What is an ABA number?

The ABA number is a nine digit code used to identify banks in the United States. It allows banks to make transfers to and from customer accounts, such as direct deposits and automatic bill payment. It is printed on personal checks.

The Key Takeaways

A ABA number identifies the financial institution so that it can perform transactions like wire transfers and direct deposit.
ABA numbers are nine digits and can be found in the lower left corner of a check.
A routing number for a bank is also known as an ABA number.
In 1910, the American Bankers Association (ABA), created ABA numbers.
Banks may have multiple ABA numbers based on the location of their branches.

How to find and use ABA Numbers

There are several ways to find out your account’s ABA Number. If you have your checkbook with you, the easiest way to find the numbers is at the bottom of a check.

On Paper Checks

Every check has an ABA number. The nine-digit number is usually found in the lower left corner of personal checks. On computer-generated checks, the number may appear in a different place (like on checks for online bill payments or business checks).

Note:

Your ABA number can be found on deposit receipts in the same place.

Contact Your Bank

You can also ask customer service. You can also ask customer service.

The correct number should be used

It’s important to know which ABA number is specific to your bank. ABA codes can differ depending on the location where you opened your bank account. Bank mergers may also result in different codes for the same institution. Some banks use different ABA numbers to distinguish between wire transfers and direct deposit, ACH or ACH transactions.

Even if you are familiar with the correct number to order checks, it is possible that you will need to use another number for Wire Transfers or Electronic Bill Payments. If you are unsure, contact your bank’s customer service to find out the correct number.

What are ABA numbers?

In most cases, you only need to provide your ABA and account numbers to whoever asks for them. After that, your bank, your biller, or employer (or anyone else setting up automatic transfer) will handle the logistics.

Note:

If your fails, or merges with another institution, you may be given a new ABA number. However, it is not necessary to use them immediately.

You can ask your bank whether you can use the old routing numbers until you place an order for new checks or subscribe to new services. In some cases, you can use the old routing numbers for as long as you want.

The ABA number system is complex.

The Name Behind the Name

A routing transit number (RTN) or check routing numbers is what financial institutions use to locate your account. ABA numbers are also known as routing transit numbers or check routing numbers.

They’re Computer-Readable

The numbers on the checks are usually printed using magnetic ink. This allows machines to read them more easily. Printers use MICR font, regardless of the presence or absence of magnetic ink. This makes it easier for computers to recognize the numbers.

The Federal Reserve Routing symbol is the first four digits. The meaning of the first two digits is different depending on which series they belong to. On its website , the ABA explains each series.

is a nine-digit checksum. It is a complex mathematical expression using only the first eight numbers. If the result of the transaction does not match the checksum, the transaction is flagged for manual processing.

History of the ABA number

In 1910, the American Bankers Association created ABA numbers as a means to identify each bank that issued payments. This reduced confusion when processing paper checks at the time, which was the most common payment method. ABA numbers evolved to accommodate the Federal Reserve payment process and modern electronic payments.

How ABA numbers help process checks

Since the 1960s, ABA numbers have been used to speed up check processing. The Check 21 Act of 2003 allowed physical checks to be cleared electronically instead of having to travel to banks by truck or airplane.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is the difference between an account number and a routing code?

The routing number will always be nine digits long, while your account number can range from 10 to 12 digits. The routing number will always be nine digits, but your account numbers can range from 10 to 12 digits.

What is the difference between IBAN and ABA numbers?

IBAN numbers (or international account numbers) are used to route international bank transactions in much of Europe. ABA numbers are unique to the U.S. IBAN numbers are not used by the U.S. for international banking. SWIFT codes are used by the U.S. for international transfers.