When it comes to making transactions through your bank account, you'll need two sets of numbers: your account number and routing number. These numbers are assigned when you open a bank account. These numbers are used to identify your account and your financial institution in which the funds are held.
It’s important you understand what these two numbers mean and how to find them.
What is a routing number?
A routing number, sometimes called an ABA routing number or transit ABA number, is nine digits long and identifies a financial institution.
This number, developed by the American Bankers Association in 1910, is designed to ensure banks are able to distinguish themselves. In other words, it’s a simpler way rather than using other factors such as the bank's name or address, as there may be other financial institutions with similar names.
Keep in mind that routing numbers tend to only be used within the U.S. to prove the financial institution is chartered either at the state or federal level and has an account with the Federal Reserve.
What is an account number?
An account number is made of digits (the length may differ depending on the financial institution) that identify your bank account within a bank or credit union. Each account you own will have its own account number.
For example, if you have a money market account and a checking account with the same bank, you’ll have two different account numbers. This number is one way to access your funds, so it’s important to safeguard it and only provide to trusted sources.
Importance of routing and account Numbers
Both routing and account numbers are identifiers that help you make successful transactions to and from accounts. Having the right number means that you’re sending or receiving funds to and from the right place.
In other words, without either the routing or account number, you or another sender wouldn’t know where to transfer money. For example, if you have the routing number but not an account number, you would know which bank to send funds to but not the specific account.
How to find your routing and account numbers on a check
You should be able to find your routing and account numbers on a paper check that comes with your U.S. checking account.
To find these numbers, look at the bottom of the front side of your check. There should be three groups of numbers at the bottom. The first set of numbers will be your routing number and the second set your account number.
To check whether the first set of numbers is your routing number, see if there are nine digits.
If you don’t have a checking account or paper checks, you can find both these numbers by logging into your account online or contacting your financial institution.
How to manage routing numbers vs. account numbers
It’s important to keep both your routing and account number safe because access to these could mean someone else can access your funds. For instance, someone could use this information to make unauthorized withdrawals or payments.
Some methods to keep your routing and account numbers safe include:
- Destroy voided checks: If you end up not using a check, it’s better to destroy it (for example, putting it through the shredder) instead of writing “void” on it.
- Black out sensitive information: For those who want to hold onto paper documents such as bank statements, it may be a good idea to black out important numbers if they are not necessary for future reference.
- Verify apps: Using budgeting tools, such as apps, can help you manage your money well, but make sure they’re safe to use. Otherwise, your information may be susceptible to thieves.
- Don’t share account information: It’s one thing to provide your banking information to the IRS, for instance. It’s another thing to write down your information where anyone can see it.
When to provide a routing number and account number
Some instances when you’ll need to provide your routing and account number include:
- Sending or receiving a bank or wire transfer.
- Setting up direct deposit payments with your employer.
- Setting up recurring payments for bills like your mortgage or subscription payments.
- Send money to friends and family.
- Link accounts to a finance app.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Which comes first, routing or account number?
The order in which you need to provide either your routing or account number will depend on the person or institution requesting the information. However, if you’re looking for this information on a check, you will find the routing number before your account number.
Do you need an account number to transfer money?
Yes, you will need your and the recipient’s account number in order to transfer money from your account to another. You’ll also most likely need additional information such as your routing number, name, beneficiary’s name, and routing number for their financial institution.
What happens if you put the wrong routing number for direct deposit?
If you put the wrong routing number, the bank may reject your transaction if it catches the mistake or you notify them. Otherwise, if the wrong routing number happens to be for another financial institution, the money may end up being sent to the wrong bank account. You may still be able to contact your bank to correct the issue.
This story was written by NJ Personal Finance, a partner of NJ.com. The information presented here is created independently from the NJ.com editorial staff, and purchases made through links in this article may result in NJ.com earning a commission.
