A transit number is a code that identifies which branch of a bank holds your account
A transit number is a four- or five-digit code that tells the banking system which specific branch processed your account. It is not the same as your account number or your bank's main routing number. When you write a check or set up a direct deposit, the transit number directs the payment to the right physical location within the bank's network.
Transit numbers are used almost entirely in Canada. In the United States, banks use routing numbers instead, which serve a similar purpose but are nine digits long. If you bank in Canada or receive payments from Canadian sources, you will encounter transit numbers. If you bank only in the US, you will use routing numbers and may never see a transit number.
The transit number appears on Canadian checks, usually printed in the lower left corner. It is also called a branch number or branch transit number. You can find it on your bank statements, on your debit card documentation, or by calling your bank's customer service line.
Key Takeaways
- A transit number identifies the specific branch where your Canadian bank account is held, not the bank itself.
- Transit numbers are four or five digits and appear on checks, statements, and account documents.
- The transit number works together with your account number and the bank's routing number to route payments correctly.
- Canadian banks use transit numbers; US banks use nine-digit routing numbers for the same purpose.
- You can find your transit number on a check, your bank statement, or by contacting your bank directly.
How transit numbers fit into the payment system
When a check clears or a direct deposit is processed, the banking system needs three pieces of information to reach the right account: the bank's routing number, the branch transit number, and your account number. The transit number narrows the destination down from the entire bank to the specific branch that holds your account.
On a Canadian check, the routing number and transit number are printed together in the lower left corner, usually formatted as five digits (routing) followed by four digits (transit). Your account number follows separately. This three-part system ensures that money reaches the correct branch and the correct account within that branch.
Direct deposits, bill payments, and electronic transfers all use the same system. When you provide your banking information to an employer or service provider, you give them the transit number so the payment knows where to go. Without it, the system cannot complete the transaction.
Where to find your transit number
The easiest place to find your transit number is on a check from your account. Look at the lower left corner—you will see a series of numbers. The first five digits are the routing number, and the next four digits are the transit number. If you do not have a check, your bank statement usually lists the transit number near your account information.
You can also contact your bank's customer service line and ask for your branch transit number. Have your account number ready when you call. Many banks also display this information in their online banking portal under account details or account settings.
If you are setting up a direct deposit or electronic payment and need the transit number, your bank can provide it in minutes. Some employers and service providers will ask you to confirm it before processing the payment, so having it on hand prevents delays.
Transit numbers versus routing numbers
The main difference is geography and length. Routing numbers are used in the United States and are nine digits long. Transit numbers are used in Canada and are four or five digits long. Both serve the same function: they direct payments to the correct bank branch.
If you have accounts at both a US bank and a Canadian bank, you will use a routing number for the US account and a transit number for the Canadian account. The systems do not overlap. A US routing number will not work on a Canadian check, and a Canadian transit number will not work on a US check.
When sending money between countries, you may need both numbers plus additional information like a SWIFT code or IBAN, depending on the banks involved. International transfers are more complex than domestic ones because they cross banking systems.
What happens if you provide the wrong transit number
If you give the wrong transit number, the payment may be delayed or sent to the wrong branch. The receiving bank's system will catch the mismatch and either return the payment or hold it while staff investigate. This process can take several business days.
For direct deposits, a wrong transit number usually means the deposit does not go through at all, and your employer will be notified of the error. You will then need to provide the correct information and resubmit. For checks, the check may be returned to the sender marked as undeliverable.
To avoid this, double-check the transit number before you provide it to an employer, service provider, or anyone sending you money. Confirm it against your check or bank statement, or call your bank to verify.
Transit numbers for different Canadian banks
Each branch of each Canadian bank has its own transit number. The Big Five Canadian banks—Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Toronto-Dominion (TD), Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank), Bank of Montreal (BMO), and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)—each have multiple transit numbers across their branch networks.
You cannot look up a transit number by bank name alone because the number is specific to the branch, not the bank. You must know which branch holds your account. If you have moved or opened an account at a different branch, your transit number may have changed.
Smaller banks and credit unions in Canada also use transit numbers. The format and length may vary slightly, but the purpose is the same: to identify your specific branch within the institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my transit number the same as my account number?
No. Your transit number identifies your branch; your account number identifies your specific account within that branch. Both are needed to process payments. The transit number is typically four or five digits, while account numbers are longer.
Do I need a transit number if I bank online?
You may not need it for everyday online banking, but you will need it if you set up direct deposits, make bill payments to external accounts, or receive payments from employers or government agencies. Online banking platforms usually ask for it during setup.
What if my bank closed the branch where my account is held?
Your account will be transferred to another branch, and your transit number will change. Your bank will notify you of the new transit number. Update any direct deposits or recurring payments with the new number to avoid delays.
Can I use the same transit number for multiple accounts at the same branch?
Yes. If you have more than one account at the same branch, they share the same transit number. The account number is what distinguishes between them.
Do I need a transit number to receive a wire transfer from outside Canada?
International wire transfers typically require a SWIFT code and sometimes an IBAN, not a transit number. Ask your bank which information the sender needs to provide. Domestic wire transfers within Canada use the transit number.