What an ABA number is and why you need it

An ABA number is a nine-digit code that identifies which bank holds your account. Banks use it to route money correctly when you receive a wire transfer, set up direct deposit, or pay a bill by check. Think of it like a postal code for your bank — it tells the sending bank exactly where to send the money.

TD Bank has different ABA numbers depending on which state you bank in and what type of account you have. This is because TD Bank operates in multiple states, and each region may have its own routing number. You need the correct one for your specific branch or account type, or the transfer may be delayed or sent to the wrong place.

Key Takeaways

  • TD Bank ABA numbers are nine-digit codes that vary by state and account type, so you cannot use the same number for every transaction.
  • You can find your ABA number on the bottom left of your checks, in your online banking portal, or by calling TD Bank customer service.
  • The ABA number for wire transfers may differ from the one used for ACH transfers or direct deposit, so confirm which type of transaction you are making.
  • If you provide the wrong ABA number, the transfer may fail or be delayed, but it will not be sent to another customer's account.

Where to find your TD Bank ABA number

The easiest place to look is the bottom left corner of any check from your TD Bank account. The first nine digits printed there are your ABA number. If you do not have checks or prefer not to write one, you can log into your TD Bank online banking account and find it in your account details or deposit information section.

You can also call TD Bank customer service at 1-800-937-8372 and ask for your routing number. Have your account number ready. The representative will give you the correct ABA number for your specific account and the type of transaction you are making — wire transfer, ACH transfer, or direct deposit — since these can sometimes differ.

Different ABA numbers for different transaction types

TD Bank may use one ABA number for wire transfers and a different one for ACH transfers (the system used for direct deposit and bill payments). Before you provide your number, ask the person or organization requesting it what type of transfer they are making. This ensures you give them the right code.

If you are setting up direct deposit with your employer, ask your payroll department whether they need a wire routing number or an ACH routing number. Most employers use ACH, but some larger companies may use wire transfers. Providing the wrong number will not send your paycheck to someone else — it will straightforward fail to process, and your employer will contact you to correct it.

ABA numbers by TD Bank state

TD Bank operates in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., Connecticut, and Florida. Each state region may have its own ABA number. Rather than listing all of them here — since they change and vary by account type — your fastest route is to check your checks or call the customer service number above.

If you are moving to a different state or opening a new account in another state where TD Bank operates, that account may have a different ABA number. Always verify the number for the specific branch and account you are using, rather than assuming all your TD Bank accounts share the same routing number.

What happens if you use the wrong ABA number

If you provide an incorrect ABA number, the transfer will usually fail before any money moves. The sending bank's system will not recognize the code and will reject the transaction, then notify the sender that the routing number is invalid. You will not lose money, but the transfer will be delayed while you correct it.

In rare cases, an incorrect but valid ABA number (one that belongs to a real bank) might cause the money to be sent to the wrong financial institution. That bank will eventually return it to the sender, but this can take several days. This is why it is worth taking 30 seconds to confirm your number before giving it out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ABA number the same as my account number?

No. Your ABA number identifies your bank; your account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Both are needed for wire transfers and direct deposit. On a check, the ABA number is the first nine digits at the bottom left, and your account number follows it.

Can I use the same ABA number for wire transfers and direct deposit?

Usually yes, but not always. Some banks use different routing numbers for different transaction types. Call TD Bank or check your account details to confirm which number to use for the specific transaction you are making.

What if I cannot find my checks or access online banking?

Call TD Bank customer service at 1-800-937-8372. Have your account number and a form of ID ready. They will provide your ABA number and can tell you which number to use for your specific transaction type.

Do I need a different ABA number if I move to another state?

Only if you open a new account in that state. If you keep your existing account and straightforward move, your current ABA number stays the same. If you open a new TD Bank account in a different state, that account will have its own ABA number.