All You Need to Know About Bank Routing Numbers | Checkissuing (2024)

Just like you have nine digits assigned to your identity, your bank account has nine digits to identify it and cement its association with you. This unique numerical string is known as your routing number.
While routing numbers are typically undiscussed outside of sending and receiving money to your bank account, they have quite the history and a plethora of interesting information.
If you are curious about your routing number, follow along to learn from where it came from, what it means, and find answers to many of the commonly asked questions concerning these infamous nine numbers.

What are Bank Routing Numbers?

A routing number is a transit number. It identifies where your account was opened so deposited funds with an intended destination of your bank account can make it safely to your account.

What are routing numbers used for?

Routing numbers are used to transfer money between accounts with the certainty of it arriving in the intended destination. You will commonly see routing number slots in the following transactions:

    • Direct deposit
    • Wire transfer
    • Check processing
    • Automatic bill payment

All You Need to Know About Bank Routing Numbers | Checkissuing (1)

No Two Numbers are Created Equal

Every bank has a unique routing number, so a deposit associated with your account number can never land in the wrong hands as long as it includes your bank’s routing number. You are the only patron at your bank with your specific account number, meaning the combination of your bank plus routing number is completely unique as well.

Your Bank might have More than One Number

While no banks will ever have the same routing numbers, one bank might have multiple numbers. Banks often have separate routing numbers per type of transaction. Make sure you use the right routing number if you are transferring via wire, sending checks online, etc.

History of Routing Numbers

In 1910, the ABA established routing numbers to ensure that banks paid patrons on behalf of responsible check-writers. If a check could not be fulfilled, the routing number could direct the to-be-paid patron or bank to the paying patron’s bank to realize payment.
Before computers, numbers like those in the routing series were necessary for keeping track of money, transactions, and responsible parties.
Routing numbers helped minimize the art of writing bad checks, a phenomenon of the 1960s known as “check float.” In those days, it was possible to write a check and have the money fulfilled by the receiver’s bank.
Communication was slow enough that it could be days before the check writer’s bank was notified of the check and the writer’s lack of funds. If the “check floater,” was quick, he or she was out the door, leaving the paying bank responsible for the loss. Thanks to routing numbers, this crime decreased significantly.
Now that the basic purpose and history of routing numbers is clear, let’s answer some of the commonly asked questions concerning the digits.

Frequently Asked Questions about Routing Numbers

Q: What does a routing number tell?
A: A routing number tells where the account holder’s account was opened. It directs funds to this specific branch of a bank.
Q: What is the difference between the routing and account number?
A: The account number is specific to a banker’s checking, savings, or business account. Each account has its own personal number. The routing number identifies where the account lives; which branch of which bank is responsible for making sure the funds are available and safe.
Q: Can I safely give out my account and routing info?
A: It’s not the safest way to secure money, but patrons are often prompted for this information in order to initiate a wire transfer, direct deposit, check cashing, or automatic payment. Basically, if a person wants to get paid, they have to fill out this information.
Giving out the combination of an account and routing number should be done only under professional and secure circ*mstances. Since the United States has relatively lax security in this area, it is easy for a person with a stranger’s account and routing combination to extract money from the corresponding account.
If work requires the frequent handing out of the number combination, it’s wise to establish a second account. One account can be used to receive money and another account can be used to hold the money. The receiving account can keep a low balance so its information can be shared without great vulnerability.
Remember, the routing number is safe to share and is often even public information. It is the account number that is best to remain secret, for its combination with the routing info gives direct access to a person’s bank account.
Q: Does the routing number have any other names:
A: Actually, it does. The routing number is sometimes called an ABA (American Bankers Association) number or a routing transit number. If prompted for either of these numbers when sending or receiving money, it is the routing number that is needed.

All You Need to Know About Bank Routing Numbers | Checkissuing (2)
Q: Do checks and deposit slips have the same routing number?
A: Not all banks use the same numbers for both checks and deposit slips. It is necessary to check with the branch to find out if either requires a different routing number or if the same number can be used for both.
Q: Is a routing number necessary for a wire transfer?
A: Yes, a routing number is needed to fulfill a wire transfer. Most wire transfers require routing number, receiving bank’s name, address and phone number, and lastly, the recipient’s bank account number.
Q: Are all bank routing numbers the same length?
A: Yes, all routing numbers are nine digits long. Account number lengths vary according to the bank but are usually nine or ten digits long.
Q: Is a routing number required to transfer money?
A: If transferring money between banks, a routing number is necessary. Even if two exchangers share the same bank, the branch at which one account was established might be different than that of the other. In this case, again, the routing number is needed.

Where to Find Bank Routing Numbers

Routing numbers can be found in a few places.

  • The Routing Number on a Check

If you are looking at a personal check, look at the bottom of the check. There are three strands of numbers in printed ink. The routing number is the number all the way to the left (the check’s right).

  • Bank Website

Don’t have a check handy? Head to the bank’s website; they might have the routing number posted here. The routing number can be posted online safely because it is not associated with any personal bankers or transactions; it is simply associated with the bank’s geographic location.

  • Bank Statement

A routing number can be found at the top of most bank statements.
CheckIssuing is a reputable check printing and mailing company that can handle all payment needs to ensure quality and timely activity. To learn more about our services or get started with outsourcing payment programs, contact ustoday.

All You Need to Know About Bank Routing Numbers | Checkissuing (2024)

FAQs

All You Need to Know About Bank Routing Numbers | Checkissuing? ›

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 ...

Does it matter which routing number I use for my bank? ›

Each routing number is unique to one financial institution and helps avoid confusion. Routing numbers ensure that checks intended for Citibank don't go to CIT Bank, for example. A bank or credit union may have more than one routing number.

How do bank routing numbers work? ›

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.

Can two bank accounts have the same routing number? ›

“If you have multiple accounts at one bank, you can still share one single routing number.” A routing number is unique to your bank.

Is bank routing number secret? ›

Although a routing number is essentially public information, it's important to safeguard both your account number and routing number in order to protect your accounts. If a fraudster knows your routing number they can easily tell which financial institution your funds are at, putting you at risk of phishing attempts.

What happens if I use the wrong routing number? ›

If you attempt a transaction with the wrong routing number, it will usually fail to process. However, in a worst-case scenario, money could be deposited into the wrong account. If you accidentally give someone the wrong routing number, get in touch as soon as possible to correct the error.

Does each branch of a bank have the same routing number? ›

A large bank might have many different routing numbers that map to different states, regions, or branches, but each routing number only maps to one banking institution.

Can you verify a bank routing number? ›

When making direct deposits with a check, a valid ABA routing number is required. Companies can verify that they have the right ABA number by checking the list provided, looking at their checkbook, or heading to the American Bank Association website.

Can you identify a bank by its routing number? ›

ABA Routing Number™

It identifies the specific financial institution responsible for the payment of a negotiable instrument: Originally designed to identify only check processing endpoints, it has evolved to designate participants in automated clearinghouses, electronic funds transfer and online banking.

Which routing number to use for bank to bank transfer? ›

Technically speaking, ABA routing numbers apply to paper checks while ACH routing numbers apply to electronic transfers and withdrawals. Most major banks today use the same routing number for both. However, it's not uncommon to see separate ABA and ACH routing numbers for regional lending institutions.

Can someone withdraw money with my account and routing number? ›

With your bank account number, thieves can commit ACH fraud to withdraw your money, create fraudulent checks, make unauthorized purchases on sites like Amazon, and even set up "Buy Now, Pay Later" services like Affirm or Afterpay.

Can someone check my bank account balance with my account number? ›

Most banks no longer allow others to check or know your bank account balance. However, some banks provide the account balance details when people simply call and request it. For instance, anyone knowing your account information can call the bank to verify the fund on a cheque.

What is the difference between account number and ACH account number? ›

The ACH routing number is like the city or town where you reside, while the account number is similar to the address of your house or apartment. You may have several accounts, but each will have a unique account number. ACH numbers are public knowledge, while your account numbers remain private to you.

Does it matter which bank routing number I use? ›

While no banks will ever have the same routing numbers, one bank might have multiple numbers. Banks often have separate routing numbers per type of transaction. Make sure you use the right routing number if you are transferring via wire, sending checks online, etc.

How are bank routing numbers assigned? ›

To address these challenges, routing numbers were created based on the geographic location of the bank. Each Federal Reserve Bank district was assigned a unique routing number, ensuring that transactions were accurately directed within a specific region.

Does someone need my routing number to send me money? ›

Your bank's routing number and your checking account number are used when writing a check and sending or receiving an electronic funds transfer.

Which routing number should I use to receive money? ›

Whether you're setting up a direct deposit, making an electronic payment, or initiating a wire transfer, you'll use the same ABA routing number for your bank. It's important to note that the ABA routing number is specific to your bank or credit union and serves as a unique identifier.

Why are there two routing numbers? ›

ABA routing numbers are used for paper or check transfers. ACH routing numbers are used for electronic transfers. Transactions using ACH routing numbers “clear” faster (same or next day) than funds transferred on paper checks using ABA numbers.

What happens if you use a wire routing number instead of an ACH? ›

know that banks have two separate routing numbers. One for wire transfers and one for ACH transfers. If you used your banks wire transfer number it will still go to your bank but the banks computer systems will not know where to put the money and there is a good chance they will reject it.

What is the difference between a wire routing number and an ACH routing number? ›

The main difference between ACH and wire transfers is that ACH transfers are done through the Clearing House Network, while wire transfers are completed from bank to bank. Cash and checks used to be the norm for payroll, bill payments, and more.

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