Your bank's ABA number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, or you can call your bank's customer service line and ask for it directly.
The ABA number (also called a routing number) is a nine-digit code that identifies which bank holds your account. You need it for wire transfers, direct deposits, automatic bill payments, and ACH transfers. The fastest way to find it depends on what you have access to right now.
If you have a checkbook, look at the bottom left corner of any check. The first nine digits are your ABA number. If you don't have checks or prefer not to dig through a drawer, your bank's website or a phone call to customer service will get you the answer in under five minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Your ABA number appears as the first nine digits on the bottom left of any check you have.
- You can find your ABA number on your bank's website by logging into your account or searching their routing number lookup tool.
- Calling your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card will get you the answer when ready.
- The ABA number is specific to your bank's location or branch, not to your individual account, so all customers at the same branch have the same ABA number.
Finding the ABA number on a check
The bottom of a check has three separate groups of numbers. Reading from left to right, the first group of nine digits is your ABA number. The second group is your account number. The third group is the check number itself.
This layout is standardized across all U.S. banks, so the position is always the same. If you're looking at an old check from years ago, the ABA number will still be correct—routing numbers don't change unless your bank merges with another bank or closes a branch.
Looking it up on your bank's website
Log into your online banking account and look for a section labeled "Account Details," "Routing Information," or "Wire Transfer Instructions." Most banks display the ABA number prominently in this section. Some banks also have a dedicated routing number lookup tool on their website that doesn't require you to log in—you just enter your state and bank name.
If you can't find it in your account dashboard, search the bank's website for "routing number" or "ABA number." You should land on a page that lists it for your specific branch. Write down the nine-digit number exactly as it appears—a single digit wrong will cause a transfer to fail or go to the wrong account.
Calling your bank directly
The customer service number is on the back of your debit card or on your monthly bank statement. When you call, tell the representative you need your ABA number for a wire transfer or direct deposit. They will give it to you when ready and may also confirm your account number if you ask.
This is the fastest method if you're in a hurry or uncomfortable using online banking. Customer service lines are typically open during business hours, and some banks offer 24/7 support. Have your account number or Social Security number ready so they can verify your identity.
Understanding what the ABA number does
The ABA number tells the financial system which bank to send money to. When you set up a direct deposit or wire transfer, you provide both your ABA number and your account number. The ABA number routes the money to the right bank; your account number routes it to the right account within that bank.
Different branches of the same bank may have different ABA numbers. If your bank has multiple locations, make sure you're using the ABA number for the branch where your account is held. You can find this information on your statement or by calling customer service.
What to do if you can't find your ABA number
If you don't have checks, can't access your online account, and prefer not to call, you can search the Federal Reserve's routing number database online. Enter your bank name and state, and the database will return the ABA number for that bank's main office. This works for nearly every bank in the country.
If your bank is very small or very new, it may take a few minutes to appear in the database. If it doesn't show up after searching, call the bank directly—they will have the number and can tell you if there's a reason it's not listed publicly yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my ABA number the same as my account number?
No. Your ABA number identifies your bank; your account number identifies your specific account at that bank. You need both for transfers. The ABA number is nine digits and appears first on a check. Your account number is longer and appears second.
Do I need a different ABA number for each account I have?
No. If you have multiple accounts at the same bank branch, they all share the same ABA number. You use the same ABA number for checking, savings, and money market accounts at that branch. Only the account number changes.
Can I use an old check to find my ABA number if I've switched banks?
No. An old check from a previous bank will have that bank's ABA number, not your current bank's. Use a current check, your current bank's website, or call your current bank to get the correct routing number.
What happens if I give someone the wrong ABA number?
A wire transfer or ACH payment with an incorrect ABA number will either fail and bounce back, or in rare cases go to the wrong bank. The sending bank will usually catch the error and reject the transfer. If money does go to the wrong place, contact your bank when ready to report it.
Is it safe to share my ABA number?
Yes. Your ABA number is public information—it's printed on every check you write. You need to share it with employers for direct deposit and with creditors for bill payments. Someone cannot access your account with only the ABA number; they also need your account number, and even then they can only move money if you've authorized it.