The CUSIP number, also known as the Committee on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures number, is a unique nine-character identification number assigned to all stocks (and registered bonds) in the U.S. and Canada. It is used to create a concrete distinction between securities that are traded on public markets. The system is in place to facilitate the settlement process and the clearance of associated securities.
CUSIP numbers are nine digits, alphanumeric, and used to identify securities including municipal bonds. A CUSIP number is similar to a serial number. The first six characters are known as the base or CUSIP-6, and these characters uniquely identify the security issuer. The seventh and eighth digits identify the issue of the security, and the ninth digit is an automatically generated check digit.
Key Takeaways
- The CUSIP number is the unique identifier for every publicly-traded security.
- This distinct number identifies the company that issued the security and what type of security it is.
- The CUSIP distinguishes securities from one another and facilitates the quick identification and exchange of stocks or bonds.
- Investors with a subscription to Standard & Poor's can access a database of CUSIP numbers.
- In addition to being located on most companies' websites, there are querying tools online to search CUSIP numbers by company name or you can request a stock quote on a broker's website that often include the CUSIP.
How to Find a Security's CUSIP Number
Unfortunately, finding a CUSIP number for a stock can be a little difficult because the numbers are owned and created by the American Bankers Association and operated by . To get access to the whole database of CUSIP numbers, you will need to pay a fee to Standard & Poor's or a similar service that has access to the database.
History of CUSIP
The CUSIP was created in response to the heavily reliant paper environment of Wall Street. Established in 1968, CUSIPs were used by all clearing corporations by 1972.
There are a few other ways you can find the CUSIP number for a specific company or security:
- Individual companies will often display their CUSIP numbers to investors on their websites.
- CUSIP numbers can also be accessed through the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) via the Electronic Municipal Market Access (EMMA) system.
- CUSIP numbers are also often listed on official statements relating to the security, such as on confirmations of purchase or periodic financial statements, or can be accessed through various securities dealers.
- The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) hosts a database query tool. After entering the name of the company you're interested in, the CUSIP/Ticker database displays documents such as financial report filings, company information, and securities information including the CUSIP number.
How Do I Look Up a CUSIP Number?
There are several ways to do this. Perhaps the simplest is to request a stock quote on a broker's website, which often will include the CUSIP. You can also find the numbers on a brokerage's official statements sent to clients, or on physical stock or bond certificates if you own them. Certain bond CUSIPs may also be obtained through theMunicipal Securities Rule-Making Boardvia the Electronic Municipal Market Access system.
How Do You Look Up a CUSIP Number of a Bond?
The process for finding the CUSIP number is similar to that of finding the number for a stock. The issuing entity will often publicly list all CUSIP numbers for any issued bonds, though this might be limited to only outstanding bonds. Otherwise, there are database search tools similar to those used for stocks.
What Does a CUSIP Number Tell You?
A CUSIP is a unique identifier for a specific security. It is used to create a concrete distinction between each security traded within public markets. The CUSIP number itself identifies the issuing company and the issue of the security.
The Bottom Line
CUSIP numbers help identify and organize stocks and bonds in the U.S. and Canada by using alpha-numeric digits to identify the issuer of the security, the issue, and the check digit. This helps with clearing and settlement. There are a few ways to access a CUSIP number, such as on company websites, databases of regulatory agencies, such as the SEC, and the official statements of the security.
FAQs
Individual companies will often display their CUSIP numbers to investors on their websites. CUSIP numbers can also be accessed through the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) via the Electronic Municipal Market Access (EMMA) system.
How to find a CUSIP number for a stock? ›
To locate CUSIP, enter the company name in the search box. Then, on the company's page, click Equity Listings on the left menu. On the Equity Listings page, click the ticker that is bold. The main equity listing page includes the CUSIP at the top of the page.
Does each stock have a CUSIP? ›
CUSIP stands for Committee on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures. A CUSIP number identifies most financial instruments, including: stocks of all registered U.S. and Canadian companies, commercial paper, and U.S. government and municipal bonds.
Who is responsible for obtaining the CUSIP number? ›
Obtaining a CUSIP® - Based Identifier
CUSIP-based identifiers are assigned by CUSIP Global Services (CGS). CUSIP Global Services is managed on behalf of the American Bankers Association (ABA) by FactSet Research Systems Inc.
How do you look up your CUSIP number on Fidelity? ›
Hover over "Accounts &Trade" and select "Account Positions" Under the appropriate account, click the security you want to view and choose the "Research" tab. Click "Research" to open up the specific security research page. Look for the "CUSIP" under "Detailed Quote"
Is my social security number a CUSIP number? ›
A cusip for a debt is simply a 'social security' number for the securities. The CUSIP number acts as the identifier for the bond. That is, by typing in the actual cusip for the bond, the bond information would 'pop up', much like if you punched in your social security number or drivers license number.
Does my birth certificate have a CUSIP number? ›
CUSIP numbers are assigned to securities, like bonds and stocks, for the purposes of facilitating trade and settlement. They are not related to personal documents like birth certificates. The concept that birth certificates are linked to financial instruments is a myth and has no basis in legal or financial reality.
What is an example of a CUSIP? ›
Finding the CUSIP number
CUSIP numbers are publicly available through the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board. The financial statements related to the purchase or disposal of securities too contain the CUSIP number. Some CUSIP number examples are Apple 037833100, Microsoft 594918104 and Amazon Inc 023135106.
How do I find out if my old stock certificates are worth anything? ›
Search for unclaimed property on Department of Revenue website. There are many resources on the internet. Some resources will trace the history of stock certificates and companies to determine whether or not the stock certificate has any value. Some resources provide research services for a fee.
Is CUSIP always 9 digits? ›
A full Cusip code consists of 9 digits. The first six characters are known as the base (or CUSIP-6), and identify the issuer (company). Example: Microsoft Inc has the code “594918”. The seventh and eighth digit identify the exact issue or instrument.
Each security's CUSIP number is publicly available. For US governmental issuers, a bond's CUSIP or information can be located through the MSRB's Electronic Municipal Market Access system (EMMA).
How much does it cost to get a CUSIP? ›
The application fee for a CUSIP number is $100 and the maintenance fee is $80 per year.
Do individuals have a CUSIP number? ›
Everyone Gets a CUSIP! (Unless an Exception Applies.)
Where can I find the CUSIP number for a stock? ›
Perhaps the simplest is to request a stock quote on a broker's website, which often will include the CUSIP. You can also find the numbers on a brokerage's official statements sent to clients, or on physical stock or bond certificates if you own them.
How is CUSIP determined? ›
A CUSIP is a nine-character alphanumeric code. The first six characters are known as the base (or CUSIP-6), and uniquely identify the issuer. Issuer codes are assigned alphabetically from a series that includes deliberately built-in gaps for future expansion.
What is the difference between a ticker and a CUSIP? ›
The symbols send trade and price information via teletype, referred to as a ticker. This is why they are called ticker symbols. CUSIPs were established in the 1960s and are better suited for computers to track trades. The CUSIP is operated by Factset Research Systems Inc.
Does private stock have a CUSIP number? ›
When it comes to publicly-traded securities, CUSIP numbers are a legal requirement. However, private investments do not need a unique identification number—this is because they aren't transacted through public trading media and don't require clearing, so a CUSIP is not necessary, and is therefore not required.
What is a 6 digit CUSIP number? ›
The first six characters are known as the base (or CUSIP-6), and identify the issuer (company). Example: Microsoft Inc has the code “594918”. The seventh and eighth digit identify the exact issue or instrument. In the case of Microsoft that would be “594918 10 ”.
