What Is an ABA Number? (2024)

An ABA number, also known as a bank routing number, is a nine-digit code that identifies banks in the U.S. This unique identifier is essential for financial transactions, making it possible for banks to transfer money to and from customers' accounts for transactions like wire transfers, direct deposit, and automatic bill payments.

You can find the ABA number printed on each of your personal checks, typically in the bottom left corner.

Key Takeaways

  • An ABA number identifies financial institutions so they can conduct transactions such as wire transfers and direct deposits.
  • ABA numbers have nine digits that you can usually find in the bottom left-hand corner of a personal check.
  • An ABA number is also referred to as a bank's routing number.
  • The American Bankers Association (ABA) created ABA numbers in 1910.
  • Banks can have more than one ABA number based on their branch locations.

How to Find and Use ABA Numbers

You can get your account’s ABA number from several sources. The easiest solution is to locate the numbers at the bottom of one of your checks if you have a checkbook handy.

On Paper Checks

An ABA number is printed on every check. It's usually the nine-digit number in the bottom left-hand corner on personal checks. The number might appear somewhere else on computer-generated checks (like online bill payment checks or business checks).

Contact Your Bank

Some banks provide this information online, although you might need to log into your account to find the right number. Search your bank’s website for direct deposit forms or Automated Clearing House (ACH) information. Alternatively, call customer service and ask.

Use the Correct Number

Your bank may operate under several ABA numbers, so it’s essential to identify the one specific to your account. ABA numbers may differ slightly depending on where you opened your account, and bank mergers can result in multiple codes for the same bank. Some banks also use separate ABA numbers for wire transfers vs. direct deposit or ACH transactions.

You might have to use a different number for wire transfers or electronic bill payments even if you know the correct number for ordering checks. When in doubt, ask a customer service representative at your bank which number to use.

How ABA Numbers Work

All you have to do is provide your ABA number, along with your account number, to whoever is requesting it in most cases. Banks, billers, and your employer (or whoever else is setting up automatic transfers) can handle the logistics after that.

Note

You may receive new ABA numbers if yourbank fails or merges with another bank, but you don’t necessarily have to start using them right away.

Ask your bank if you can continue using the old numbers until you order new checks or sign up for new services. You can continue using old routing numbers indefinitely in some cases.

Behind the Name

An ABA number is like an address that tells financial institutions where to find your account. ABA numbers may also be called routing transit numbers (RTNs) or check routing numbers for this reason.

They're Computer-Readable

Routing numbers are typically printed on checks using magnetic ink, which allows special machines to read the code more easily. Printers usually use MICR font regardless of whether magnetic ink is present, making it easy for computers to visually recognize the numbers. This can be helpful when you deposit a check by snapping a photo with your mobile device.

The first four digits are made up of the Federal Reserve Routing Symbol. The first two digits have different meanings based on their series. The ABA outlines each series on its website.

The next four digits are the ABA institution identifying digits.

The ninth digit provides a checksum or check digit. This is a complicated mathematical expression using the first eight digits. The transaction gets flagged and rerouted for manual processing if the result does not equal the checksum number.

History of the ABA Number

The American Bankers Association (ABA) created ABA numbers in 1910 as a way to assign unique identifiers to each payment-issuing bank. Doing so reduced confusion for processing paper checks, which were the common form of payment at the time. ABA numbers have evolved to include the Federal Reserve’s payment processes and facilitate modern electronic payments.

How ABA Numbers Help Process Checks

The ABA number has played an instrumental part in speeding up check processing since the 1960s. Additionally, physical checks that needed to travel by airplane and truck to reach banks could now be submitted and cleared electronically with the passage of the Check 21 Act in 2003. Funds clear much more quickly as a result, and consumers no longer have the luxury of "playing the float" or issuing a check a few days before they actually have the funds in their account.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can you tell the difference between a routing number and an account number?

The routing number is usually the first, bottom-left number on your check and is followed by the account number. The routing number is always nine digits long, while your account number may be between 10 and 12 digits.

What is the difference between an IBAN and an ABA number?

IBANs, or international bank account numbers, are used for international bank routing throughout much of Europe. ABA numbers are specific only to the U.S. The U.S. does not use IBANs for international banking. The U.S. uses SWIFT codes for international transfers.

How do I find my bank routing number without a check?

You can call your bank or check its online banking website for the information. The ABA also provides a lookup tool on its website.

What Is an ABA Number? (2024)

FAQs

How do I find my ABA number? ›

Where is the ABA Routing Number on my checks? You can find the ABA Routing Number at the bottom of your checks. The ABA Routing Number is the left-most number, followed by your account number, and then by the number of the check.

What is a valid ABA number? ›

The first two digits of the nine digit RTN must be in the ranges 00 through 12, 21 through 32, 61 through 72, or 80. The digits are assigned as follows: 00 is used by the United States Government. 01 through 12 are the "normal" routing numbers, and correspond to the 12 Federal Reserve Banks.

What is the 9 digit ABA number? ›

The fastest way to find your routing number is to look at the bottom of one of your personal checks. The routing number is the nine-digit number printed in the bottom left corner of each check.

What is the bank key or ABA number? ›

The Routing Number is also called an ABA/ACH number. It is the bank's nine-digit number identifying the bank's location and transit information. The routing number is printed at the lower left of each check.

Is My ABA number the same as my routing number? ›

An ABA – also called as a routing number – is used to identify banks in the United States. This nine-number code helps banks in the process of transferring money domestically between accounts for different kinds of transactions, for example, direct deposit or bank transfers.

What is the ABA number on a debit card? ›

Bank of America routing numbers
StateRouting number
Arkansas082000073
California121000358
Colorado123103716
Connecticut011900254
48 more rows
Jun 3, 2024

What ABA number is 267084199? ›

267084199 is a routing number used for PNC BANK, NA in OH. This routing number supports ACH transfers.

What ABA number is 044202505? ›

044202505 is a routing number used for PEOPLES BANK in OH. This routing number supports ACH and Wire transfers.

What is the US bank ABA number? ›

Other US Bank routing numbers
Routing NumberState
122045354CA
123000068MN
125000118MN
081519743MO
89 more rows

What bank is ABA 222370440? ›

222370440 is a routing number used for KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION in NY. This routing number supports ACH transfers.

What is the bank name ABA? ›

Advanced Bank of Asia Ltd. (ABA Bank) – AmCham Cambodia.

What is the aba payment method? ›

The ABA Payment Gateway integrates with the merchant's website, allowing customers to make online purchases and complete transactions with ease. With this gateway, merchants can also monitor their transactions, manage their customers' accounts, and reconcile their payments with ease.

What is an ABA number/routing number? - ECSIECSI.nethttps://www.ecsi.net ›

An ABA number (also known as routing number or routing transfer number) is a sequence of nine numeric characters used by banks to identify specific financial in...
An ABA number, also known as a bank routing number, is a nine-digit code that identifies banks in the U.S. This unique identifier is essential for financial tra...
An ABA number, also known as a routing transit number (RTN) or routing number, is a unique nine-digit code that identifies a financial institution in the United...

How do I find my ABA ID? ›

Routing numbers are 9 digits long and can be found in several places. On the bottom left corner of a check. On the bottom center or left corner of a deposit slip. On most mobile banking apps.

Is a routing number the same as a direct deposit number? ›

A routing number is a unique, nine-digit number that functions as an address for your bank. It is used for electronic transactions such as funds transfers, direct deposits, digital checks, and bill payments.

What is the ABA electronic transfer number? ›

How to find an ABA number. When setting up automatic payment services or wire transfers, you'll be asked for your ABA number. The easiest way to locate this is to look for a 9-digit number on a physical check or deposit slip. The ABA number on checks is typically featured in the bottom left-hand corner.

How do I find my ABA routing number Chase? ›

Online. Find your routing and account number by signing in to chase.com and choosing the last four digits of the account number that appears above your account information. You can then choose, 'See full account number' next to your account name and a box will open to display your bank account number and routing number ...

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