number
There are a few ways you can find your routing number:
On Your Checks
You can easily find your routing number by looking at the bottom left corner of your check. The routing number is printed in a font called MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition). This allows banks to scan, and process checks electronically. Your routing number is usually the third series of digits on your check, followed by your account number and check number.
On Your Bank’s Website
You can also check your bank’s website for your routing number. Depending on your bank, there may be one routing number for all branches, or different ones for your respective region or account. Confirm your routing number is correct before conducting any transactions.
By Calling Your Bank
If you don’t have access to a check or online banking, you can also call your bank’s customer service and ask for your routing number. The bank will require you to provide information to verify your identity like your name, account number, or social security number. Alternatively, you can request them to send you a copy of a check or bank statement that includes your routing number.
When do you need to use your routing number?
Since your routing number is used to identify your financial institution, there are many instances where it is required information. Situations that you may need your routing number include:
- Setting up direct deposit and automatic bill pay
- Sending or receiving domestic or international money transfers
- Linking your bank account to other financial services like PayPal, Venmo, or CashApp
- Filing your taxes
Routing numbers are not required for debit or credit card transactions. They’re only necessary when you are directly transferring money to an account.
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