Your bank's ABA number is a nine-digit code that identifies which bank holds your account
The ABA number (also called a routing number) tells the financial system which specific bank to send money to when you receive a transfer or payment. It is not the same as your account number. The ABA number identifies the bank itself; your account number identifies you within that bank.
Every bank in the United States has its own ABA number. When you give someone your banking information to send you money—whether a tax refund, insurance payment, business reimbursement, or a personal transfer—you provide both your ABA number and your account number so the money reaches the right place.
The number comes from the American Bankers Association, which created the system decades ago to route payments through the banking network. Today, the Federal Reserve and the banking system use ABA numbers to process millions of transfers daily.
Key Takeaways
- Your ABA number is a nine-digit code specific to your bank branch or bank, not to you personally.
- You need your ABA number and account number together when setting up direct deposit for refunds or payments.
- You can find your ABA number on the bottom left of your checks, on your bank's website, or by calling your bank.
- Different banks have different ABA numbers, and some large banks have multiple ABA numbers for different regions or divisions.
Where to find your ABA number
The easiest place to look is the bottom left corner of any check you have from that account. The first nine digits printed there are your ABA number. The next set of digits is your account number.
If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app. Most banks display the ABA number (sometimes labeled "routing number") in the account details or settings section. You may need to click on a link like "Account Information" or "Transfer Details."
You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for your ABA number. Have your account number ready when you call. Some banks also list the ABA number on statements or deposit slips.
Why you need it for refunds and payments
When you set up direct deposit for a tax refund, insurance refund, or business payment, the paying organization needs to know where to send the money. You give them your ABA number and account number, and their system routes the payment to your specific bank and account.
Without the correct ABA number, the payment may go to the wrong bank or fail to process. If you provide the wrong number, the money could end up in someone else's account at a different bank, or the transfer could be rejected and delayed.
The IRS, state tax agencies, insurance companies, and employers all use ABA numbers to process direct deposits. When you file taxes online or update your refund information, you will see fields asking for your routing number (ABA number) and account number.
ABA numbers and account numbers are not the same
Your ABA number identifies your bank. Your account number identifies your specific account within that bank. A bank may have thousands of customers, but it has only one ABA number (or a few if it is a large institution with multiple divisions).
When you provide banking information, you must give both numbers. The ABA number tells the system which bank to contact. The account number tells that bank which account to deposit the money into. Providing only one is not enough.
For example, two people at the same bank will have the same ABA number but different account numbers. Two people at different banks will have different ABA numbers but might coincidentally have similar account numbers.
What happens if you use the wrong ABA number
If you provide an incorrect ABA number when setting up a refund or payment, the transfer will likely be rejected before it leaves your bank. The paying organization's system will not find a valid bank matching that number and will return an error.
In some cases, the money may be sent to a different bank by mistake. If this happens, that bank will usually reject the deposit because the account number does not match any account at their institution. The payment will bounce back to the sender, and you will have to resubmit with the correct information.
This can delay your refund or payment by several days or weeks, depending on how quickly the error is caught and corrected. Always double-check your ABA number before submitting banking information for a refund or direct deposit.
Large banks and multiple ABA numbers
Some large banks operate multiple divisions or have branches in different regions, and each division or region may have its own ABA number. Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and other national banks sometimes have more than one routing number depending on which part of the bank holds your account.
If you have accounts at different branches or divisions of the same bank, they may have different ABA numbers. When you look up your ABA number, make sure you are looking it up for the specific branch or division where your account is held.
Your bank's website will show you the correct ABA number for your account. If you are unsure which one to use, call your bank and confirm the ABA number for the specific account you are using for the refund or payment.
How to verify your ABA number is correct
Before you submit your banking information for a refund or payment, verify that your ABA number is correct. Check it against your checks, your bank's website, or your most recent statement.
Some banks provide a verification tool on their website where you can enter your ABA number and see which bank it belongs to. The Federal Reserve also maintains a database of ABA numbers, though it is not designed for public lookup.
If you are unsure, contact your bank directly. It takes only a minute to confirm, and it can prevent your refund or payment from being delayed or sent to the wrong place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my ABA number the same as my routing number?
Yes. ABA number and routing number are the same thing. Banks use both terms interchangeably. When a form asks for your routing number, provide your ABA number.
Can I use someone else's ABA number to receive money?
No. The ABA number must match the bank where your account is held. If you use a different bank's ABA number, the money will go to that bank, not yours, and will likely be rejected.
Do I need my ABA number to send money to someone else?
Yes. To send money via bank transfer or set up a payment to another person's account, you need their ABA number and account number. You will also need your own ABA number and account number to authorize the transfer from your account.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
After a merger, your account may be assigned a new ABA number. Contact your bank to confirm your current ABA number. If you have pending refunds or payments set up with the old number, notify the paying organization so they can update their records.
Is it safe to share my ABA number?
Your ABA number is not sensitive information—it is printed on every check you write and is public. However, never share your full banking information (ABA number plus account number) with anyone you do not trust. Share it only with organizations you know are legitimate.