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The main difference between routing and account numbers is where they appear on checks and what each number means. Routing and account numbers provide information about a person’s checking account. The routing number provides the bank’s details for sending and receiving payments. The account number provides the individual’s account details so that money goes into or out of the correct account.
Many people access their bank accounts and transfer money through mobile channels, including banking apps and digital wallets. To use these channels their fullest potential, people need to understand the differences between bank account and routing numbers.
These two sets of numbers play distinct roles in banking. Without them, banks can’t accurately deposit money into or take money out of an account to pay for purchases.
Understanding what they mean and how they differ can be key for accurate and secure money management and transfers.
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An account number is a distinct series of digits assigned when a person opens a bank account. It serves as an identifier, allowing financial institutions to track and manage transactions associated with that specific account.
An account number is normally confidential and critical for several banking operations, including:
If someone gains unauthorized access to a person’s account number, they may be able to conduct fraudulent transactions. It’s critical to safeguard this number and only supply it to trusted organizations.
A routing number, also known as an ABA (American Bankers Association) number, refers to a nine-digit code used by financial institutions in the U.S. to identify the specific bank or credit union associated with a particular account.
Routing numbers help facilitate the routing or transfer of funds during electronic transactions, such as direct deposits, wire transfers, and automated bill payments, ensuring money reaches the correct destination.
Both routing and account numbers are easy to find if you know where to look, and there are several ways to locate this information. Here’s a quick overview.
If a person’s bank or credit union issues paper checks, they can easily locate the routing and account numbers on the check itself. These tell the bank which checking account to remove money from when someone writes a check to another person or business.
Both numbers are on the bottom of personal checks. Typically, the routing number is the first set of nine digits, and the account number follows.
Many banks offer online and mobile banking platforms that make accessing financial information easier and more convenient for account holders. These apps also give people access to their routing and account numbers while also letting them send money online.
Most apps hide these numbers by default, but individuals can access them by visiting their account details tabs or their account settings tabs. Contact the individual bank for more information.
Banks often send out monthly bank statements through mail or email that often include both routing and account numbers. The location can vary from bank to bank, but many place the numbers on the top or bottom of the statement.
Individuals should review bank statements to make sure their account numbers and routing numbers are visible.
A bank’s customer service team can generally provide routing and account numbers if the account holder has trouble accessing them. Note that individuals should provide certain personal information to verify identity before being told an account number.
While routing and account numbers may often be seen or requested together, there are differences between them. Routing numbers can identify a person’s bank or financial institution and direct funds between banks. This helps enable transactions like transfers and direct deposits.
Account numbers identify the specific checking or savings account for transactions, withdrawals, and deposits. These numbers are distinct to each individual or entity’s account within a bank.
| Account numbers | Routing numbers | |
|---|---|---|
| Uniqueness | Account numbers are unique to each individual’s account at a bank or financial institution. | Routing numbers are unique to each financial institution. |
| What they tell financial institutions | They identify the bank account needed for withdrawals, direct deposit, and other transactions. | They tell other financial institutions which bank houses the account holder’s checking or savings account for a given transaction. |
| What they’re like at each institution | Each new bank account receives a unique account number, even if it belongs to the same person. | They’re the same across all bank accounts since they identify the bank, not the account holder. |
Routing and account numbers work together to make sure any funds in a transaction are sent correctly between different financial institutions. They help indicate where money is coming from and where it should be going.
If someone were to supply an incorrect routing number or account number, a transaction could end up in the wrong account or not go through if the routing number indicated the wrong financial institution.
Someone may need their account and routing numbers to send or add money to their bank account and conduct other transactions. Here are some examples of common transactions that require both routing and bank account numbers:
Though these numbers typically help companies and other people send and receive money from a person’s bank account, they can also help stop fraudulent transactions and withdrawals.
If an individual notices suspicious activity in their account, they can report it to their financial institution. The financial institution can then use the account number and routing number to halt the fraudulent transaction, keeping people’s money safer in the long run.
Routing and account numbers are just one aspect of managing money and staying on top of finances. Knowing where to find each number can help individuals send and receive money directly from and to their bank account.
Though these numbers are important, they’re not the only things people need to know to manage their money and keep their finances in good shape.
While PayPal is not a bank, it’s possible to manage money in one app and track spending conveniently.
Here are a few frequently asked questions about routing vs account numbers.
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