Routing vs. Account Number: What are the Main Differences? (2024)

Before making a transaction, it’s important to understand the key information needed to ensure funds go to the right place. US financial institutions require both a routing number and an account number to identify customers and finalize transactions.

This article will explain the difference between routing vs. account number. It’ll also introduce one alternative you can use to send money abroad, from Wise. With Wise, you can save up to 3x when sending internationally, with transparent fees.

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Don’t know the difference between routing vs account number?

Let’s clear things up and break down the main differences between the two.

  • Account numbers are unique! While many branches of a bank can operate under the same routing number, all the accounts have different numbers for identification.
  • Routing numbers indicate processing information. The numbers that make up a routing number indicate which Federal Reserve banks and centers will process the check. An account number is simply assigned by the financial institution from their own process.
  • Routing numbers are always nine digits, while account numbers can vary from eight to 12 digits and/or letters.

Routing vs. Account Number: What are the Main Differences? (1)

Breakdown of a Routing Number

Many financial institutions identify routing numbers based on the purpose of the transaction, so they may have a few different names like:

  • Routing Transit Number
  • ABA (American Bankers Association) Routing Number
  • Fedwire Numbers
  • Check Routing Number

It all means the same thing. A routing number is the nine-digit identification number assigned by the ABA, and they’re specific to each financial institution.¹ Think of them as an address to a bank.

How the ABA assigns the numbers

  • The Federal Reserve Routing System assigns the first four digits to the bank or credit union. Until 2019, the numbers represented the physical location of the bank. If your bank has a new number, this is no longer the case.²

  • The next four numbers represent the routing Federal Reserve Bank, processing center, and district.

  • The final (9th) number is the total of a checksum test from the first eight numbers. If the ninth number doesn’t equal the result of the algorithm, then the transaction or check is flagged. In this situation, the Federal Reserve processes the transaction manually.³

Some banks may have multiple routing numbers due to their size—think about large operations like US Bank, Capital One or Wells Fargo.

But don’t worry! No bank may have more than 10 routing numbers, so it isn’t difficult to find the one associated with your personal bank or credit union.

Where to Find a Routing Number

There are many options to help find your bank’s routing number:

  1. Wise has a comprehensive list to help find the routing number for most major U.S. banks. Click ‘find your routing number’ at the top of the page.

  2. Banks provide key account information—like account and routing numbers—through their online portal. Login to your account to find the number.

  3. If you have bank-issued checks, the routing number on a check is located at the bottom and on the left side—the first nine numbers.

  4. The Federal Reserve’s Official Site has a routing number directory.

  5. If you’re using a Wise account for an ACH transfer, these are our routing numbers.

Breakdown of an Account Number

While routing numbers identify financial institutions, account numbers are unique to the account holder. Think of them as an identification much like a passport or driver’s license number.

Each account number is made up of eight to twelve digits and/or letters and is different for every account. So, a checking account and a savings account for an individual at a bank will be different, but the routing number—in most cases—will remain the same.⁴

Where to find an Account Number

There are many options to locate an account number:

  1. Log in to the account through an online portal. A bank’s web system will have a link to locate an account number once you’re securely logged in.

  2. Again, if you have bank-issued checks, the account number on a check is located at the bottom of the check and is the middle set of numbers. The sequence of numbers of a paper check is: the routing number, the account number, and the check number.

  3. Check a monthly statement for the account number. Though many banks may hide half or all but the last four digits on the statement, some banks still print the entire number.

  4. If all else fails, visit or call the bank. With proper identification, any bank will tell you the number for your account.

An Alternative to Send Money Abroad

A great alternative to send money abroad is Wise. It can be faster and cheaper than a wire transfer, and there’s no need for SWIFT or BIC codes. Sending money online with Wise lets you send money at the mid-market exchange rate and avoid exchange rate markup charges.

To save on fees, you can also use your bank’s routing number and account number to add funds to a Wise Multi-currency Account. With your Wise debit card, you can spend money or use an ATM in the local currency and avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion fees from foreign banks. There’s no annual card fee, and you’ll always get the mid-market exchange rate!

Get a Wise account 👀

Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

Sources:

  1. The Balance - ABA Numbers
  2. Routing Number Policy & Procedures
  3. Bankers Online - Training Page: Learning the Bank Numbering System
  4. Investopedia - Account Number Definition

All sources checked on 16 February 2021

*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.

Routing vs. Account Number: What are the Main Differences? (2024)

FAQs

Routing vs. Account Number: What are the Main Differences? ›

While a routing number identifies the bank or credit union that holds your account, an account number identifies your specific account among the many others that the financial institution holds.

What is the difference between account number and routing number? ›

Routing vs Account Number

A routing number is nine digits that identify the financial institution that holds your account, while an account number is the unique 9 to 12 digit number that identifies your specific account within that financial institution.

What if I put the wrong routing number but correct account number? ›

If you attempt a transaction with the wrong routing number, it will usually fail to process. However, in a worst-case scenario, money could be deposited into the wrong account. If you accidentally give someone the wrong routing number, get in touch as soon as possible to correct the error.

Does the routing number matter for direct deposit? ›

You'll need your routing number in a variety of situations, including setting up direct deposit, automatic loan payments or recurring transfers like bill payments. You'll also need it when you file taxes if you want to receive your tax refund as a direct deposit or to debit a tax payment from your account.

What happens if someone has your bank account number and routing number? ›

If someone gains access to your bank account and routing numbers, they can use the information to fraudulently withdraw or transfer money from your account. They can also create fake checks, claim your tax return or commit other forms of financial fraud.

What is the purpose of routing number? ›

A routing number is a nine-digit bank identification number. Think of it as a numerical address that allows a bank to send and receive money from other financial institutions. The routing number identifies the financial institution responsible for the payment and ensures that funds go to the right place.

Is it OK to give routing and account number? ›

Although a routing number is essentially public information, it's important to safeguard both your account number and routing number in order to protect your accounts. If a fraudster knows your routing number they can easily tell which financial institution your funds are at, putting you at risk of phishing attempts.

Can someone have the same account number but different routing number? ›

For example, if you open a checking and savings account at the same bank, you'd have two different account numbers and one ABA routing number. If you have checking accounts at two different banks, each account would have a unique account number and each bank would have a unique routing number.

Will a bank transfer go through if the account number is wrong? ›

Transactions are usually rejected if you have entered the wrong routing number or bank account number. If the transfer goes through, it's possible to initiate wire transfer reversal by the bank to reject the transaction. However, if the money wired was sent to the wrong account and not dismissed, nothing can be done.

Is it possible to change account and routing number? ›

Once a checking account number is generated, it can never be changed. Although you can't change the number associated with an existing account, you can open a new checking account.

Which routing number do I use for direct deposit, wire or electronic? ›

ABA routing numbers are used for paper or check transfers. ACH routing numbers are used for electronic transfers.

Which account number to use for direct deposit? ›

Bank's routing number. This is the nine-digit number, also known as the American Bankers Association — or ABA — number, printed on your bank statement or along the bottom left of your checks. Your account number. This comes after the routing number on the bottom of your check.

Do you need account or routing number to send money? ›

You will need both routing numbers and bank account numbers for domestic wire transfers within the United States. The ABA routing transit number (ABA RTN) is a nine-digit code printed on the bottom of checks which identifies the financial institution from which the funds are sent.

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

Scammers can't access your bank account with just your bank account number; however, they can set up direct debits or transfers via EFTs.

Can someone take money from my bank with account number and sort code? ›

Yes, it is safe to share your account number and sort code. In fact, you'll need to share these details any time you want someone to transfer money into your UK account. Your sort code and account number cannot be used to transfer money out of your account, only to put money in it, or to set up a direct debit.

Is it safe to send account number and routing number over email? ›

Your bank should never request your banking information via email, and you should never send it if asked. Contact your bank to report the phishing attempt.

Is your routing number and account number on your card? ›

Credit cards (and other payment cards) don't have routing numbers. RTNs are associated with banks and bank accounts, not payment cards. People tend to mix up routing numbers with account numbers, which identify specific cardholders within the institution.

How many digits is an account number? ›

Most bank account numbers have between 8 and 12 digits, though they can range from 5 to 17. To protect account numbers from fraud, financial institutions may also use multi-factor identification, two-step verification, and other security measures.

Which 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 know my bank account number? ›

How Do You Find Out Your Account Number? You can find your bank account number on your bank statements, printed at the bottom of a paper check, or by logging on to the bank's website. If you can't find it in these ways, try visiting a bank branch in person.

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