A bank identification code is a short set of numbers and letters that tells the banking system which bank holds an account

When you send money to someone else's account, the banking system needs to know which bank to send it to. A bank identification code (often called a BIC or SWIFT code) is the address label for that bank. It works the same way a ZIP code works for mail — it narrows down the location so the money reaches the right place.

In the United States, you will usually see this as a routing number instead. A routing number is nine digits long and does the same job as a bank identification code. If you are sending money within the US, you use a routing number. If you are sending money to another country, you use a bank identification code.

You do not need to memorize or create a bank identification code. Your bank assigns it to you when you open an account. You will find it on your checks, in your online banking portal, or by calling your bank.

Key Takeaways

  • A bank identification code tells the banking system which bank holds an account so money reaches the right place.
  • In the US, this code is called a routing number and is nine digits long.
  • Bank identification codes are used for international transfers; routing numbers are used for transfers within the US.
  • Your bank provides your routing number or bank identification code — you do not create it yourself.
  • You will need your routing number when setting up direct deposit, paying bills online, or sending money to another person's account.

Routing numbers: the US version of a bank identification code

A routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank or credit union within the United States. Every bank and credit union has its own routing number. Some large banks have more than one, depending on which region or division processed your account.

You can find your routing number in three places. First, look at the bottom left corner of any check you have — the first nine digits are your routing number. Second, log into your online banking account and look for account information or account details. Third, call your bank's customer service line and ask them directly.

You will need your routing number when you set up direct deposit for a paycheck, pay bills through your bank's online system, or send money to someone else's account through a wire transfer or ACH transfer. The person sending you money will also ask for your routing number along with your account number.

Bank identification codes for international transfers

If you are sending money to or receiving money from another country, you will use a bank identification code instead of a routing number. These codes are longer and include letters as well as numbers. They are also called SWIFT codes or BIC codes.

A bank identification code for an international transfer typically has eight or eleven characters. The first four letters identify the bank, the next two letters identify the country, the next two characters identify the city or region, and the last three characters (if included) identify the specific branch.

Your bank can tell you your bank identification code if you need it for an international transfer. You can also search for it online using your bank's name and the phrase "SWIFT code" or "BIC code." Many banks list this information on their website under international transfers or wire transfer instructions.

Why banks use identification codes instead of bank names

Using a code instead of a bank name makes transfers faster and more accurate. A computer can read and sort a nine-digit number much faster than it can read and match a bank name. Codes also prevent mistakes — if you misspell a bank name, the system might not recognize it, but a wrong digit in a routing number will trigger an error message.

Codes also work the same way across all banking systems. Every bank in the US knows what routing number 021000021 means (it is the Federal Reserve Bank of New York). Every bank in the world knows what DEUTDEDD means (it is Deutsche Bank in Germany). This shared language lets banks in different countries send money to each other without confusion.

What happens if you use the wrong routing number

If you give someone the wrong routing number, the transfer will usually not go through at all. The banking system will reject it because the code does not match any real bank. You will get an error message, and the money will stay in the sender's account.

In rare cases, a wrong routing number might match a different bank. If this happens, the money could go to the wrong bank, and it will take time to track down and correct. This is why it is important to double-check the routing number before you give it to someone or before you send money.

If money does go to the wrong account by mistake, contact your bank right away. Your bank can work with the other bank to recover the funds, but the process can take several days or weeks. It is much faster to get the number right the first time.

Routing numbers versus account numbers

A routing number and an account number are two different things, and you need both to send or receive money. A routing number identifies the bank. An account number identifies your specific account within that bank.

Think of it this way: the routing number is like the address of a post office, and the account number is like your mailbox number inside that post office. The postal worker needs both pieces of information to deliver your mail to the right place.

You will find both numbers at the bottom of your checks. The routing number is the first nine digits on the left. The account number comes after the routing number and is usually ten to twelve digits long. When you set up direct deposit or give someone your banking information, you will need to provide both numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I find my routing number?

Look at the bottom left of any check you have — the first nine digits are your routing number. You can also log into your online banking account and find it under account information, or call your bank and ask.

Do I need a different routing number for each account I have?

Not necessarily. If you have multiple accounts at the same bank branch, they usually share the same routing number. However, if you have accounts at different banks, each bank has its own routing number.

Is my bank identification code the same as my account number?

No. Your bank identification code (or routing number in the US) identifies your bank. Your account number identifies your specific account. You need both when sending or receiving money.

Can I use a routing number for an international transfer?

No. International transfers require a bank identification code (SWIFT code or BIC code), not a US routing number. Ask your bank for the correct code if you are sending money to another country.

What if someone asks for my routing number — is it safe to share?

Yes, it is safe to share your routing number. It is public information that appears on your checks. However, never share your full account number or PIN with anyone you do not trust completely.