How to Find Your Bank’s ABA Routing Number

Quick answer

• Your ABA routing number is a nine-digit code used to identify your bank for electronic transactions.
• You can find it on the bottom of your checks, in your online banking portal, or by calling your bank.
• It’s crucial for direct deposits, bill payments, and wire transfers.
• Ensure you have the correct number to avoid transaction delays or rejections.
• If unsure, always contact your bank directly for verification.

Who this is for

• Individuals needing to set up direct deposit for their paycheck or government benefits.
• Anyone looking to pay bills electronically or set up automatic payments.
• Individuals needing to send or receive wire transfers.

What to check first (before you act)

Goal and timeline

Before you search for your ABA routing number, clarify why you need it and when you need it by. Are you setting up a new direct deposit that needs to be active by your next payday? Do you need to make a bill payment today? Understanding your urgency will help you prioritize the fastest methods for finding the number.

Current cash flow

While not directly related to finding your ABA routing number, understanding your cash flow is vital for any financial transaction. Knowing your income and expenses will help you manage your accounts effectively once you’ve set up the necessary transfers or payments. This ensures you have sufficient funds to cover any transactions initiated with your routing number.

Emergency fund or safety buffer

Having an emergency fund is always a good financial practice. While it doesn’t directly impact how you find your ABA routing number, it provides peace of mind. Knowing you have a financial cushion means you can confidently set up automatic payments or direct deposits without worrying about unexpected shortfalls.

Debt and interest rates

If you’re looking to pay off debt, having your ABA routing number is essential for setting up payments. However, before you do, review your debts. Prioritize high-interest debt to save money in the long run. Check the official terms or your loan provider for specific details on payment methods and any associated fees.

Credit impact

Using your ABA routing number for electronic payments or direct deposits generally has a neutral to positive impact on your credit. On-time payments, whether direct or automatic, can help build a positive credit history. However, missed payments or overdrafts resulting from incorrect setup can negatively affect your credit.

Step-by-step (simple workflow)

Step 1: Identify the reason you need the ABA routing number.

• What to do: Determine if it’s for direct deposit, bill pay, a wire transfer, or another transaction.
• What “good” looks like: You have a clear understanding of the purpose, which will guide your search.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Assuming all transactions use the same number. Avoid this by noting the specific transaction type.

Step 2: Locate a check from your bank account.

• What to do: Find a physical check from the account for which you need the routing number.
• What “good” looks like: You have a check in hand.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Using an old or invalid check. Avoid this by ensuring the check is current and from the correct account.

Step 3: Find the ABA routing number on the check.

• What to do: Look at the bottom of the check. The ABA routing number is the first set of nine digits printed on the left, before your account number.
• What “good” looks like: You have clearly identified the nine-digit number.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Confusing it with the check number or account number. Avoid this by carefully noting the position of the routing number.

Step 4: Access your bank’s online banking portal.

• What to do: Log in to your bank’s website or mobile app.
• What “good” looks like: You are securely logged into your account.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Using an unsecured Wi-Fi network. Avoid this by using a trusted network or cellular data.

Step 5: Navigate to account information or settings.

• What to do: Look for sections like “Account Details,” “Profile,” “Settings,” or “Information.”
• What “good” looks like: You’ve found a section that displays your account specifics.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Getting lost in menus. Avoid this by looking for keywords related to account numbers or transaction information.

Step 6: Locate the ABA routing number within your account details.

• What to do: The routing number is often listed alongside your account number or in a dedicated section for electronic transactions.
• What “good” looks like: The nine-digit number is clearly displayed.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Not finding it immediately. Avoid this by checking different sub-sections within your account details.

Step 7: Contact your bank’s customer service.

• What to do: If you can’t find the number online or on a check, call your bank’s customer service line.
• What “good” looks like: You are speaking with a representative or have reached an automated system that can assist.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Calling the wrong number. Avoid this by finding the official customer service number on your bank’s website or the back of your debit card.

Step 8: Verify the routing number with the bank representative.

• What to do: When speaking with a representative, clearly state you need your ABA routing number. They may ask security questions to verify your identity.
• What “good” looks like: The representative confirms your ABA routing number.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Not verifying the number. Always ask them to repeat it and confirm it’s for the correct account type.

Step 9: Note the ABA routing number securely.

• What to do: Write down the number or save it in a secure digital location.
• What “good” looks like: You have the correct number readily accessible for your intended purpose.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Forgetting the number after you find it. Avoid this by saving it immediately in a place you can easily find later.

Step 10: Double-check the number before submitting it.

• What to do: Before entering the number for a transaction, compare it against your source (check, online banking, or bank confirmation).
• What “good” looks like: The number you are about to use precisely matches the verified number.
• Common mistake and how to avoid it: Transposing digits. Avoid this by reading each digit aloud and comparing it carefully.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Using the wrong ABA routing number	Rejected direct deposits, delayed bill payments, failed wire transfers.	Double-check the number against a reliable source before submitting.
Using an old or invalid check	May have an outdated routing number, leading to transaction errors.	Always use a current check or verify with your bank’s online portal or customer service.
Confusing ABA routing number with account number	Incorrectly setting up transactions, potentially leading to significant financial issues.	Carefully distinguish the nine-digit routing number from your longer account number.
Not verifying the number with the bank	May proceed with incorrect information, causing delays and potential fees.	If in doubt, always call your bank’s official customer service to confirm the number.
Entering the number incorrectly	Similar to using the wrong number; can cause similar transaction failures.	Read the number aloud and compare it digit by digit with your source before finalizing.
Using a routing number for the wrong account type	If your bank has different routing numbers for checking vs. savings or business accounts, transactions can fail.	Confirm the routing number is specifically for the account type you intend to use.
Relying on third-party websites	Some unofficial sites may list outdated or incorrect routing numbers.	Always use your bank’s official website, app, or a physical check.
Not noting the number securely	May have to repeat the search process later, causing inconvenience.	Save the verified number in a secure note on your phone or in a password manager.
Not checking for wire transfer specific numbers	Some banks use different routing numbers for domestic vs. international wire transfers.	If initiating a wire transfer, confirm with your bank if a specific number is required.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If you need to set up direct deposit for your paycheck, then find your ABA routing number from a current check or your online banking portal because this is required for electronic payroll.
• If you are paying a bill online and your bank offers this service, then find your ABA routing number as it’s essential for initiating electronic payments.
• If you are receiving a wire transfer, then confirm the exact ABA routing number with your bank because wire transfers are sensitive to accuracy.
• If you are unsure about the routing number for your savings account, then check your online banking or call your bank because savings and checking accounts may have different routing numbers.
• If you find your ABA routing number on an old check, then verify it with your bank’s current information because banks can change their routing numbers.
• If you are setting up an automatic bill payment, then ensure you have the correct ABA routing number to avoid late fees and service interruptions.
• If you are sending money via Zelle or a similar P2P service, then check if it uses your ABA routing number or a phone number/email address because these services vary in their setup.
• If you are an international sender needing to make a wire transfer to a US account, then ensure you have the correct ABA routing number and potentially the SWIFT code because international transfers have specific requirements.
• If you’ve recently switched banks, then do not use information from your old bank; find the new ABA routing number for your current accounts.
• If you are asked for a routing number for a specific type of transaction (e.g., ACH, wire), then confirm with your bank that the number you found is appropriate for that transaction type.

FAQ

What is an ABA routing number?

An ABA routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies a financial institution in the United States. It’s used to process electronic payments and other financial transactions.

Where can I find my ABA routing number on a check?

Your ABA routing number is typically found on the bottom left corner of your check. It’s the first set of nine digits printed there, preceding your account number.

Can I find my ABA routing number online?

Yes, most banks provide their ABA routing number through their official online banking portal or mobile app. Log in to your account and look for “account details” or “settings.”

Do I need a different routing number for my checking and savings accounts?

Sometimes, yes. Some banks use different routing numbers for checking and savings accounts. Always verify the specific routing number for the account you intend to use.

What happens if I use the wrong ABA routing number?

Using the wrong routing number can cause your transactions to be rejected, delayed, or misdirected. This could lead to late fees on bills or issues with direct deposit.

Is my ABA routing number the same as my account number?

No, they are different. The ABA routing number identifies your bank, while your account number identifies your specific account within that bank.

How do I find the routing number if I don’t have checks?

If you don’t have checks, the easiest way is to log into your bank’s online banking portal or call their customer service. They can provide you with the correct number.

Are routing numbers for international transfers the same?

No. For international wire transfers, you will typically need both the ABA routing number and the SWIFT code (also known as a BIC code) for the receiving bank.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Specific routing numbers for individual banks (Always check your bank’s official channels).
• Detailed instructions on how to set up specific types of electronic transactions (e.g., ACH setup, wire transfer initiation).
• Information on international banking and SWIFT codes.
• How to dispute a transaction made with an incorrect routing number.
• Advanced financial planning strategies that may involve using your routing number.