Your bank's ABA number is a nine-digit code that identifies which bank holds your account

The ABA number (also called a routing number) is a unique identifier assigned to your bank by the American Bankers Association. It tells the financial system which bank to send money to when you receive a transfer, and which bank to pull money from when you send one. Every bank in the United States has its own ABA number, even if that bank has hundreds of branches.

You need this number whenever you set up direct deposit, arrange a wire transfer, or authorize automatic payments. Without it, the money goes nowhere — or goes to the wrong place. It is different from your account number, which identifies your specific account at that bank.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank's ABA number is a nine-digit code that appears on the bottom left of your checks and identifies your specific bank, not your account.
  • You need the ABA number for direct deposit, wire transfers, automatic bill payments, and any transfer that moves money between banks.
  • The ABA number is public information — it is printed on your checks and posted on your bank's website — so sharing it does not create a security risk.
  • If you have accounts at multiple banks, each bank has a different ABA number, even if they are branches of the same institution.

Where to find your bank's ABA number

The easiest place to find your ABA number is on a check from your account. Look at the bottom left corner — you will see nine digits printed there. The first nine digits are your bank's ABA number. The next set of digits (usually longer) is your account number.

If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details or routing information. Most banks list the ABA number in the account summary section. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number — they will give it to you in seconds.

Your bank may also post the ABA number on its website in a public directory. Many banks list routing numbers by state and branch, since some large banks have different ABA numbers for different regions.

The difference between ABA number and account number

These two numbers work together but do completely different things. Your ABA number identifies your bank. Your account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Think of it like an address: the ABA number is the city, and the account number is the house.

When you set up direct deposit or a wire transfer, you need both numbers. The receiving bank uses the ABA number to find the right bank, then uses the account number to find the right account within that bank. If you give the correct ABA number but the wrong account number, the money will go to someone else's account at your bank.

When you need to provide your ABA number

You will need your ABA number in these situations: setting up direct deposit for paychecks or government benefits, arranging a wire transfer to or from another bank, authorizing automatic bill payments, transferring money between your own accounts at different banks, and receiving an ACH transfer (a slower, cheaper transfer than a wire).

You do not need your ABA number for debit card purchases, credit card payments, or transfers within the same bank. You also do not need it to receive a check — the person writing the check only needs your account number and your name.

Is it safe to share your ABA number?

Yes. Your ABA number is public information. It is printed on every check you write, posted on your bank's website, and listed in public directories. Sharing it does not put your account at risk because the ABA number alone cannot access your money.

To actually move money from your account, someone would need both your ABA number and your account number, plus authorization from you or your bank. If you are worried about a transfer you did not authorize, contact your bank when ready — they can reverse it and investigate.

The information you should protect is your account number, PIN, and online banking password. Never share those. Your ABA number is safe to give out whenever a legitimate transfer requires it.

What happens if you use the wrong ABA number

If you provide an incorrect ABA number, the transfer will either be rejected or sent to the wrong bank. If it is rejected, you will find out quickly — the sending bank will notify you and the money will stay in your account. If it goes to the wrong bank, that bank will usually catch the error because the account number will not match any account there, and the money will bounce back to the sender.

The process of recovering misrouted money can take several days to a few weeks. This is why it is worth double-checking the ABA number before you authorize a large transfer. Copy it directly from your bank's website or a check rather than typing it from memory.

ABA numbers for different types of accounts

Your bank has one ABA number that applies to all account types — checking, savings, money market, and so on. You do not need a different routing number for each account type at the same bank. However, if you have accounts at two different banks, each bank has its own ABA number.

Some large banks have multiple ABA numbers depending on which state or region your branch is in. If your bank has branches across the country, the ABA number for your local branch might be different from the ABA number for a branch in another state. Your bank's website will show you which ABA number applies to your specific branch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone steal money from my account if they have my ABA number?

No. They would also need your account number and authorization from you or your bank. Your ABA number alone is not enough to access or move your money. It is the same as knowing someone's city — you still need their street address and permission to visit.

Is the ABA number the same as a SWIFT code?

No. The ABA number (routing number) is used for transfers within the United States. A SWIFT code is used for international transfers. If you are sending money to another country, you will need the recipient's SWIFT code, not their ABA number.

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

No. All your accounts at the same bank share one ABA number. If you have a checking account and a savings account at the same bank, they both use the same routing number. You only need a different ABA number if you have accounts at different banks.

What if my bank merged with another bank — does my ABA number change?

Sometimes. When banks merge, they may consolidate routing numbers or keep separate ones for a transition period. Contact your bank to confirm your current ABA number after a merger. Your bank will update any automatic payments or direct deposits if the number changes.

Can I find someone else's ABA number?

Yes, if you know which bank they use. ABA numbers are public — you can search online directories or ask the bank directly. However, you would still need their account number to send them money, and they would need to authorize the transfer.