Where to find your ABA number
Your bank's ABA number (also called a routing number) is printed on the bottom left of every check you write. Look at the first nine digits on the left side of the bottom line — that's your ABA number. If you don't have checks handy, you can find it three other ways without leaving your house.
Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details, routing information, or wire transfer settings. Most banks display the ABA number prominently in these sections. If your bank doesn't show it online, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card and ask for your routing number — they'll give it to you in under a minute.
The Federal Reserve also maintains a searchable database of ABA numbers at frbservices.org. Enter your bank's name and state, and the system will return the correct number. This is especially useful if you've switched banks or want to verify you have the right number before sending money.
Key Takeaways
- Your ABA number appears as the first nine digits on the bottom left of any check you've written.
- Your bank's website, mobile app, or customer service line will provide the ABA number within minutes.
- The Federal Reserve's routing number database at frbservices.org lets you search by bank name and state.
- Different branches of the same bank may have different ABA numbers, so always verify you have the correct one for your specific branch.
Why you need the ABA number
Banks use the ABA number to route money to the correct financial institution during wire transfers, ACH payments, and direct deposits. When you set up a direct deposit for a paycheck or tax refund, the employer or government agency uses your ABA number to send the money to your bank instead of someone else's. Without the correct number, the transfer either fails or goes to the wrong account.
The ABA number is also required when you're receiving money from outside sources — insurance payouts, business refunds, government payments like stimulus checks or tax refunds. The sender needs both your ABA number and your account number to complete the transfer. Having the correct ABA number prevents delays and ensures the money reaches your account.
ABA numbers versus account numbers
The ABA number identifies your bank, while your account number identifies your specific account within that bank. On a check, the ABA number is the first nine digits on the bottom left, and your account number follows immediately after. Both are required to receive electronic transfers.
If you share a bank with someone else, you both have the same ABA number but different account numbers. This is why the sender needs both pieces of information — the ABA number gets the money to your bank, and the account number makes sure it lands in your account, not your neighbor's.
Verifying you have the correct ABA number
Before you give your ABA number to someone sending you money, double-check it against at least one other source. If you found it on a check, verify it through your bank's website or by calling customer service. If you looked it up online, confirm it by checking a recent check or calling your bank.
Pay special attention if you have accounts at multiple branches of the same bank. Larger banks sometimes assign different ABA numbers to different regions or branches. The ABA number for your local branch may not be the same as the one for a branch across town. Always use the number for the branch where your account is actually held.
What to do if you can't find your ABA number
If you don't have checks and your bank's website doesn't display the routing number, call the customer service number on your debit card. Have your account number ready — the representative will need it to pull up your account and confirm the correct ABA number. This call typically takes less than five minutes.
If you're having trouble reaching your bank by phone, try visiting a branch in person with your ID and debit card. Any teller can provide your ABA number on the spot. For online-only banks that don't have physical branches, the website or app is usually the only place to find it, though customer service chat or email can also provide it.
Common mistakes when using your ABA number
The most common error is transposing digits when writing down or typing the ABA number. Since it's nine digits, a single mistake can send money to the wrong bank. Always copy it directly from a reliable source — a check, your bank's website, or a customer service representative — rather than trying to remember it or write it from memory.
Another frequent mistake is using an old ABA number after a bank merger or name change. If your bank was acquired by another institution, the ABA number may have changed. Before setting up a transfer, confirm that the number you have matches your current bank's name and location. Your bank's website will always show the current, correct number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ABA number the same as the routing number?
Yes, ABA number and routing number are the same thing. Banks use both terms interchangeably. The nine-digit code on the bottom left of your checks is your routing number, and it's also your ABA number.
Can I use the same ABA number for wire transfers and direct deposits?
Yes, the same ABA number works for all types of electronic transfers — wire transfers, ACH payments, direct deposits, and bill payments. It identifies your bank regardless of the transfer method.
What happens if I give someone the wrong ABA number?
The transfer will either fail and bounce back to the sender, or it may go to a different bank entirely. Either way, the money won't reach your account. If this happens, contact the sender and provide the correct ABA number so they can try again.
Do I need a different ABA number for each account I have?
No, all accounts at the same branch use the same ABA number. Your account number is what distinguishes one account from another. If you have a checking and savings account at the same branch, they share the same ABA number but have different account numbers.
Is it safe to share my ABA number?
Yes, your ABA number is public information — it's printed on every check you write. However, never share your ABA number along with your account number to someone you don't trust, since together they can be used to withdraw money from your account.