A routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank or credit union within the U.S. financial system. Also called an ABA number or routing transit number, it works alongside your account number to make sure money reaches the right institution during transfers like direct deposit, bill pay, wire transfers, and check processing. You'll find it printed on the bottom-left of a check, or in your bank's app, website, or statements.
Every U.S. bank and credit union has at least one routing number, and some have several — different ones by region or for different types of transfers. The number simply tells the system which institution is involved, while your account number identifies your specific account within it.
Key Takeaways
A routing number identifies your bank. It's a nine-digit code, also called an ABA or routing transit number, that tells the U.S. banking system which institution is involved in a transfer.
It works with your account number. The routing number points to the bank, while your account number points to your specific account within it.
You'll find it on a check or in your bank's app. It's the first nine digits on the bottom-left of a check, and it's also in online banking, on statements, and in the ABA lookup tool.
Banks can have more than one. Some use different routing numbers by state or by transfer type, with separate numbers for ACH transfers and wire transfers.
They're U.S.-only. Routing numbers handle domestic payments; international transfers use SWIFT codes or IBANs instead.
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Key Terms to Know
Routing number. A nine-digit code identifying a U.S. bank or credit union, also known as an ABA number or routing transit number (RTN).
ABA number. Another name for a routing number, after the American Bankers Association that created the system.
Account number. The number identifying your specific account at a bank, used together with the routing number.
ACH transfer. An electronic bank-to-bank transfer used for direct deposit, bill pay, and payroll, which relies on a routing number.
Wire transfer. A faster, often same-day electronic transfer of funds, which sometimes uses a different routing number than ACH.
Check digit. The final digit of a routing number, calculated to help confirm the number was entered correctly.
SWIFT code and IBAN. Codes used to identify banks for international transfers, since routing numbers work only within the U.S.
What Is a Routing Number?
A routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies a specific bank or credit union in the United States. It's also known as an ABA number or routing transit number (RTN), named for the American Bankers Association, which created the system in 1910.
Its job is to make sure money moves between the correct institutions. To have a routing number, a bank must hold an account with one of the twelve Federal Reserve Banks, which gives it access to the payment system. Roughly 22,000 active routing numbers are in use across the country.
What Is a Routing Number Used For?
A routing number comes into play any time money moves between banks. It's needed for a range of everyday transactions.
Direct deposit, so your paycheck lands in the right account
ACH transfers, including automatic bill pay and payroll
Wire transfers, for larger or time-sensitive payments
Check processing, which uses the routing number printed on the check
Moving money between accounts at different banks
In each case, the routing number tells the system which institution to send the funds to, while your account number specifies exactly where they land.
Where Can You Find Your Routing Number?
Your routing number appears in several places.
On a check. It's the first nine digits in the bottom-left corner, followed by your account number and then the check number.
In online banking or your bank's app. Look under your account details.
On a bank statement. It's often listed near your account information.
On your bank's website. Many banks publish their routing numbers, sometimes by state.
Through the ABA lookup tool. You can search the official directory by bank name or location.
If you can't find it or aren't sure which one applies, your bank's customer service can confirm the correct number.
What Do the Digits in a Routing Number Mean?
A routing number isn't random. Its nine digits are structured to route payments accurately.
Digits 1 through 4 are the Federal Reserve routing symbol, identifying the Federal Reserve district and processing center for your bank.
Digits 5 through 8 are the institution identifier, pointing to your specific bank or credit union.
Digit 9 is a check digit, calculated from the other eight to help catch typos or invalid numbers.
That last digit is a built-in error check, which is part of why an incorrectly entered routing number is usually flagged before a transfer goes through.
What Is the Difference Between a Routing Number and an Account Number?
These two numbers work together but do different jobs. The routing number identifies the bank, and it's the same for everyone who banks at that institution in a given region. The account number identifies your individual account, and it's unique to you.
Picture a mailing address. The routing number is the building, and the account number is the specific unit inside. A transfer needs both to reach the right place — the routing number to find the bank, and the account number to find your money within it.
Why Does a Bank Have More Than One Routing Number?
It's common for a bank to have several routing numbers, for two main reasons.
By region. Large banks, especially those that have grown through mergers, often assign different routing numbers by state or region.
By transfer type. Many banks use one routing number for ACH transfers like direct deposit and bill pay, and a different one for wire transfers.
Because of this, confirm the correct routing number for your specific transaction and location rather than assuming there's just one.
Is It Safe to Share Your Routing Number?
A routing number on its own is low-risk to share, since it's public information printed on every check and listed in bank directories. By itself, it doesn't give anyone access to your money.
The caution comes when it's paired with your account number. Together, the two can be used to set up ACH debits, so share both only with parties you trust, like an employer for direct deposit or a legitimate biller. Treat the combination the way you'd treat any sensitive financial detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an ABA number the same as a routing number?
An ABA number and a routing number are the same thing, two names for the nine-digit code that identifies your bank. "ABA" refers to the American Bankers Association, which created the system.
How many digits is a routing number?
A routing number is always nine digits long. If a number you're given has more or fewer digits, it isn't a valid U.S. routing number.
Can I find my routing number without a check?
Your routing number is available in online banking, your bank's mobile app, your statements, and your bank's website. You can also call customer service or use the ABA lookup tool.
Is it safe to give out my routing number?
Sharing your routing number alone is low-risk, since it's public. Be more careful when sharing it together with your account number, and provide both only to trusted parties like an employer or a legitimate biller.
Do credit unions have routing numbers?
Credit unions use routing numbers just like banks do, for ACH payments, direct deposits, and other transfers. You'll find a credit union's routing number in the same places you'd find a bank's.
Sources
American Bankers Association: ABA Routing Number
American Bankers Association: ABA Routing Number Lookup
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