A transit number is a code that identifies which branch of your bank holds your account
Your transit number tells the banking system exactly where your account lives. When money moves between banks—whether you're receiving a direct deposit, paying a bill by bank transfer, or sending money to someone else—the transit number routes that payment to the right physical location. Without it, the system doesn't know which of your bank's hundreds or thousands of branches should receive or send the funds.
In Canada, a transit number is a five-digit code. In the United States, the equivalent is called a routing number and is nine digits long. Both serve the same purpose: they're the address of your branch within the banking network. Your account number identifies you; your transit or routing number identifies where you bank.
You'll need your transit number whenever you set up automatic payments, arrange a direct deposit from an employer, or transfer money between your account and another bank. It's printed on your cheques and available through your bank's website or mobile app, or by calling customer service.
Key Takeaways
- A transit number identifies the specific branch where your account is held, not the account itself.
- In Canada, transit numbers are five digits; in the US, routing numbers are nine digits and serve the same function.
- You need your transit number to set up direct deposits, automatic bill payments, and transfers between banks.
- Your transit number appears on the bottom left of your cheques and is available through online banking or by calling your bank.
Where to find your transit number
The easiest place to find your transit number is on a cheque from your account. Look at the bottom left corner: you'll see a series of numbers. The first five digits are your transit number, followed by your account number. If you don't have a cheque handy, log into your online banking portal or mobile app—most banks display your transit number in the account details section, sometimes labeled as "branch number" or "transit code."
You can also call your bank's customer service line and provide your account number. They'll give you your transit number over the phone. Some banks print it on statements as well, though not all do. If you're unsure which number is which, ask your bank directly rather than guessing—using the wrong transit number will send money to the wrong place.
Transit number versus account number
These two numbers work together but mean different things. Your transit number identifies your branch; your account number identifies you within that branch. Think of it like a postal address: the transit number is the city and street, and your account number is your house number. You need both to complete a transaction.
When you give someone your banking information for a transfer or direct deposit, you'll provide both numbers. Some forms ask for them separately; others ask for your "transit and account number" as one piece of information. The order is usually transit number first, then account number, but always check the form to be sure.
How transit numbers are used in payments
When your employer sets up direct deposit, they use your transit number to route your paycheque to your branch. When you set up an automatic bill payment through your bank, the system uses your transit number to confirm where the payment should come from. If you're receiving a wire transfer from another bank, the sender's bank uses your transit number to find the right destination.
The transit number is also used in ACH transfers (automated clearing house transfers), which are common for moving money between personal accounts or paying bills. The clearing house—the system that processes these transfers—reads your transit number and directs the payment accordingly. Without the correct transit number, the payment may be rejected or delayed while the bank tries to figure out where it should go.
What happens if you use the wrong transit number
If you provide an incorrect transit number, the payment will either be rejected outright or sent to the wrong branch. In some cases, the receiving bank will catch the error and return the funds to the sender, which can take several business days. In other cases, the money may sit in a suspense account while the banks sort out where it belongs.
If you've already sent money with the wrong transit number, contact your bank immediately. Provide them with the transaction details—the amount, the date, and the incorrect transit number you used. Your bank can work with the receiving bank to trace the payment and redirect it. The sooner you report the error, the faster it can usually be corrected. Don't assume the money is lost; most misdirected payments can be recovered, but it requires action from your bank.
Transit numbers for different types of accounts
Your transit number depends on which branch holds your account, not on the type of account you have. Whether you have a chequing account, savings account, or money market account, the transit number remains the same if all accounts are at the same branch. If you have accounts at different branches of the same bank, each account will have a different transit number.
If you move your account to a different branch or switch banks entirely, your transit number changes. Make sure to update any automatic payments or direct deposits with your new transit number. Your old transit number won't work for new transactions, though it may still be valid for a short period while the system processes the change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my transit number the same as my routing number?
In Canada, it's called a transit number; in the US, it's called a routing number. They serve the same purpose—identifying your branch—but use different numbering systems. Transit numbers are five digits; routing numbers are nine digits. If you're working with a US bank, ask for your routing number instead.
Can someone steal money from my account if they have my transit number?
Your transit number alone is not enough to access your account. A thief would also need your account number and, for most transactions, additional verification like a password or PIN. Transit numbers are semi-public information—they're printed on cheques and available through public directories. Treat your account number as private, but don't worry if your transit number becomes known.
Do I need my transit number to receive money?
Yes. Anyone sending you money—whether it's a direct deposit, a transfer, or a wire—needs your transit number and account number to route the payment to you. Make sure you give them the correct transit number for the branch where your account is held.
What if my bank doesn't have branch numbers, only one central location?
Online banks and some credit unions may use a single transit or routing number for all accounts, regardless of where the customer lives. Check your cheques or online banking to find the number assigned to your account. If you can't locate it, call customer service and ask for your transit number or routing number.
Can my transit number change?
Yes, if you move your account to a different branch or if your bank merges with another bank and restructures its branch system. When this happens, your bank will notify you and provide your new transit number. Update any automatic payments or direct deposits to use the new number.