An ABA number is a nine-digit code that identifies the specific bank or credit union where you hold your account
The ABA number (also called a routing number or routing transit number) tells the financial system which institution to send money to when you receive a wire transfer, direct deposit, or automatic payment. It is not the same as your account number. Your account number identifies you within that bank; the ABA number identifies the bank itself.
ABA stands for American Bankers Association, the organization that originally assigned these codes in the 1910s. The system has been in use ever since, and today nearly every bank, credit union, and financial institution in the United States has one. When you set up direct deposit at a new job or arrange a wire transfer, you will need both your ABA number and your account number to complete the transaction.
Key Takeaways
- An ABA number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank or credit union, separate from your personal account number.
- You can find your ABA number on the bottom left of your checks, in your online banking portal, or by calling your bank directly.
- Different branches of the same bank may have different ABA numbers, so confirm you have the correct one for your specific branch location.
- ABA numbers are required for wire transfers, direct deposits, automatic bill payments, and other electronic money movements.
Where to find your ABA number
The easiest place to locate your ABA number is the bottom left corner of any check you have from that account. The first nine digits printed there are your ABA number. If you do not have checks or prefer not to look them up that way, log into your online banking account—most banks display the routing number in the account details or transfer settings section.
You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number. Have your account number ready when you call. Some banks also print the ABA number on statements or deposit slips, though this varies by institution.
Why banks need your ABA number
When money moves electronically between banks, the system needs to know which bank to send it to. Your ABA number is how the Federal Reserve and other financial networks route that money correctly. Without it, a wire transfer or direct deposit would not know where to go.
Think of it like a postal address for your bank. Your account number is like your apartment number inside the building; the ABA number is the street address that gets the mail to the right building in the first place. Both pieces of information are necessary for the transaction to reach you.
ABA numbers and branch locations
Large banks with many branches sometimes assign different ABA numbers to different locations. If you opened your account at one branch and later moved or changed branches, you may need to update your ABA number for certain transactions. This is especially true for wire transfers, which are often branch-specific.
Before you provide your ABA number for a wire transfer or other critical transaction, confirm with your bank that the number matches the branch where your account is actually held. Using the wrong branch's ABA number can delay the transaction or cause it to fail entirely.
ABA numbers versus SWIFT codes and other identifiers
If you are receiving money from outside the United States, you may hear about a SWIFT code instead of an ABA number. SWIFT codes serve the same purpose as ABA numbers but for international transfers. A SWIFT code identifies your bank to the global financial system, while an ABA number works only within the U.S.
Some banks also use an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) for international transfers. Your bank can provide both your ABA number and your SWIFT code if you need them. For domestic transfers within the U.S., you will only need the ABA number and account number.
What happens if you use the wrong ABA number
If you provide an incorrect ABA number, the money may be sent to the wrong bank. Depending on the type of transaction, the receiving bank might reject it and send it back, or it might sit in a holding account while the error is sorted out. Direct deposits with a wrong ABA number typically fail and bounce back to your employer.
Wire transfers with an incorrect ABA number can take several days to reverse, and you may be charged a fee by your bank for the error. Always double-check your ABA number before submitting a wire transfer or setting up a new direct deposit. If you are unsure, call your bank and have them confirm the correct number for your specific account and branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my ABA number the same as my account number?
No. Your ABA number identifies your bank; your account number identifies you within that bank. You need both for electronic transfers. The ABA number is nine digits and appears on the left side of your checks. Your account number is usually longer and appears to the right of the ABA number.
Can I use the same ABA number for all my accounts at the same bank?
Usually yes, if all your accounts are at the same branch. However, if you have accounts at different branches of a large bank, each branch may have its own ABA number. Check your statements or call your bank to confirm which ABA number applies to each account.
Do I need an ABA number to receive a check?
No. Checks are written with your account number, not your ABA number. You only need an ABA number for electronic transfers like wire transfers, direct deposits, and automatic bill payments.
What if my bank does not have an ABA number?
All banks and credit unions in the United States that participate in the electronic payment system have an ABA number. If your institution does not, it may not be able to receive certain types of electronic transfers. Ask your bank directly if you have concerns.
Can someone steal money from my account if they have my ABA number?
Having only your ABA number is not enough to access your account. A person would also need your account number and typically additional verification. However, do not share your full banking information with people you do not trust. Treat your account number as private, even though your ABA number is less sensitive.