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? ›

The routing number is the string of nine numbers in the bottom left-hand corner of a paper check. The account number is the string of 5-17 digits in the bottom right-hand corner of a paper check.

How do you identify an account number? ›

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.

How to know account details by account number? ›

It is impossible to get personal details from a bank account number and it is also illegal for the bank to disclose its clients' information to outsiders without the knowledge and approval of their clients. Unless ordered by a court order, there is no reason a bank would divulge the personal details of a client.

How do I identify an account? ›

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.

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.

Can we identify a bank from an account number? ›

They are usually the first digits in the routing number. So, in conclusion, it is not possible to find a bank name from an account number.

How to search bank account number by name? ›

How can I know my SBI account number by name? You can visit the nearest branch of your bank and provide your name, date of birth and other details. This will help you get the account number instantly, which will help you use it for the necessary purposes.

Can I tell my account number to anyone? ›

Banks clearly suggest not sharing your bank account details unless you are expecting a fund transfer. Even in the case of fund transfer, make sure that the person crediting your bank account is trustworthy. Do Not Email Your Account Number: Mailing your bank account number to individuals can also be dangerous.

How do I find the owner of a bank account number online? ›

It is possible to verify the owner of a bank account through a reputable data agency. This involves confirming ownership of an account by comparing the actual account holder's name and address with the person claiming to own the account or making and receiving payments to or from it.

How to trace a bank 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.

How can you trace a bank account? ›

If you know where the account was held, contact the bank or provider directly. If not, there are free services you can use. These use your details to track down any missing accounts on your behalf. If an account is found, you'll normally need ID to reclaim the money and any interest due.

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 I check bank account details? ›

The first page of the passbook has your account details, which include your name, account number, age, date of birth, contact address and number, and so on. You can either check your account number on your passbook or conduct a bank account number search online through net or mobile banking.

What is an example of an account number? ›

In this example, the Checking account number is 0112345678 — with 01 indicating Checking, 1234567 indicating the base account number, and 8 indicating the Checking suffix.

How to know if account is savings or current by account number? ›

Check the account number: The first few digits of the account number usually indicate the type of account. For example, in many banks, current accounts start with a specific set of numbers and savings accounts start with a different set of numbers.

How many digits is an account number? ›

How many digits is a bank account number? Bank account numbers typically consist of eight to 12 digits, but some account numbers could even contain up to 17 digits.

Which digits are the account number? ›

Look at a check. Your account number (usually 10 digits) is specific to your personal account. It's the second set of numbers printed on the bottom of your checks, just to the right of the bank routing number. If you don't have your checkbook handy, don't worry.

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