Routing Number Vs. Account Number: What You Need To Know (2024)

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You may swipe your debit card or make deposits without thinking twice, but it’s helpful to know how banks and credit unions keep track of your spending and saving. That’s where routing and account numbers come into play.

If you have any type of bank account, it’s worth knowing about these numbers—and where to find them.

What Is a Routing Number?

A routing number is a nine-digit number that identifies a financial institution. This number may be called an ABA number, ABA routing number, bank ABA number or transit ABA number. The American Bankers Association developed the ABA routing number system in 1910 as a way to tell one bank from another.

The ABA routing number system covers federally and state-chartered banks and financial institutions that process check transactions. It extends to banks that participate in other activities, such as Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments, electronic funds transfers and online banking.

If your bank or credit union maintains an account with the Federal Reserve Bank, it has an ABA routing number. Only financial institutions that meet this requirement and have a federal or state charter can apply for a routing number with the ABA.

The U.S. is the only country that uses ABA routing numbers to identify banks when sending and receiving money. Foreign banks use IBAN, which is short for International Bank Account Number.

How to Find the Routing Number

There are a variety of scenarios when you may need to provide your bank ABA number. You may need a routing number to:

  • Set up direct deposit with your employer
  • Receive a direct deposit of a tax refund or stimulus check
  • Send or receive a wire transfer
  • Receive direct deposit of government benefits
  • Pay your mortgage or other bills online
  • Schedule an electronic ACH payment
  • Link your bank accounts to a budgeting app
  • Send or receive money in transactions with friends and family

There are three ways to find your routing number: on a check, online or by contacting your financial institution.

Which Number Is the Routing Number on a Check?

If your checking account comes with paper checks, they’re the first place to search for your routing number.

When you look at the front of a check, you’ll see a row of numbers at the bottom. Specifically, you should see three groups of numbers, separated by spaces or special characters. Looking at the bottom of the check, the first group of numbers (labeled “1” in the image below) is the bank routing number.
Routing Number Vs. Account Number: What You Need To Know (1)
An easy way to tell if it’s your bank routing number is to count the digits and confirm there are nine. If there are more or fewer than nine digits, odds are you’re looking at your checking account number (labeled “2” above).

How to Find Your Routing Number Online

Finding your routing number may be as simple as visiting your financial institution’s website.

Banks and credit unions often publish their ABA numbers online. Unlike a bank account number, a bank routing number is public information and doesn’t need to be secured or protected.

You may be able to find this number right on the homepage of the bank’s website. If not, log in to your account online or mobile banking app to find the routing number.

Here’s another way to find a bank routing number online: use the ABA routing number lookup tool.

The American Bankers Association’s free tool lets you search for any bank’s routing number by entering the financial institution’s name, city, state and ZIP code.

How to Find Your Bank Routing Number by Contacting the Bank

Still can’t find your routing number? Contact the bank or credit union.

A teller should be able to provide your bank’s transit ABA routing number over the phone, in person or at the drive-through window.

What Is an Account Number?

An account number is a set of digits used to identify a bank account, such as a checking or money market account. Banks assign account numbers to each account you own.

For example, if you open a checking and savings account at the same bank, you’d have two different account numbers and one ABA routing number. If you have checking accounts at two different banks, each account would have a unique account number and each bank would have a unique routing number.

Your account number tells the bank where to add or deduct money when transactions are posted. For that reason, keeping your bank account numbers secure is important. Otherwise, someone might be able to use your information to access your accounts fraudulently.

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How to Find the Account Number

As with your routing number, you can find your account number on a check, online or by contacting the financial institution.

How to Find Your Bank Account Number on a Check

As mentioned, three sets of numbers are printed at the bottom of paper checks. The first is the check routing number used to identify your bank.

Your account number is the second set of numbers (labeled “2” in the image above). Different banks and credit unions issue account numbers of varying lengths, but in most cases, account numbers range from eight to 12 digits.

The account number should be distinct from the ABA routing number.

A check’s last set of digits represents the check number (labeled “3” in the image above). This is typically fewer digits than the bank routing or checking account number.

How to Find Your Bank Account Number Online

Getting your bank account number online can be tricky—banks and credit unions may encrypt this information to protect against fraud or identity theft. When you log in to online or mobile banking, you may only see the last four digits of your account number displayed. However, some banks and credit unions show the full bank account number online and in the mobile app.

Another possible way to find your bank account number online is by downloading a copy of your electronic or paper statement. Depending on the bank, your full account number may or may not be included there—some banks may only provide the last four digits.

How to Find Your Bank Account Number by Contacting the Bank

Ask the bank or credit union for the number if you can’t view your bank account number online and don’t have checks. You can do this by phone or in person.

Be prepared to provide proof of identity to verify your status as the account owner first. This may mean supplying your Social Security or driver’s license number or answering one or more security questions.

Routing Number vs. Account Number

A routing number is used to identify a specific bank or credit union. An account number identifies a bank account within a financial institution. Together, these two numbers ensure that money is added to or deducted from the right account.

Example: When You Might Use Your Routing Number and Account Number

Let’s say that you owe the IRS $5,000 in taxes and plan to pay using your checking account. Knowing your routing and account numbers will come in handy.

You’ll need to provide personal information, including your name, address, Social Security number, date of birth and the tax year. And you’ll be prompted to provide the following information:

  • Payment amount
  • Payment date
  • Bank ABA routing number
  • Bank account number
  • Type of account

You won’t be able to make a payment with your account until you enter your information and confirm the account number. The IRS will require you to verify your account number to ensure you’re paying with the correct account. Mixing up your routing number with the account number or leaving out numerals could result in your payment not being processed.

How to Manage Routing Numbers and Account Numbers

Knowing your ABA routing and account numbers is important if you need them for financial transactions. But as with any other financial information, keeping your details safe is important.

Someone could, for example, use your bank routing number and checking account number to order fraudulent checks. Or they may be able to initiate a fraudulent ACH withdrawal from your account.

Here are a few tips for managing bank ABA numbers and account numbers securely:

  • Avoid writing down account numbers. Similar to your Social Security number or debit card PIN, you’re better off committing your account numbers to memory if possible.
  • Destroy voided checks. If you have to void a check for any reason, be sure to destroy it rather than just tossing it in the trash.
  • Don’t share account information. Giving your bank account numbers to individuals or entities you don’t know can be risky. If you’re asked to share your account information, verify that the request comes from a trusted source.
  • Be selective about the apps you use. Personal finance apps can make managing your money easier. But they can be targets for hackers and scammers who may use malware or phishing attacks to steal your information. Before linking your bank accounts to an app, make sure it’s legitimate.

It’s important to ensure you correctly enter your bank ABA and account numbers. Entering an incorrect routing or account number could result in money being sent to or received by the wrong account. Double-checking each set of numbers in situations where you’re required to share them for a financial transaction can help avoid banking headaches.

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Bottom Line

Your financial institution’s ABA routing number is an important piece of information, as is your bank account number. Knowing how to find your ABA routing number and your account number matters for managing your daily finances.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a bank transit ABA number?

A bank transit ABA number is a nine-digit number that differentiates one financial institution from another. The American Bankers Association developed bank routing numbers to identify financial institutions.

How many digits is a routing number?

A bank ABA number or routing number is nine digits.

How many digits is an account number?

It’s common for bank account numbers to have anywhere from eight to 12 digits.

Routing Number Vs. Account Number: What You Need To Know (2024)

FAQs

Routing Number Vs. Account Number: What You Need To Know? ›

Routing vs Account Number

What is the difference between routing and account number? ›

While the routing number identifies the financial institution's name, the account number—usually between eight and 12 digits—identifies your account. If you hold two accounts at the same bank, the routing numbers will usually be the same, but your account numbers will be different.

Is it safe to give someone your routing number and account number? ›

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. If a criminal has both your routing number and account number they can potentially steal money from your account through fraudulent ACH transfers and payments.

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

Fortunately, a scammer can't withdraw money from your bank account with just your account number. To do so, they'd also need your bank's routing number.

What is the routing and account number info? ›

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.

Can two 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.

Does your routing number matter? ›

A routing number is a nine-digit bank identification number. Think of it as a numerical address that allows a bank to send and receive money from other financial institutions. The routing number identifies the financial institution responsible for the payment and ensures that funds go to the right place.

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

If someone gains access to your bank account and routing numbers, they can use the information to fraudulently withdraw or transfer money from your account. They can also create fake checks, claim your tax return or commit other forms of financial fraud.

What information does a scammer need to access my bank account? ›

The easiest way to become a victim of a bank scam is to share your banking info — e.g., account numbers, PIN codes, social security number — with someone you don't know well and trust. If someone asks for sensitive banking details, proceed with caution.

When someone asks for bank details, what do you give them? ›

Full name. 6-digit sort code. 8-digit account number.

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.

Which bank details are safe to give out? ›

It's generally considered safe to give out your account number and sort code, but you should always use common sense and avoid sharing your bank details with people you don't know or expect payments from.

What can you pay for with account and routing number? ›

Online Stores That Accept Routing and Account Numbers for Payment
  • Amazon. Amazon is the world's largest online retailer and accepts payments with checking account numbers. ...
  • Walmart. Walmart, a multinational retailer, allows customers to pay with their checking account numbers. ...
  • Microsoft Store. ...
  • Overstock.com. ...
  • Best Buy. ...
  • Target.
Feb 24, 2024

Is account number and routing number sensitive information? ›

If someone has access to both your bank account and routing number, they could make fraudulent ACH transfers and payments out of your account. In other words, you could wind up being scammed. That's why it's so important to understand this aspect of your personal finances and protect your money.

What app can I send money with routing and account number? ›

If you want to make instant transfers with routing and account numbers without verification, you can rely on money transfer apps such as Zelle, Wise, PayPal, or other digital banking services. These apps make it easy to move money fast using your routing and account numbers.

Can you verify a bank routing number? ›

Confirm the bank routing number provided on the ABA Routing Number Lookup website. Note that many scams involve use of valid routing numbers; therefore results provided by this website should not be taken as confirmation that a payee is legitimate.

How many digits is a routing and account number? ›

Routing numbers are always 9 digits long. Account numbers may be up to 17 digits long. Some banks list the routing number first on the check, while other banks list the account number first, and still more list the routing number, check number, then account number.

How do I know my account number? ›

It can be found on the main page with all the account details. Every cheque leaf also has the account number printed on it. Passbook or Monthly Statements : Passbook: most public sector banks still provide a passbook which comprises all the debits and credits of the bank account.

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 routing number 101089742? ›

101089742 is a routing number used for PATHWARD, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION in SD. This routing number supports ACH transfers.

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