Your bank's ABA number is a nine-digit code that identifies which bank you use
The ABA number (also called a routing number) is a nine-digit code assigned by the American Bankers Association to every bank and credit union in the United States. It tells the financial system which institution holds your account. When money moves between banks — whether you're setting up direct deposit, sending a wire transfer, or paying a bill — the ABA number makes sure the funds reach the right place.
The number itself is printed on the bottom left of your checks. If you don't have checks, your bank's website or customer service can give it to you in seconds. You may also see it called a routing number, routing transit number, or RTN — these terms mean the same thing.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank's ABA number is a nine-digit code printed on the bottom left of your checks that identifies your specific bank.
- The same ABA number works for all accounts at that bank, regardless of which branch you use or what type of account you have.
- You need the ABA number whenever you set up direct deposit, arrange wire transfers, or authorize automatic bill payments.
- Your bank's website, customer service phone line, or a call to any branch can provide your ABA number within minutes.
Where to find your ABA number
The easiest place to find it is on a check. Look at the bottom left corner — you'll see a series of numbers. The first nine digits are your ABA number. The next set of numbers (usually longer) is your account number.
If you don't have checks or can't locate them, log into your bank's website or mobile app. Most banks display the routing number in the account details section, sometimes under "Account Information" or "Bank Details." You can also call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch in person — they'll confirm it over the phone or in writing.
For credit unions, the process is identical. Your credit union's ABA number appears on checks and in your online account portal. If you're unsure whether you're looking at the right number, ask your bank directly — there's no penalty for confirming.
Why banks assign different ABA numbers to different locations
Large banks often have multiple ABA numbers, one for each major region or processing center. This doesn't affect you as a customer — you use the same ABA number for all your transactions at that bank, no matter which branch you visit or which state you're in.
The reason banks maintain regional routing numbers is historical and operational. Before electronic banking, checks were physically sorted and sent to regional processing centers. That infrastructure still exists, and the ABA numbers reflect it. When you send money, the system routes it through the correct processing center based on the ABA number you provide.
If you move to a different state or switch branches, your ABA number stays the same. You don't need a new one, and your existing direct deposits or automatic payments won't be disrupted.
When you'll need to provide your ABA number
Direct deposit is the most common reason. Your employer or a government agency (like the IRS for tax refunds) needs both your ABA number and your account number to deposit money into your account. You'll provide both when you fill out a direct deposit form.
Wire transfers require it as well. If someone is sending you money through a wire, they'll give their bank your ABA number and account number so the funds reach your account, not someone else's. The same applies if you're sending a wire — you'll need the recipient's bank's ABA number.
Automatic bill payments also use it. When you set up a payment from your bank account to pay a credit card, utility bill, or loan, your bank uses the ABA number to route the payment correctly. ACH transfers (the electronic system most banks use for routine transfers) rely on the ABA number to move money between institutions.
The difference between ABA number and account number
These are two separate pieces of information, and you need both for most transactions. The ABA number identifies your bank. The account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Think of it this way: the ABA number is like the address of a post office, and the account number is like your mailbox inside it.
Your ABA number is the same for everyone at your bank. Your account number is unique to you. If you have multiple accounts at the same bank (a checking account and a savings account, for example), they share the same ABA number but have different account numbers.
On a check, the ABA number comes first (bottom left), followed by the account number. When you provide both to set up direct deposit or a wire transfer, the receiving bank uses the ABA number to find your bank, then uses the account number to find your specific account.
What happens if you provide the wrong ABA number
If you give the wrong ABA number, the money may be sent to the wrong bank. The sending bank will try to deliver it there, and if that bank doesn't recognize the account number, the transfer may be rejected and returned to the sender. This can take several business days.
In some cases, the money might be deposited into someone else's account at the wrong bank. This is rare but possible, and it creates a mess that requires both banks to investigate and reverse the transaction. The safest approach is to double-check the ABA number before you submit any transfer or direct deposit form.
If you've already sent money to the wrong ABA number, contact your bank immediately. They can attempt to recall the transfer, though success depends on whether the receiving bank has already processed it. The sooner you report it, the better your chances.
ABA numbers for different account types
Your bank uses the same ABA number for checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, and most other account types. The ABA number identifies the bank, not the account type. What changes is the account number — each account you hold has its own.
If you're setting up direct deposit for a paycheck, you'll use your checking account's ABA number and account number. If you want to transfer money to your savings account at the same bank, you'll use the same ABA number but a different account number. The system knows which account to deposit into based on the account number you provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my ABA number the same at every branch of my bank?
Yes. All branches of the same bank share the same ABA number. You don't need a different routing number if you switch branches or move to a different state. Your direct deposits and automatic payments will continue to work without any changes.
Can I find my ABA number without calling the bank?
Yes. Check the bottom left of any check you have — the first nine digits are your ABA number. You can also log into your bank's website or app and look for account details or bank information. If neither option works, a quick phone call to customer service will get you the answer.
Do I need a different ABA number for wire transfers versus direct deposit?
No. The same ABA number works for all types of transfers — wire transfers, ACH transfers, direct deposit, and automatic bill payments. You always provide your bank's ABA number along with your account number, regardless of the transaction type.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
After a merger, your bank may assign you a new ABA number or keep the old one, depending on how they consolidate systems. Your bank will notify you if your routing number changes. Update any direct deposits or automatic payments with the new number, but your existing transactions won't be affected during the transition period.
Is the ABA number on my debit card?
No. Your debit card shows your card number and expiration date, but not your ABA number. You'll find the ABA number on checks, in your online banking portal, or by calling your bank. The card number and ABA number are different identifiers used for different purposes.