Where can I find my ABA routing number?

On a paper check, the first nine digits at the bottom-left corner are the routing number, followed by the account number and then the check number. In a bank’s mobile app, it’s usually listed under account details or settings. It’s also visible after logging into a bank’s website, or by calling the number on the back of a debit card and asking a representative to confirm the correct number for the specific transaction type, ACH or wire. General lookup tools or third-party websites aren’t a reliable way to find this number, since large banks often have multiple routing numbers that vary by state and transaction type, and a lookup tool may return the wrong one for a specific account. Remitly’s guide to routing numbers and account numbers covers this distinction in more detail.

Is an ABA number the same as a routing number?

Yes. The term “ABA number” comes from the American Bankers Association, which introduced this system in 1910 to standardize how banks identify themselves during check processing. As banking expanded to include electronic transfers and ACH payments, the same numbering system covered those too, and today the terms are used interchangeably, along with routing transit number (RTN) and bank routing number. Remitly’s complete guide to routing numbers walks through how the system works.

Do I need a different ABA number for international wire transfers?

In many cases, yes. Many U.S. banks assign separate routing numbers for ACH transactions and for wire transfers. The Federal Reserve’s Fedwire system, which processes most U.S. wire transfers, and the ACH network operate separately, and some banks register distinct routing numbers for each. Confirming with a bank which routing number applies to incoming wire transfers specifically, before sharing details for an international transfer, avoids a rejected transaction and a delay in receiving the money. Remitly’s overview of ACH vs. wire transfers breaks down how the two systems differ.

Back to Glossary

ABA number: what it is and how to use it for transfers

Key takeaways
- An ABA number is a nine-digit code that identifies a specific U.S. bank or credit union in a financial transaction.
- It’s the same thing as a routing number, both terms refer to the same nine-digit identifier.
- If someone is sending money to your U.S. bank account from abroad, you’ll need to provide this number along with your account number.
- Many U.S. banks have more than one ABA number, the number for wire transfers may differ from the one used for ACH or direct deposit transactions.
- You can find your ABA number⁠(opens in new window) on a paper check, in your bank’s mobile app, or by calling your bank directly.

An ABA number, also called a routing number, is a nine-digit code that identifies a U.S. bank in a financial transaction. Here’s what it is, where to find it, and why getting it exactly right matters when you’re receiving an international transfer.

If you’ve ever set up a direct deposit, received a wire transfer, or given your bank details to someone sending money from overseas, you’ve needed this number. It tells the payment system which bank to send the money to, and if it’s wrong, the transfer can fail, be delayed, or go to the wrong institution entirely.

What is an ABA number?

An ABA number is a nine-digit code assigned to U.S. banks and credit unions by the American Bankers Association. It identifies the specific financial institution involved in a transaction, not the individual account, but the bank itself. You’ll also hear it called a routing number, a routing transit number (RTN), or a bank routing number; all of these terms refer to the same nine-digit identifier.

Why your ABA number matters for transfers

When you give someone your bank details to receive an international transfer, two numbers are essential: your account number and your ABA number. The account number identifies your specific account. The ABA number identifies the bank. Both are required, one without the other isn’t enough for a transfer to reach you.

A single incorrect digit in an ABA number can cause a transfer to fail outright or, in some cases, route the funds to the wrong institution. This isn’t just an inconvenience: the CFPB warns⁠(opens in new window) that if money is sent to the wrong account because of an incorrect routing or account number, it may not be possible to get it back at all, not just delayed. That’s a serious situation when family abroad is waiting on money.

Many U.S. banks also have more than one ABA number, each assigned to a different transaction type. The number used for ACH transfers, which covers direct deposits, payroll, and most electronic payments, may differ from the one used for wire transfers. Using the ACH number for a wire, or the reverse, can result in a rejected or failed transaction, so it’s worth verifying directly with the bank before sharing details for an incoming transfer.

What you need to know about ABA numbers for international transfers

When a sender uses a money transfer service to send funds directly to a U.S. bank account, the transfer form will typically ask for a routing number and an account number. The routing number is the ABA number.

Match the number to the transaction type. If funds are arriving via wire transfer, provide the bank’s wire transfer routing number; if via ACH or direct deposit, which is the method many digital transfer services use, provide the ACH routing number instead. These may be the same number at a given bank, or they may differ, so checking the bank’s website or app confirms which applies.
The ABA number is bank-wide, not branch-specific. It doesn’t change based on which branch an account was opened at. It identifies the bank as a whole, or sometimes a regional division of a large bank, not a physical location.
The recipient is responsible for providing accurate details. If you’re receiving the transfer, it’s on you to give the sender the correct ABA number and account number. Double-checking rather than relying on memory avoids an easily preventable error.
Avoid copying a number from an unofficial source. Third-party websites listing routing numbers can be outdated or incorrect, and some large U.S. banks even use different numbers depending on the state where an account was opened. A bank’s official website, app, or a paper check are more reliable.

Common mistakes with ABA numbers

Using the wrong number for the transaction type. A common error is entering an ACH routing number when a wire transfer routing number is required, or the reverse. For many banks these differ, and entering the wrong one causes the transfer to be rejected or returned. Confirming the wire-specific number with a bank before sharing it for an incoming international wire avoids this.
Copying from an unofficial or outdated source. Routing numbers can change when banks merge, restructure, or reorganize. A number that was correct a year ago may no longer be valid, so verifying from a bank’s official website or a current paper check is more reliable than a general internet search.
Transposing digits when entering manually. A nine-digit number is easy to mistype, especially on a phone. Reading the number back carefully before submitting helps catch this, since even one transposed digit will typically cause the transaction to fail.

Common questions about ABA numbers

Where can I find my ABA routing number?

On a paper check, the first nine digits at the bottom-left corner are the routing number, followed by the account number and then the check number. In a bank’s mobile app, it’s usually listed under account details or settings. It’s also visible after logging into a bank’s website, or by calling the number on the back of a debit card and asking a representative to confirm the correct number for the specific transaction type, ACH or wire.
General lookup tools or third-party websites aren’t a reliable way to find this number, since large banks often have multiple routing numbers that vary by state and transaction type, and a lookup tool may return the wrong one for a specific account. Remitly’s guide to routing numbers and account numbers⁠(opens in new window) covers this distinction in more detail.
Is an ABA number the same as a routing number?

Yes. The term “ABA number” comes from the American Bankers Association, which introduced this system in 1910 to standardize how banks identify themselves during check processing. As banking expanded to include electronic transfers and ACH payments, the same numbering system covered those too, and today the terms are used interchangeably, along with routing transit number (RTN) and bank routing number. Remitly’s complete guide to routing numbers⁠(opens in new window) walks through how the system works.
Do I need a different ABA number for international wire transfers?

In many cases, yes. Many U.S. banks assign separate routing numbers for ACH transactions and for wire transfers. The Federal Reserve’s Fedwire system⁠(opens in new window), which processes most U.S. wire transfers, and the ACH network operate separately, and some banks register distinct routing numbers for each.
Confirming with a bank which routing number applies to incoming wire transfers specifically, before sharing details for an international transfer, avoids a rejected transaction and a delay in receiving the money. Remitly’s overview of ACH vs. wire transfers⁠(opens in new window) breaks down how the two systems differ.

In Summary

An ABA number is the nine-digit routing code that identifies a U.S. bank in a financial transaction. It’s the same thing as a routing number, and it’s needed alongside an account number any time someone is sending money directly to a U.S. bank account, including international transfers.

The most important thing to check before sharing an ABA number is which one applies to the specific transaction type, since many banks use a different routing number for wire transfers than for ACH or direct deposit. Confirming the right number in advance prevents delays and protects the person waiting to receive the funds. Send directly to a bank account with Remitly once you have the correct routing and account numbers in hand.

This publication is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to cover all aspects of the topics discussed herein. This publication is not a substitute for seeking advice from an applicable specialist or professional. The content in this publication does not constitute legal, tax, or other professional advice from Remitly or any of its affiliates and should not be relied upon as such. While we strive to keep our posts up to date and accurate, we cannot represent, warrant, or otherwise guarantee that the content is accurate, complete, or up to date.