The core information ACH requires
An ACH payment needs five pieces of information to move money from one bank account to another: the account holder's name, the account number, the routing number, the bank name, and the account type (checking or savings). Without all five, the payment will not go through. Most of the time you will provide these on a form — either on paper, through a website, or over the phone — and the receiving bank will verify them before accepting the transfer.
The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the specific bank or credit union. The account number is unique to that person's account at that bank. Together, they tell the ACH network exactly where the money should land. If either one is wrong, the payment bounces back to the sender, usually within one to two business days.
You do not need to provide a physical address, Social Security number, or driver's license for a basic ACH payment to go through. However, some organizations — particularly those handling tax payments, loan payments, or large transfers — may ask for additional information to verify your identity or meet regulatory requirements.
Key Takeaways
- An ACH payment requires the account holder's name, account number, routing number, bank name, and account type before it can be processed.
- The routing number identifies the bank; the account number identifies the specific account within that bank.
- If the routing number or account number is incorrect, the payment will be rejected and returned within one to two business days.
- Some organizations may request additional information such as a Social Security number or address for identity verification or regulatory compliance.
- You can find your routing number and account number on the bottom left of your checks or by contacting your bank directly.
Where to find routing and account numbers
Your routing number and account number appear on the bottom of your checks in a specific order. The first nine digits on the left are the routing number. The second set of digits — usually longer — is your account number. If you do not have checks, call your bank's customer service line or log into your online banking portal; both will display these numbers.
Some banks print the routing number differently depending on the region or branch, so if you are sending money to a different state, confirm you have the correct routing number for the receiving bank's location. Credit unions use routing numbers too, and they work the same way. If you are unsure, ask the person or organization receiving the payment which routing number they need — they may have a specific one on file.
Account type matters for processing
You must specify whether the account is checking or savings because the ACH network processes them differently. A checking account is typically used for frequent transactions and withdrawals. A savings account is meant for money you are holding rather than spending regularly. The ACH system treats them as separate account types, and sending money to the wrong type can cause delays or rejection.
If you are unsure which type of account you have, check your bank statement or online banking dashboard — it will say "checking" or "savings" clearly. When you set up an ACH payment through a website or form, you will usually see a dropdown menu or radio buttons asking you to choose. Select the correct one before submitting.
Information the receiving organization may request
Beyond the five core pieces, organizations handling ACH payments often ask for your name, address, phone number, and email. These help them match the payment to your account in their system and contact you if something goes wrong. Some will ask for a Social Security number or tax ID, particularly if the payment is for taxes, student loans, or other government-related transfers.
Employers setting up direct deposit will ask for your name, address, and sometimes your date of birth to verify your identity in their payroll system. Utility companies and loan servicers may ask for your account number with them (separate from your bank account number) so they know which bill or loan the payment is for. Always ask why they need a piece of information if it is not obvious — legitimate organizations will explain.
What happens if you provide wrong information
If the routing number is incorrect, the payment will be rejected by the receiving bank within one to two business days, and the money returns to your account. If the account number is wrong but the routing number is correct, the payment may be rejected, or it may land in someone else's account at that bank. This is rare but serious — contact your bank immediately if you realize you sent money to the wrong account number.
If the account holder's name does not match the account number, some banks will reject the payment; others will process it anyway. The safest approach is to make sure the name you provide matches the name on the account exactly as it appears at the bank. If the account is under "Robert J. Smith" but you write "Bob Smith," there is a small risk of rejection or delay.
Most ACH payments that are rejected are returned within two business days. If your payment does not arrive and you do not see a return within that window, contact the organization that initiated the payment and ask them to check the status. They can see whether it was rejected and why.
Verifying information before you submit
Before you give your banking information to anyone, confirm you are dealing with a legitimate organization. Check the website URL, call the organization's main phone number (not one provided in an email), and verify that the person asking for the information works there. Scammers often pose as banks, utilities, or government agencies to collect banking details.
Once you have confirmed legitimacy, double-check every digit of your routing number and account number before submitting. Read the information back to the person taking it, or take a screenshot of what you entered on a form. A single wrong digit can send your money to the wrong place or cause a delay of several days.
Information you should never provide for ACH
Do not give out your debit card PIN, online banking password, or full Social Security number unless the organization has a specific, documented reason to ask for it. Legitimate organizations will not ask for these over email, phone, or text. Your bank will never ask for your password through unsolicited contact.
If someone claims to be from your bank and asks for your account number, routing number, or other banking details via email or unsolicited phone call, hang up or delete the message and call your bank directly using the number on your statement or card. This is a common scam tactic, and your bank already has this information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use someone else's bank account to make an ACH payment?
Technically yes, but only if you have permission and the account holder authorizes it. The account holder's name must match the account number you provide. If you are making a payment on behalf of someone else, confirm with them first and make sure the receiving organization knows the payment is coming from a different account.
What if the bank name is slightly different from what I have?
The routing number is what matters — it identifies the exact bank. The bank name is helpful for your own records but is not used by the ACH network to process the payment. If the routing number is correct, the payment will go through even if you write the bank name slightly differently.
Do I need to provide information every time I make an ACH payment?
No. Once you set up an ACH payment to a specific account — such as through your employer for direct deposit or through a bill-pay service — you usually do not need to re-enter the information. The organization stores it securely and uses it for future payments unless you change it.
What if my account number has letters in it?
Account numbers are typically all digits, but some banks or credit unions may include letters. Enter exactly what your bank shows you, including any letters. The ACH system will process it correctly as long as it matches your actual account number at the bank.
How long does it take to verify ACH information?
Verification happens instantly when you submit the information. The ACH network checks the routing number and account type immediately. However, the actual transfer of money takes one to three business days depending on when you submit it and your bank's processing schedule.