What Is a ABA Number ?
ABA NUMBER – A unique code present on a check assigned by the American Bankers Association (ABA) that identifies a particular bank or finance institution issuing the check. This code is primarily used by US-based financial institutions, who own accounts at the Federal Reserve Bank, to process check transactions including deposits and clearances. For example, Bank of America in Northern California is assigned the number 121000358 in case of any paper check transactions. Also called check routing number, ABA number.
You can get your account’s ABA number from several sources. If you have a checkbook handy, the easiest approach is to read the numbers from the bottom of one of your checks.
On paper checks: An ABA number is printed on every check. It is usually the nine-digit number in the bottom left-hand corner, although it might appear elsewhere on computer-generated checks (like online bill payment checks or business checks).
Contact your bank: You can also contact your bank and ask which ABA number to use. Some banks provide this information online, although you might need to log into your account to find the right number. Search your bank’s website for direct deposit forms or Automated Clearing House (ACH) information.
Use the correct number: Your bank may have several ABA numbers, so it’s essential to use one specific to your account. That’s the same number you find printed on your checks (or the one they provide if you call in and ask). ABA numbers may differ depending on where you opened your account, and bank mergers can result in multiple codes for the same bank.
When in doubt, ask a customer service representative at your bank which number to use. Even if you know the correct number for ordering checks, you might need to use a different number for wire transfers and electronic bill payments.
