Account numbers: What they mean and how to find them | Plaid (2024)

What is a routing number?

In the same way that every financial account is assigned a unique account number, every financial institution is assigned a unique routing number. These financial institution routing numbers are known as RTNs (Routing Transit Numbers) or ABA (American Bankers Association) routing numbers.

A routing number is a sequence of 9 digits. Small financial institutions typically have just one routing number, while larger multinational institutions can have several based on location. Routing numbers are issued only to federal- or state-chartered financial institutions eligible to maintain an account at a Federal Reserve Bank. If two banks merge, or one bank acquires another, the applicable routing numbers may change.

The first four digits of a routing number are called the Federal Reserve Processing Symbol.

  • The first two digits are typically a number between 01-12. These numbers refer to the head branch of the Federal Reserve District Office under which the bank falls. The Districts start with 01 in Boston and end with 12 in San Francisco and often encompass surrounding states. A range of 61-72 is assigned to non-bank payment processors and the number 80 to travelers’ checks.

  • The third digit identifies the Regional Federal Reserve Processing Center assigned to the bank within its district. For example, “1” would indicate bank check processing center 1.

  • The fourth digit indicates the bank’s location within a Federal Reserve District. A bank that is located in a Federal Reserve District is designated with a 0. Numbers 1-9 are used according to the state that the Federal Reserve District is in.

Digits five through eight comprise a unique identity code assigned to the bank by the American Bankers Association.

The final digit of the routing number is called a “check digit.” Whereas the other digits refer to identifying information about the specific financial institution, the check digit is calculated using the other eight digits as a way to ensure authenticity and prevent fraud. (Thus “check” is used in the sense of “verify” rather than “paper check.”)

Because no two financial institutions share all of the identifying information listed above, every routing number is unique.

Account numbers: What they mean and how to find them | Plaid (2024)

FAQs

Account numbers: What they mean and how to find them | Plaid? ›

Every bank-related financial transaction requires a routing number and an account number. The routing number identifies the specific bank. The account number (usually 10-12 digits) refers to the client's account. Routing numbers enable financial institutions to track where funds originated and where they're going.

What is an account number and how do I find it? ›

At the bottom of a check, you will see three groups of numbers. The first group is your routing number, the second is your account number and the third is your check number.

What do the numbers in an account number mean? ›

The first two digits tell you the bank – Kiwibank is 38. The next four digits tell you the branch – for Kiwibank this ranges anywhere between 9000-9499. The next seven digits tell you the account number. The last two digits tell you the account suffix – this will be different for each account.

How can I identify the bank using the account number? ›

The account number does not identify the bank. However, the bank also issues a routing number for its clients. This number includes a few digits that denote the financial institution, i.e., the bank, that holds the account in question. They are usually the first digits in the routing number.

What do the digits of bank account number mean? ›

This is unique in nature and no two banks or account holders can have the same account number. Banks use different starting codes for their branches for easy segregation. In India, bank account numbers usually contain 11 to 16 digits. The public sector banks follow a pattern of 11 digits which 5 + 6 (account number).

How to check account number details? ›

Internet Banking: For bank account number search, log in to the net banking portal of your bank. The Bank account number will be there on the homepage of your net banking portal. Passbook: The passbook that you get from a bank, is another place where you can find your bank account number.

How to trace a bank account number? ›

You can find your bank account number on your monthly bank statement, or by visiting a branch of your bank. If you are using a checking account, the account number is also printed on your paper checks. You can find it printed between the bank's routing number and the check number, as shown below.

What are account numbers used for? ›

An account number is a unique string of numbers, letters, and other characters that identify a specific financial account. Almost all financial transactions make use of account numbers. Examples of account numbers include routing numbers and credit card numbers.

Are account numbers secret? ›

Since a personal bank account number provides direct access to funds, it's critical the information is guarded and kept safe. Keep it a secret, much like you would a PIN code or social security number.

How to find out who an account number belongs to? ›

Verify Account Owner. Verify Account Owner is a fee-based service which enables you to confirm that the bank details provided to you belong to the person or organisation that you intend to pay or collect from. The Verify Account Owner service can only be utilised to verify accounts held at Participating Banks.

How to find account number without check? ›

Acquire the bank statement (electronic or paper) Identify the first page of the bank statement. Look at the top of the right column. The number beside “Account:” is your account number.

Can you tell bank name from account number? ›

The account number works in conjunction with the routing number. While the routing number identifies the financial institution's name, the account number—usually between eight and 12 digits—identifies your account.

How to verify a bank account number? ›

This is done through the verification of an identity number (or company registration number) against the bank account number supplied. That the bank account in question is presently open and active. That the bank account in question accepts debit and credit transactions.

How to check which number is linked with a bank account? ›

Some common methods to check if your mobile number is linked to your bank account include checking your banking app or Internet banking's personal info section, calling the bank's customer care helpline, visiting the nearest bank branch and using SMS-based banking services.

Can someone check my bank account balance with my account number? ›

Most banks no longer allow others to check or know your bank account balance. However, some banks provide the account balance details when people simply call and request it. For instance, anyone knowing your account information can call the bank to verify the fund on a cheque.

How to find your checking account number without a check? ›

Find Your Account Number on a Bank Statement

Typically, account numbers are provided in paper bank statements and electronic statements. If you have elected to receive electronic bank statements, you may have access to them online under Statements and Notices.

Is my account number on my debit card? ›

Is the checking account number on a debit card? No. The number shown on the debit card is the card number, not the checking account number. The checking account number can be found along the bottom of a check, on a bank statement, or through an online banking platform.

Where is the account number on a card? ›

Most banks also print the bank account number on the front or back of your bank card. However, this is not to be confused with the card number, which is the 16 digit number, usually placed in the middle of your bank card.

How do I find my account number for phone? ›

Check Your Monthly Bill:Paper Bill: If you receive a paper bill, your account number is ***** listed on the first page of the bill summary. Online Bill: Log in to your carrier's website or mobile app. Your account number is ***** found on the digital statement or in the billing section.

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