Your ABA number is your bank's routing number—a nine-digit code that tells the financial system which bank holds your account.

The ABA number appears on the bottom left of your checks, right before your account number. It is the same for every customer at your bank, regardless of which branch you use or what type of account you have. When you send money by wire transfer, set up direct deposit, or arrange automatic bill payments, you will need this number so the money reaches the correct bank.

ABA stands for American Bankers Association, the organization that created the routing system in 1910. The name stuck, even though the system is now run by the Federal Reserve and Fedwire, the electronic payment network. Most people use the terms "ABA number" and "routing number" interchangeably—they mean the same thing.

Key Takeaways

  • Your ABA number is a nine-digit code printed on the bottom left of your checks that identifies your specific bank.
  • You need your ABA number whenever you set up direct deposit, wire transfers, or automatic bill payments from your checking account.
  • The ABA number is the same for all customers at your bank, even if you bank at different branches.
  • You can find your ABA number on your checks, your bank's website, or by calling your bank directly.

Where to find your ABA number

The easiest place to look is the bottom left corner of any check you have. The nine-digit number printed there is your ABA number. It appears before your account number and before the check number on the right.

If you do not have checks or prefer not to look them up, log into your bank's website or mobile app. Most banks display your routing number in the account details section, sometimes labeled "routing number," "transit number," or "bank routing code." You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number—they will give it to you over the phone.

Some banks have different ABA numbers for different regions or branches, though this is less common now. If you are unsure whether your bank uses more than one routing number, ask when you call. Providing the wrong ABA number will not send your money to the wrong person—it will straightforward cause the transfer to fail or be rejected.

When you need your ABA number

Direct deposit is the most common reason you will need it. When you start a job or sign up for government benefits, you will be asked for your ABA number and account number so your employer or the government agency can deposit money directly into your account.

Wire transfers require your ABA number, account number, and the recipient's name. If you are sending money to someone else's bank account, you will provide these details to your bank. If someone is sending money to you, you will give them your ABA number and account number.

Automatic bill payments use your ABA number to pull money from your account on a schedule. When you set up autopay with a utility company, insurance provider, or loan servicer, you will enter your ABA number along with your account number.

ACH transfers (Automated Clearing House transfers) are electronic payments between bank accounts that use your ABA number to route the money. These are slower than wire transfers but cheaper, and they are what most employers use for direct deposit.

ABA numbers versus account numbers

Your ABA number identifies your bank. Your account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Together, they tell the financial system exactly where your money should go.

If you bank at Chase, your ABA number is the same as every other Chase customer in your region. But your account number is unique to you—no one else has it. When you provide both numbers, the system knows which Chase branch (or processing center) to send the money to, and which account within that bank should receive it.

On a check, the ABA number comes first on the bottom line, followed by your account number, then the check number on the right. The order matters when you are entering the information into a form or website.

What happens if you give the wrong ABA number

If you provide an incorrect ABA number, the transfer will usually be rejected before any money moves. The receiving bank's system will not recognize the routing number and will send the transaction back to your bank with an error code.

In rare cases, if the ABA number you provide belongs to a real bank but not your bank, the money may be sent to that bank instead. However, the receiving bank will see that the account number does not match their system and will reject the payment. The money will then be returned to your account, though this can take several business days.

The safest approach is to double-check your ABA number before you submit any transfer. If you are unsure, call your bank and confirm the number rather than guessing.

ABA numbers for different account types

Your ABA number is the same whether you have a checking account, savings account, or money market account at the same bank. The routing number identifies the bank, not the type of account you hold there.

However, some large banks operate multiple processing centers and may assign different ABA numbers based on your region or the specific branch where you opened your account. If you have accounts at different branches of the same bank, they may have different ABA numbers. When in doubt, use the ABA number printed on your checks or call your bank to confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my ABA number the same as my bank's routing number?

Yes. ABA number and routing number mean the same thing. ABA stands for American Bankers Association, which created the routing system. Banks and government agencies use both terms interchangeably.

Can I use someone else's ABA number if they bank at the same bank as me?

Yes, you can use the same ABA number as anyone else at your bank. The ABA number only identifies the bank, not the individual account. You still need the correct account number for the money to reach the right person.

What if my bank has multiple ABA numbers?

Some large banks use different routing numbers for different regions or processing centers. If you are unsure which one is yours, check your checks or call your bank. Using the wrong one for your bank may cause the transfer to fail, but it will not send your money to the wrong place.

Do I need my ABA number to check my account balance?

No. You only need your ABA number when you are sending or receiving money electronically. To check your balance, log into your bank's website or app, call the bank, or visit a branch.

Is it safe to share my ABA number?

Yes. Your ABA number is public information—it is printed on every check you write. However, never share your full account number with anyone you do not trust. Someone with both your ABA number and account number can set up transfers from your account.