What is an ABA number and how to find it? Complete guide (2024)

ABA stands for American Bankers’ Association, a trade association founded in 1875 to represent the interests of various players in the US Banking industry¹.

So how does the ABA number come into all this? Stick with us as we explain what an ABA number is, what makes it similar or different from a routing number, where you can find it and how it works.

But first, a word.

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What is an ABA 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.

Depending on their location within the United States, a bank can have several ABA numbers.

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Where can you find your ABA number?

There are a few different ways in which you can find the ABA number you should use:

  • If you need the ABA number for an institution where you have a checking account, you can find it in your checkbook. The ABA number will be in the bottom left corner of your checks. However, your ABA number may not always be the routing number in that position on checks. If it isn’t clear to you, make sure you call your bank and confirm³.
  • You can also find out your ABA number by visiting your bank’s website and going to the direct deposit or ACH section.
  • If you’ve registered for online banking with your bank, you can log into your account and find the ABA number.
  • There are also other online platforms, such as Wise, where you can find the ABA numbers for a wide range of banks.

It is important to remember that a bank may have different ABA numbers. Your ABA number will most likely rely on the bank location where you opened your account. Some banks also have differing ABA numbers depending on the purpose⁴.

You may find that the ABA number assigned to wire transfers is different from the one used for electronic bill payments, or even direct deposits. If you need clarity on these matters, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a customer service agent from your bank.

How does the ABA number work?

An ABA number in a way points financial institutions to where they should find your account. Therefore, it’s no surprise that these numbers may sometimes be called check routing numbers or routing transit numbers (RTNs).

These numbers are usually printed in magnetic ink or at least in magnetic ink character recognition code (MICR) font to make them easier to detect by computers and other specialized machines. The MICR font also enables check deposit by submitting a photo of the check.

Your ABA number is usually accompanied by your account number as the information given to whoever is trying to issue a payment. The rest of the work is commonly handled by the bank, a biller or an employer.

In case a bank closes or is taken up in a merger or acquisition, you might receive new ABA numbers. Sometimes you don’t have to use them right away. You may continue using the old numbers indefinitely, or at least until request for new checks and services.

The ABA number is made up of five parts, each with its own purpose:

PartPurpose
First four digitsThese represent the bank’s physical location.
Fifth and six digitsThese indicate which Federal Reserve Bank the institution’s electronic and wire transfers will go through.
Seventh digitThis one represents the Federal Reserve Bank check processing center originally allocated to the bank.
Eight digitThis one shows the Federal Reserve district the bank is in.
Ninth digitThis represents the checksum, a complex mathematical expression of the first eight digits. The result must equal the checksum, or else the transaction will be flagged and redirected to manual processing.

Is ABA number the same thing as a routing number?

In short, it’s a yes and no. A routing number is a nine-digit code that banks use to identify financial institutions when transacting with them. On the other hand, an ABA is used to identify financial institutions within the US, with additional eligibility conditions.

The ABA number identifies US federal or state chartered financial institutions that can maintain an account at a Federal Reserve Bank².

Is ABA code the same as SWIFT code?

SWIFT codes and ABA numbers are both used to identify the bank where the recipient has an account. However, while ABA numbers are used domestically, SWIFT codes are used when you transfer money internationally.

Which bank is ABA Bank?

In U.S. banking terms, there is no such thing as a bank called ABA – it is rather related to ABA codes. The closest bank with the name is located in Cambodia –which is backed by the National Bank of Canada.

What’s the difference between ABA and wire?

For many payment types, the ABA routing number found on your checkbook will be what's needed. However, as we mentioned above, it’s important to know if your bank uses a different routing number for different payment types.

In this case, your wire routing number might be different to the number found on your checks.

Some banks have a different wire routing number depending on whether the payment is being received in a foreign currency, USD, or an unknown currency.

Check directly with your bank to make sure you have all the details required to allow you to receive your wire payment safely.

💡ABA, EFT, ACH –still not sure about what do they mean? Check out our glossary here.

What is the wire transfer ABA number?

Your wire transfer number will be a 9-digit code, like the ABA number you find on your checks. It may even be the same as the number found on your checks — but some banks choose to use different routing numbers for different types of payments.

This might mean that your wire transfer ABA number is different to the one you’ll use for ACH transfers. Check directly with your bank to make sure you have the correct ABA routing number for wire transfers.

Bottom line

All-in-all, the ABA number is very helpful when trying to make sure that funds are sent to the right person/establishment and more specifically, the right account. They make it easier for those processing payments to pinpoint the destination in what can sometimes be a confusing web of accounts.

The ABA number also simplifies the movement of money, since these movements can be classified according to their purpose/nature. Therefore, where there are variations in rules applied in say direct deposits, electronic bill payments, etc., they can be exercised in a faster and more organized manner.

However, it is crucial to always check multiple sources and confirm with a customer support representative that you are using the right ABA number before issuing a payment.

Sources:

  1. ABA- routing number
  2. Investopedia - routing number vs. account number
  3. ECSI - what is an ABA number/routing number?
  4. The Balance - what is an ABA number?
  5. “Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit : Only Pay for What You Use for the most up to date pricing and fee information.”

Sources checked on 28 October 2022

*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.

What is an ABA number and how to find it? Complete guide (2024)

FAQs

How can I find my ABA number? ›

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 the meaning of ABA number? ›

An ABA number, also known as Routing Transit Number (RTN) or ABA Routing Number, is a nine-digit code assigned by the American Bankers Association to identify each financial institution in the country. ABA Number Extended Definition. The American Bankers Association introduced ABA Routing Numbers in 1910.

How do I get a 9 digit ABA number? ›

You can quickly and easily find your bank's routing number by looking for the nine-digit number in the bottom-left corner of your physical checks. If you don't have any checks, you could also check your bank's online portal or mobile app, as well as any account statements you may have access to.

Is aba the same as wire routing number? ›

Yes, an ABA number and a routing number are essentially the same. The term “ABA number” refers to a routing number assigned by the American Bankers Association (ABA) used for various types of financial transactions, including checks, ACH transfers, 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 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 bank is ABA 021000021? ›

Bank Name: JP Morgan Chase Bank Address: 270 Park Avenue, 43rd floor New York, NY 10017 Phone Number: 718-242-0144 ABA / Routing Number: 021000021 Swift Code for Foreign Wires: CHASUS33 For Credit to: Bank acct.

What routing number is 043000096? ›

043000096 is a routing number used for PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION in PA. This routing number supports ACH and Wire transfers.

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 the format of the ABA number? ›

Today's bank routing numbers are formatted as a nine-digit code, with the first four digits representing the Federal Reserve routing symbol, followed by four digits that identify the specific financial institution, and the last digit, known as the check digit, which is used to verify the authenticity of the routing ...

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.

How do I find my account number? ›

You can find your bank account number on your bank statements, printed at the bottom of a paper check, or by logging on to the bank's website.

How to find ABA routing number? ›

Online banking – You'll be able to get your bank's routing number by logging into online banking. Check or statement – bank-issued check or bank statement. Fedwire – You can look up your routing number on the official website of the Federal Reserve.

Is aba the same as ACH? ›

And while they do have similarities — and an ACH routing number is an ABA routing number — there are differences between ACH and ABA routing numbers: ABA routing numbers are used for paper or check transfers. ACH routing numbers are used for electronic transfers.

What is aba in banking? ›

ABA stands for American Bankers' Association, a trade association founded in 1875 to represent the interests of various players in the US Banking industry¹.

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.

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.

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