A nine-digit code called an ABA number, also referred to as a bank routing number, is used to identify U.S. banks. S. With the aid of that number, banks are able to transfer funds to and from their clients’ accounts for things like wire transfers, direct deposits, and automatic bill payments. Your personal checks will have it printed on them.
Important conclusions
- Financial institutions are identified by their ABA numbers so they can conduct transactions like wire transfers and direct deposits.
- The bottom left-hand corner of a personal check will typically have an ABA number with nine digits.
- A routing number for a bank is another name for an ABA number.
- In 1910, the American Bankers Association (ABA) established the ABA number system.
- Depending on where their branches are located, banks may have more than one ABA number.
How to Locate and Use ABA Numbers
A number of places can provide you with your account’s ABA number. The simplest solution, if you have a checkbook on hand, is to find the numbers at the bottom of one of your checks.
On Checks on Paper
Every check is printed with an ABA number. On personal checks, it’s typically the nine-digit number in the bottom left corner. On computer-generated checks, such as those used for online bill payment or business checks, the number may appear in a different location.
Note
Your ABA number is typically located in the same place on deposit slips.
Inquire with your bank
Even though you might need to log into your account to find the correct number, some banks offer this information online. 1 Look for direct deposit forms or Automated Clearing House (ACH) information on the website of your bank. You could also inquire by calling customer service.
Please use the right number
Finding the ABA number that corresponds to your account is crucial because your bank may operate under multiple ABA numbers. Depending on where you opened your account, your ABA number might vary slightly, and bank mergers can lead to multiple codes for the same bank. For wire transfers, some banks also employ unique ABA numbers rather than. ACH transfers or direct deposits.
Even if you are aware of the correct number for ordering checks, you may need to use a different one for wire transfers or online bill payments. When in doubt, ask a member of your bank’s customer service team which number to use.
Workings of ABA Numbers
In the majority of situations, all you need to do is tell whoever is asking for it your ABA number and your account number. The logistics can then be handled by banks, billers, and your employer (or whoever else is setting up automatic transfers).
Note
In the event that your bank fails or merges with another bank, you might be given new ABA numbers; however, you are not required to use them right away.
Prior to ordering new checks or registering for new services, inquire with your bank about the possibility of using the old numbers. In some situations, you can keep using your old routing numbers indefinitely.
The ABA number system is complex:
What’s in the Name
Financial institutions know where to find your account by using an ABA number, which functions like an address. For this reason, ABA numbers are also sometimes referred to as routing transit numbers (RTNs) or check routing numbers.
They can be read by computers
Routing numbers are typically printed on checks using magnetic ink, making it simpler for specialized machines to decode the information. Whether magnetic ink is used or not, printers typically use the MICR font, which makes it simple for computers to see the numbers. You can do this by taking a photo with your mobile device when you deposit a check.
The Federal Reserve Routing Symbol is the first four digits. Based on their series, the first two digits have various meanings. On its website, the ABA provides a description of each series.
The ABA institution’s identifying digits are the following four numbers.
A checksum or check digit is provided by the ninth digit. The first eight digits of this expression are a challenging mathematical formula. If the outcome does not match the checksum number, the transaction is flagged and sent back for manual processing.
The ABA Number’s history
In order to give each bank that issues payments a special identification code, the American Bankers Association (ABA) developed ABA numbers in 1910. The processing of paper checks, which were the prevalent payment method at the time, was made simpler as a result of this. Over time, ABA numbers have changed to accommodate modern electronic payments and the Federal Reserve’s payment procedures.
How ABA Numbers Facilitate Check Processing
Since the 1960s, the ABA number has been crucial in accelerating the processing of checks. With the passage of the Check 21 Act in 2003.7, physical checks that had to travel by truck and airplane to reach banks could now be submitted and cleared electronically. As a result, funds clear much more quickly, and customers are no longer able to “play the float” by writing checks a few days before they actually have the funds in their account.
FAQs, or frequently asked questions
A routing number and an account number have different meanings, how can you tell the difference?
On your check, the account number comes after the routing number, which is typically the first number on the bottom left. Your account number can range in length from 10 to 12 digits, while the routing number is always nine digits long.
An ABA number and an IBAN number are two different types of numbers.
Most of Europe uses IBAN numbers, or international bank account numbers, for international bank routing. Only the U.S. is allowed to use ABA numbers. S. The U. S. for international banking does not use IBAN numbers. The U. S. utilizes SWIFT codes for international transfers.
Without a check, how can I locate my bank routing number?
For more information, contact your bank or visit its online banking page. Additionally, the ABA’s website has a lookup tool.