A routing number is a key element in the banking industry and acts as the superhighway for fund transfers between the banks. There are mainly two types of Routing Numbers namely ABA routing number and ACH routing number.
Types of Routing Numbers.
Types of Routing Numbers.
BASIS |
ABA Routing Number |
ACH Routing Number |
Meaning |
9-digit Code established by the American Bankers Association (ABA) to specify financial institutions for various transactions, especially paper checks. |
9-digit Code used within the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network for electronic fund transfers. |
Purpose |
ABA is primarily used for tasks related to paper checks, such as check processing, direct deposits, and wire transfers. |
Exclusively used electronic transactions include direct deposits, online bill payments, and automated recurring payments. |
Structure |
It is 9 9-digit code, the first two digits fall between 00 and 12 indicating the Federal Reserve district |
It also consists of 9 digits, but the first two digits fall between 61 and 72. |
Application |
Used for payroll processing, bill payments, setting up direct deposits, and facilitating wire transfers. |
Used for electronic fund transfers between accounts held at different financial institutions. |
Speed & Efficiency |
Traditional paper check payments may take longer to process and clear. |
ACH payments are usually faster, often clearing within the same or the next business day. |
Cost Implications |
Associated with the use of paper checks, which may incur additional handling and mailing costs. |
Usually cost-effective for both individuals and businesses due to its electronic nature. |
Scope |
Primarily applicable within the U.S. |
Used exclusively for domestic electronic transfers. |
Introduced |
Established by ABA American Bankers Association in 1910. |
Established in the 1970s to cope with electronic banking in response to the high volume of paper checks. |
How to Find the Bank Routing Number Using Our US Routing Number Search Tool?
It is quite easy to find the bank routing number using our US Routing Number Search tool,
- Step 1 - Go and visit the U.S. Routing Number Search tool.
- Step 2 - Select the Bank name from the drop-down list for the routing number.
- Step 3 - Select the preferred State.
- Step 4- Select the City of your preferred bank.
- Step 5 - You will get your routing number along with other details.
Benefits of Using Our US Bank Routing Number Search.
There are so many benefits of using our US Bank Routing Number Search,
- The tool verifies and provides the accurate routing number you need to reduce the risk of errors in electronic transactions.
- It quickly retrieves the routing number and saves you time compared to manual searching.
- This provides the correct routing number to reduce the likelihood of funds being sent to the wrong destination.
- It is accessible anytime, anywhere, with a device having internet connectivity.
How to Find Your US Bank Routing Number Online?
You can find your US banking routing number online at various points such as
- You can fetch the routing number on our website ‘US Banking routing number search.’
- You will also find another option on our website ‘Validate Routing Number’.
- Visit the official website of APA.
- Locate the routing number by logging in to online banking.
How to Find Your Routing Number with Online Banking?
Finding a routing number with online banking is a straightforward process. Have a look,
- Step 1 - Go to the official website of your bank and log in to your banking account.
- Step 2 - You will find an option in your account similar to ‘Account Information’.
- Step 3 - In this section, you will find the ‘routing number’ or ‘ABA routing number’ in that section.
- Step 4 - Take note of your routing number and double-cross the code to ensure accuracy.
Difference Between a Routing Number And An Account Number.
Here is how routing numbers differ from account numbers,
Difference Between a Routing Number And An Account Number.
BASIS |
ROUTING NUMBER |
ACCOUNT NUMBER |
Meaning |
A 9-digit code used in the US to identify financial institutions helps in directing funds during electronic transactions. |
A Unique set of digits associated with a specific bank account. |
Purpose |
It acts as a routing code that directs electronic funds to the correct financial institution. |
It recognizes the specific account held by an individual in a financial institution where funds are deposited and withdrawn. |
Structure |
Typically composed of 9-digits |
Usually composed of 9-12 digits |
Variability |
It will only change if you change your bank or your bank merges with another bank |
It will stay the same unless you close your account or open a new one. |
Uniqueness |
Each financial institution has a unique routing number |
Each account within the bank has a unique account number |
Usage |
Primarily used to transfer funds such as direct deposits, wire transfers, and automated bill payments |
Used to identify specific accounts for transactions such as deposits, withdrawals, and electronic transfers. |
Level of Confidentiality |
Less sensitive information, used to identify specific banks |
Highly sensitive information, if misused, can lead to unauthorized access to your account |
Location on the Check |
Located on the left-hand side at the bottom of the check, just before the account number |
Located on the right-hand side corner at the bottom of the check. |
Routing Number vs SWIFT Codes vs IBANs: What's the Difference?
ABA Routing Number: American Bankers Association Routing Number
SWIFT Code: Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication
IBAN: International Bank Account Number
Here is the difference between all the mentioned three elements
Here is the difference between all the mentioned three elements
BASIS |
ROUTING NUMBER |
SWIFT Codes |
IBANs |
Region |
Used in the U.S |
Used Internationally |
Used in Europe, the Middle East, several countries in the Caribbean and Central Asia |
Purpose |
Specify financial institutions for domestic transactions such as direct deposits, wire transfers, and automated bill payments |
Specify banks during international transactions for wire transfers and global financial communications. |
Offers standardized formats for identifying bank accounts, ensuring that funds are transferred to the intended recipient. |
Format |
consists of Nine digits, the first two digits fall between 00-12 |
Consists of 8-11 alphanumeric characters, the first four are bank codes, the next two are for country codes, the last two are for the bank’s head office and the optional three are for branch codes. |
Consisting of 34 alphanumeric characters. The first two are for country code, followed by two check digits, and then a variable length domestic account number |
Example (Fictional) |
123456789 |
AXISINBB150 |
LU 28 001 94006540000003 |
Are There Any Limitations When Finding Routing Numbers With a Routing Number Search Tool?
We understand the importance of an accurate routing number and also consider how sensitive this number is. This is why our routing number search tool leaves no space for errors. This tool will always provide you with accurate and up-to-date information because we update our tool with fresh information. However, if you are still unsure about your routing number, we advise you to double-check the routing number on the official website of ABA.