An ABA number is a nine-digit code that identifies the specific bank or credit union where you hold an account
The ABA number, also called a routing number or routing transit number, tells the financial system which institution to send money to when you receive a wire transfer, direct deposit, or automatic payment. It is not the same as your account number — the ABA number identifies the bank itself, while your account number identifies your specific account at that bank.
The American Bankers Association created this system in 1910, which is why the code is called an ABA number. Every federally chartered bank, state-chartered bank, and credit union that participates in the Federal Reserve system has one. If you have a checking or savings account, your bank's ABA number appears on the bottom left of your checks, and you can also find it by calling your bank or logging into your online account.
Key Takeaways
- An ABA number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank or credit union, not your individual account.
- The ABA number appears on the bottom left of your checks and is required for wire transfers, direct deposits, and automatic bill payments.
- Different branches of the same bank may have different ABA numbers, so you need the code for your specific branch location.
- You can find your ABA number by checking a check, calling your bank, or searching the Federal Reserve's routing number database online.
Where to find your ABA number
The easiest place to locate your ABA number is on a check from your account. Look at the bottom left corner — the first nine digits printed there are your ABA number. The next set of digits is your account number, and the final number is a check digit used for verification.
If you do not have checks or prefer not to use them, call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number. You can also log into your online banking portal — most banks display the routing number in the account details or settings section. Some banks print it on statements as well.
The Federal Reserve also maintains a public routing number database at frbservices.org. You can search by bank name and state to confirm the correct ABA number for your branch. This is useful if you are unsure whether you have the right code or if you are sending money to someone else's account.
Why banks need different ABA numbers for different branches
Large banks often have multiple branches in different cities or states, and each branch may have its own ABA number. This helps the Federal Reserve and other financial institutions route money to the correct physical location. If you move to a different city and open an account at a branch there, that branch might have a different ABA number than your previous one.
When you set up a wire transfer or direct deposit, using the correct ABA number for your specific branch ensures the money reaches your account without delay. Using the wrong branch's ABA number can cause transfers to be rejected or routed to the wrong place, which is why it is important to double-check before you submit the information.
How ABA numbers work with wire transfers and direct deposits
When someone sends you a wire transfer, they need three pieces of information: your bank's ABA number, your account number, and your name. The sending bank uses the ABA number to identify your bank, then passes along your account number so your bank knows which account to deposit the money into. The process typically takes a few hours to one business day.
Direct deposits work the same way. Your employer or the organization sending the payment uses your ABA number and account number to route the deposit to your account automatically. If either number is wrong, the deposit may be delayed or sent back to the sender. That is why payroll departments and government agencies ask for both numbers when you set up direct deposit.
ABA numbers versus SWIFT codes and IBAN numbers
The ABA number is used only for transfers within the United States. If you are receiving money from outside the country, you will need a different code. International wire transfers use a SWIFT code (also called a BIC code), which identifies your bank globally. Some banks also use IBAN numbers (International Bank Account Numbers), which are used in Europe and some other regions.
Your bank can provide your SWIFT code and IBAN if you need them for international transfers. These codes serve the same purpose as an ABA number — they tell the sending bank where to route the money — but they work across different countries and banking systems. If you are only receiving money domestically, you only need your ABA number and account number.
What to do if you cannot find your ABA number
If you have looked at your checks, checked your online account, and called your bank without success, try searching the Federal Reserve's routing number database directly. Go to frbservices.org, select "Routing Number Lookup," and enter your bank's name and the state where your branch is located. The database will return the correct ABA number.
You can also contact your bank's main customer service line and explain that you need your routing number for a wire transfer or direct deposit. Have your account number ready when you call — the representative may ask for it to pull up your account and confirm the correct routing number for your branch. Some banks also list routing numbers on their website under a "Banking Information" or "Wire Transfer Instructions" page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my ABA number the same as my account number?
No. Your ABA number identifies your bank or credit union, while your account number identifies your specific account at that bank. Both are needed for wire transfers and direct deposits. The ABA number is always nine digits and appears first on the bottom of a check.
Can I use the same ABA number for all my accounts at the same bank?
Yes, if all your accounts are at the same branch location. However, if you have accounts at different branches of the same bank, each branch may have a different ABA number. Check your statements or contact your bank to confirm which ABA number applies to each account.
What happens if I give someone the wrong ABA number?
The transfer may be rejected, delayed, or sent to the wrong bank entirely. The sending bank will use the ABA number to route the money, so an incorrect code can cause the payment to fail. Always double-check the ABA number before confirming a wire transfer or setting up direct deposit.
Do credit unions have ABA numbers?
Yes. Credit unions that participate in the Federal Reserve system have routing numbers just like banks do. You can find your credit union's routing number on checks, in your online account, or by calling their member services line.