What Is an ABA Number?
An ABA number, also known as a bank routing number, is a nine-digit code that identifies banks in the U.S. That number makes it possible for banks to transfer money to and from customers’ accounts for transactions like wire transfers, direct deposit, and automatic bill payments. You can find it printed on your personal checks.
Key Takeaways
- An ABA number identifies financial institutions so they can conduct transactions such as wire transfers and direct deposits.
- ABA numbers have nine digits that you can usually find in the bottom left-hand corner of a personal check.
- An ABA number is also referred to as a bank's routing number.
- The American Bankers Association (ABA) created ABA numbers in 1910.
- Banks can have more than one ABA number based on their branch locations.
How To Find and Use ABA Numbers
You can get your account’s ABA number from several sources. The easiest solution is to locate the numbers at the bottom of one of your checks if you have a checkbook handy.
On Paper Checks
An ABA number is printed on every check. It's usually the nine-digit number in the bottom left-hand corner on personal checks. The number might appear somewhere else on computer-generated checks (like online bill payment checks or business checks).
You can also find your ABA number on deposit slips, typically in the same location.
Contact Your Bank
Some banks provide this information online, although you might need to log into your account to find the right number. Search your bank’s website for direct deposit forms or Automated Clearing House (ACH) information. Alternatively, call customer service and ask.
Use the Correct Number
Your bank may operate under several ABA numbers, so it’s essential to identify the one specific to your account. ABA numbers may differ slightly depending on where you opened your account, and bank mergers can result in multiple codes for the same bank. Some banks also use separate ABA numbers for wire transfers vs. direct deposit or ACH transactions.
You might have to use a different number for wire transfers or electronic bill payments even if you know the correct number for ordering checks. When in doubt, ask a customer service representative at your bank which number to use.
How ABA Numbers Work
All you have to do is provide your ABA number, along with your account number, to whoever is requesting it in most cases. Banks, billers, and your employer (or whoever else is setting up automatic transfers) can handle the logistics after that.
You may receive new ABA numbers if your bank fails or merges with another bank, but you don’t necessarily have to start using them right away.
Ask your bank if you can continue using the old numbers until you order new checks or sign up for new services. You can continue using old routing numbers indefinitely in some cases.
ABA numbers follow an intricate system:
Behind the Name
An ABA number is like an address that tells financial institutions where to find your account. ABA numbers may also be called routing transit numbers (RTNs) or check routing numbers for this reason.
They're Computer-Readable
Routing numbers are typically printed on checks using magnetic ink, which allows special machines to read the code more easily. Printers usually use MICR font regardless of whether magnetic ink is present, making it easy for computers to visually recognize the numbers. This can be helpful when you deposit a check by snapping a photo with your mobile device.
The first four digits are made up of the Federal Reserve Routing Symbol. The first two digits have different meanings based on their series. The ABA outlines each series on its website.
The next four digits are the ABA institution identifying digits.
The ninth digit provides a checksum or check digit. This is a complicated mathematical expression using the first eight digits. The transaction gets flagged and rerouted for manual processing if the end result does not equal the checksum number.
History of the ABA Number
The American Bankers Association (ABA) created ABA numbers in 1910 as a way to assign unique identifiers to each payment-issuing bank. Doing so reduced confusion for processing paper checks, which were the common form of payment at the time. ABA numbers have evolved over time to include the Federal Reserve’s payment processes and facilitate modern electronic payments.
How ABA Numbers Help Process Checks
The ABA number has played an instrumental part in speeding up check processing since the 1960s. Additionally, physical checks that needed to travel by airplane and truck to reach banks could now be submitted and cleared electronically with the passage of the Check 21 Act in 2003. Funds clear much more quickly as a result, and consumers no longer have the luxury of "playing the float" or issuing a check a few days before they actually have the funds in their account.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can you tell the difference between a routing number and an account number?
The routing number is usually the first, bottom-left number on your check and is followed by the account number. The routing number is always nine digits long, while your account number may be between 10 and 12 digits.
What is the difference between an IBAN number and an ABA number?
IBAN numbers, or international bank account numbers, are used for international bank routing throughout much of Europe. ABA numbers are specific only to the U.S. The U.S. does not use IBAN numbers for international banking. The U.S. uses SWIFT codes for international transfers.
How do I find my bank routing number without a check?
You can call your bank or check its online banking website for the information. The ABA also provides a lookup tool on its website.
ABA Number: What It Is, How It’s Used, and How to Find It
ABAs, ACHs, EFTs… All these acronyms can be very confusing for mobile bank users. If you’re trying to transfer money, especially to loved ones living overseas, it’s crucial to understand what these terms mean.
The process of transferring money doesn’t have to be complicated or risky. In this article, let’s take a look at what an ABA number is, how it’s used, and how to find it.
What Is an ABA Number?
In 1910, the American Bankers Association (ABA) created the ABA routing number, a set of numbers used to identify a specific financial institution during the payment process.
Initially, it was only designed as a way to determine the check-processing endpoint. Today, it also identifies participants in automated clearing houses (ACHs), electronic funds transfers (EFTs), and online banking.
How the ABA number has changed.
Over the years, the ABA bank routing number has changed for several reasons, including the Federal Reserve System. Magnetic ink character recognition (or MICR code) was invented as a unique technology that could be used for processing checks. It consists of a nine-digit code that appears on the left side of the bottom of checks. The code identifies the bank and branch involved in the transfer of funds.
Laws that affect the ABA number.
In addition, the ABA routing number changed due to the implementation of the Expedited Funds Availability Act (EFAA) and the Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act (Check 21).
The EFAA is a law enacted in 1987 to limit how long banks can hold a check and other deposits before clearing them for payment.
While banks tend to hold checks and electronic deposits to ensure they aren’t returned unpaid, they must abide by the following maximum time holds:
- Up to two business days for checks from accounts at the same bank.
- Up to seven business days for local checks.
- More extended periods for purposes that are deemed reasonable.
Check 21 is a law that was enacted in 2004 to help banks electronically process more checks. It allows financial institutions to create electronic images of checks for faster processing. This process, called check truncation, also reduces the cost of processing paper checks.
In any case, it typically takes two to five business days for a check to clear unless the amount being cashed is large (greater than $5,000). Electronic payments and electronic transactions often occur within a shorter period than checks.
What the Numbers in an ABA Number Mean
The ABA number, also known as the routing transit numbers (RTN) or check routing number, is part of the entire MICR code on a paper check.
The MICR string of characters comprises three parts from left to right on the check: a routing number, a bank account number, and a check number.
What an ABA routing number is.
The ABA number is the bank routing number, which is the first series of numbers on the far-left side of the MICR code. The routing number is printed with magnetic ink or MICR font that a computer uses to identify the bank or financial institutions associated with an account.
An ABA number doesn’t correspond to a particular type of account, so it can apply to checking accounts, savings accounts, and others.
The ABA routing number is made up of several parts:
- The first four digits identify the bank’s physical location.
- The fifth and sixth digits stand for the Federal Reserve Bank through which the electronic and wire transfers are routed.
- The seventh digit stands for the Federal Reserve check processing center the institution was assigned to
- The eighth digit stands for the Federal Reserve district.
- The last digit stands for a checksum, a value used to detect errors during data transfers.
How an ABA Number Is Used
The nine-digit ABA routing number is only issued to federal or state-chartered financial institutions in the United States. They must be eligible for an account at the Federal Reserve Bank to be given an ABA number.
The ABA number is the bank’s identification number. This identifier can be used to process checks, electronic checks, automated clearing house (ACH) transactions, electronic fund transfers (EFTs), and international wire transfers. This is also the same number often asked for when setting up direct deposits and automatic bill payments.
How to Find an ABA Number
Now that you know what an ABA number is, you’re probably wondering how to find it even if you don’t have any paper checks.
There are several easy ways to find an ABA number and its associated financial institution. You need to have a paper check, know the bank’s name, OR have access to your bank account online.
Find it via a check.
If you have a personal paper check, you can simply look for the nine-digit number along the far-left side of the bottom of the check.
A bank’s ABA is also found on the bottom of deposit slips in your checkbook. The number might be in a slightly different location if you’re looking for it on an e-check or a business check.
Look it up through a bank.
If you don’t have a paper check handy or you need the routing number for a debit card or credit card account, you can log into your account online to find it. The ABA number is usually found under direct deposit or ACH information.
If you don’t have an online account, you can also call the bank or look it up on its website. Be sure to use the correct number, as some banks have different ones for ACH, wire transfers, and direct deposit. If in doubt, confirm with the bank’s customer service representative.
Use an ABA number lookup tool
The American Bankers Association also offers a convenient ABA Routing Number Online Lookup Tool. You can enter the bank’s name and state to find the ABA number, or you can enter the ABA number to find out the bank.
Why an ABA Number Is Important
ABA routing numbers are essential for several reasons.
One, the ABA number allows financial institutions to trace where a money transfer is coming from and going to, making electronic processing more efficient.
Second, it eliminates potential errors that can cause transfer delays.
Last, you must safeguard your ABA number and bank account number to prevent thieves from making fraudulent transactions. When you send money internationally, we help you keep your Remitly account safe and secure.
Understanding what is an ABA number, how it’s used, and where to find it will make sending money to your family a breeze.
About Remitly
Remitly makes international money transfers faster, easier, more transparent, and more affordable. Our reliable and easy-to-use mobile app is trusted by over 5 million people around the world.
Demystifying the ABA Number: All You Need to Know
ABA number, or American Bankers Association routing transit number, is vital in electronic transactions, wire transfers, and check processing. Join to delve into ABA numbers’ origins, structure, and importance.
History and Purpose
The ABA number was first introduced in 1910 by the American Bankers Association to simplify and streamline the processing of paper checks. Since then, it has become crucial in electronic transactions, including direct deposits, wire transfers, and automatic bill payments.
Understanding the ABA Number Structure
The ABA number is a nine-digit numerical code assigned to a financial institution in the United States. The first four digits represent the Federal Reserve routing symbol, the next four digits denote the bank’s unique identifier, and the final digit serves as a check digit, ensuring accuracy.
- Federal Reserve Routing Symbol (Digits 1–4): These digits identify the Federal Reserve district and the branch responsible for the transaction.
- Bank Identifier (Digits 5–8): These digits are assigned by the American Bankers Association and distinguish the specific financial institution.
- Check Digit (Digit 9): This digit is calculated using a mathematical formula to verify the accuracy of the ABA number.
Finding Your ABA Number
Locating your ABA number is simple. You can find it in the bottom left corner of your checks, just before your account number. You can also access your bank’s website or contact customer service to obtain the ABA number. Additionally, online search tools, like the American Bankers Association’s Routing Number Lookup Service, can help you find the routing number of any financial institution in the United States.
Importance of ABA Number
ABA numbers play an essential role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the American banking system. They help:
- Facilitate transactions: ABA numbers allow banks to accurately process transactions, such as wire transfers and direct deposits, by directing them to the correct financial institutions.
- Prevent errors: The unique structure of the ABA number helps minimize the risk of transaction errors.
- Enable traceability: ABA numbers make tracing transactions back to their source possible, allowing for accountability and transparency.
The ABA number is an indispensable aspect of the American banking system, ensuring the accurate and efficient processing of transactions. By understanding the structure and purpose of ABA numbers, you can better navigate the world of personal finance and banking!
ABA Numbers: где их найти и как они работают
Номер ABA, также известный как номер банковского маршрута, представляет собой девятизначный код, который идентифицирует банки в США. Этот номер помогает другим банкам переводить деньги с ваших счетов на такие вещи, как банковский перевод переводы, прямой депозит и автоматическая оплата счетов.
ABA Origins
Еще в 1910 году Американская ассоциация банкиров (ABA) создала номера ABA как способ присвоения уникальных идентификаторов каждому банку-эмитенту платежа. Это уменьшило путаницу при обработке бумажных чеков, которые в то время были обычной формой оплаты. Прошли годы, и теперь цифры ABA учитывают процессы Федеральной резервной системы и более современные электронные платежи.
Найти и использовать номера ABA
Вы можете получить номер ABA своего аккаунта из нескольких источников. Если у вас под рукой есть чековая книжка, самое простое решение — получить числа из нижней части одного из ваших чеков.
На бумажных чеках: Номер ABA напечатан на каждом чеке. Обычно это номер из девяти цифр в левом нижнем углу для личных чеков.
Свяжитесь с вашим банком: Некоторые банки предоставляют эту информацию онлайн, хотя вам может потребоваться войти в свою учетную запись, чтобы найти правильный номер. Найдите на сайте своего банка форму прямого депозита или Автоматизированная Клиринговая Палата (ACH) информация. Или позвоните в отдел обслуживания клиентов и спросите.
Используйте правильный номер: В вашем банке может быть несколько номеров ABA, поэтому важно использовать один номер, специфичный для вашей учетной записи. Номера ABA могут отличаться в зависимости от того, где вы открыли свой счет, и слияния банков могут привести к появлению нескольких кодов для одного и того же банка. Некоторые банки также используют отдельные номера ABA для электронных переводов против прямой депозит или транзакции ACH.
Даже если вы знаете правильный номер для заказ чеков вам может понадобиться использовать другой номер для банковские переводы а также электронные счета . Если вы сомневаетесь, спросите представителя службы поддержки в вашем банке, какой номер использовать.
Как работают номера ABA
В большинстве случаев все, что вам нужно сделать, это предоставить свой номер ABA вместе с номером вашего счета тому, кто его запрашивает. После этого банки и ваш работодатель (или кто-либо другой устанавливает автоматические переводы) занимаются логистикой.
Если твой банк обанкротился или слияния, вы можете получить новые номера ABA — но вам не обязательно начинать использовать их сразу.
Спросите в своем банке, можете ли вы продолжать использовать старые номера, пока не закажете новые чеки или не зарегистрируетесь для новых услуг. В некоторых случаях вы можете продолжать использовать старые номера маршрутов бесконечно.
Номера ABA используют сложную систему:
За именем: Номер ABA подобен адресу, который сообщает всем, где найти ваш аккаунт. В результате номера ABA также могут называться транзитными номерами маршрутизации (RTN) или проверять номера маршрутизации.
Машиночитаемые: Маршрутные номера обычно печатаются на чеках с использованием магнитных чернил, что позволяет специальным машинам легче читать код. Независимо от того, присутствуют ли магнитные чернила, принтеры обычно используют шрифт MICR, что упрощает распознавание цифрами компьютерами. Это полезно, когда вы депонировать чек, щелкнув фото с вашим мобильным устройством, например.
Первые четыре цифры изначально были назначены Федеральной резервной системой маршрутизации и представляют физическое местонахождение банка. Из-за приобретений и слияний эти цифры часто не коррелируют с географическим положением банка сегодня.
Пятая и шестая цифры определить, какой Федеральный резервный банк учреждения электронного и банковские переводы будет проложен через.
Седьмая цифра обозначает, какой центр обработки чеков Федеральной резервной системы был изначально присвоен банку.
Восьмая цифра обозначает, в каком Федеральном резервном округе находится банк.
Девятая цифра предоставляет контрольную сумму. Контрольная сумма является сложным математическим выражением, использующим первые восемь цифр. Если конечный результат не равен номеру контрольной суммы, транзакция помечается и перенаправляется для ручной обработки.
Роль ABA в обработке чеков
С 1960-х годов число ABA сыграло важную роль в значительном ускорении обработки чеков. Кроме того, с принятием Закона о проверке 21 в 2004 году физические проверки, необходимые для передвижения на самолете и грузовике до банков, теперь можно было отправлять и очищать в электронном виде. Это означает, что средства зачисляются намного быстрее, и потребители больше не могут позволить себе роскошь «разыгрывать деньги» или выдавать чек за несколько дней до того, как они фактически получат средства на своем счете.