Chase's ABA number is 021000021, and it identifies Chase Bank in the U.S. payment system

An ABA number (also called a routing number) is a nine-digit code that tells the banking system which bank holds an account. When money moves between banks—whether by wire transfer, ACH payment, or check—the ABA number routes it to the right place. Chase's main ABA number is 021000021, but Chase operates multiple routing numbers depending on which state you bank in and what type of transaction you're making.

You need an ABA number when you're sending money out of your Chase account to another bank, or when someone outside Chase is sending money into your account. It works alongside your account number to complete the address: the ABA says which bank, and your account number says which account at that bank.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase's primary ABA number is 021000021, but Chase maintains separate routing numbers for different states and transaction types.
  • You need an ABA number when wiring money out of Chase, setting up direct deposit, or paying bills from a Chase account to another institution.
  • Your Chase debit card, checks, and online banking portal all display your account's specific routing number.
  • The ABA number is nine digits and appears on the bottom left of Chase checks, or you can find it through Chase's routing number lookup tool.

Why Chase has more than one ABA number

Chase is a national bank with branches in all 50 states. The Federal Reserve assigns different routing numbers to different regions and different processing methods. A wire transfer out of Chase might use one routing number, while an ACH payment (like a bill pay or direct deposit) might use another, even from the same account.

This happens because the payment system was built over decades, and different transaction types developed their own routing infrastructure. You don't choose which one to use—the type of transaction determines it. When you set up a wire transfer through Chase's website, Chase automatically provides the correct routing number for that wire. When you give your information to an employer for direct deposit, you provide the ACH routing number.

How to find your specific Chase routing number

The fastest way is to look at a Chase check. The nine-digit number on the bottom left, before your account number, is your routing number. This is the routing number tied to your specific account and region.

You can also find it through Chase's website. Log into your account, go to the account details or settings section, and look for "routing number" or "ABA number"—Chase displays both terms. If you're setting up a wire transfer or direct deposit through Chase's online banking, the system will show you the correct routing number for that transaction type before you confirm.

If you need a routing number for a specific transaction type and you're not sure which one to use, call Chase at the number on the back of your debit card. A representative can confirm the right routing number for wire transfers, ACH payments, or whatever you're setting up.

The difference between wire transfer and ACH routing numbers

Chase maintains separate routing numbers for wire transfers and ACH transactions. A wire transfer is faster (usually same-day or next-day) and moves larger amounts. An ACH payment is slower (typically one to three business days) and is used for things like direct deposit, bill pay, and recurring payments.

The routing number you use depends on which method you're using, not on your choice. If you're wiring money, you'll use Chase's wire routing number. If you're setting up direct deposit with your employer, you'll use Chase's ACH routing number. Chase's online banking system will direct you to the right one based on what you're doing.

What happens if you use the wrong routing number

If you provide an incorrect routing number, the payment will either be rejected before it leaves the sending bank, or it will be sent to the wrong bank and then returned. The sending bank's system checks the routing number against the Federal Reserve's database. If the number doesn't match a real bank or doesn't match the transaction type, the payment stops.

If a payment does reach the wrong bank by mistake, that bank will reject it and send it back to the originating bank, which then returns it to the sender. This adds several days to the process. The money isn't lost, but it doesn't reach you until it's rerouted. This is why it's worth double-checking the routing number before you confirm a large transfer.

When you need to provide your ABA number

You provide your routing number (ABA number) and account number together whenever money is coming into your Chase account from outside Chase. Common situations include setting up direct deposit with an employer, having a pension or Social Security payment deposited to Chase, or receiving a wire transfer from another bank.

You also provide it when you're paying a bill through a third-party service (like a utility company's website) and you want to pay from your Chase account. The service uses your routing number and account number to pull the payment from Chase.

You do not need to provide your routing number when you're sending money out of Chase through Chase's own system—like when you use Chase's bill pay feature or transfer money to another Chase account. Chase already knows its own routing numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 021000021 the routing number for all Chase accounts?

021000021 is Chase's primary routing number, but your specific account may have a different routing number depending on your state and the type of transaction. Check your checks or your online banking portal to confirm the routing number for your account. It will be a nine-digit number on the bottom left of your checks.

Can I use the same routing number for a wire transfer and direct deposit?

Not always. Wire transfers and ACH transactions (like direct deposit) sometimes use different routing numbers at Chase. When you set up either one through Chase's website or by phone, Chase will provide the correct routing number for that specific transaction type. Don't assume they're the same.

What if I can't find my routing number?

Log into your Chase account online and look in the account details or settings section. If you have checks, it's the nine-digit number on the bottom left. You can also call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your debit card, and they'll provide your routing number for the specific transaction you're setting up.

Do I need a routing number to transfer money between my own Chase accounts?

No. When you transfer money between your own Chase accounts through Chase's website or app, you only need to identify which accounts you're moving money between. Chase handles the routing internally and doesn't ask for a routing number.

Will my routing number change if I move to a different state?

It may. If you move and your Chase branch changes, your routing number might change as well. Check your new checks or log into your account to confirm. If it does change, you'll need to update any recurring payments or direct deposits that use the old number.