Credit Union Routing Number | Overview, Ways to Find, Use (2024)

Credit Union Routing Number Overview

A Credit Union Routing Number is a unique nine-digit identifier assigned by the American Bankers Association (ABA) to each credit union in the United States.

This number is crucial for various financial transactions, including direct deposits, automatic bill payments, and wire transfers.

It guides the Automated Clearing House (ACH) system in directing the flow of money to the correct credit union and specific member account.

You can typically find your credit union's routing number on the bottom left corner of your checks, on your bank statement, or on your credit union's website. Always remember to use the correct routing number to ensure smooth and successful transactions.

Ways to Find Credit Union Routing Number

Check Your Checkbook

Personal Checks

One of the easiest ways to find your routing number is to simply look at the bottom of one of your checks. The routing number is usually the first set of nine-digit numbers printed on the bottom left corner of your checks.

Deposit Slips

If you don't have a check handy, you can also find the routing number on your deposit slips. It's located in the same position as on your checks.

Visit the Credit Union's Website

Most Credit Unions post their routing numbers on their websites. You can usually find it in the footer of the website or in the 'Contact Us' section. If not, use the search bar and type 'routing number' to quickly locate it.

Use Online Banking or Mobile Apps

If you're enrolled in online banking or have downloaded your Credit Union's mobile banking app, you can often find your routing number in your account details. Check under 'Account Information' or 'Account Services.'

Contact Your Credit Union Directly

If you still need help finding the routing number, your best bet is to contact your Credit Union directly. You can call their customer service line, send an email, or visit a local branch. They can provide you with the routing number after verifying your identity.

Use the American Bankers Association (ABA) Lookup Tool

The ABA provides a lookup tool on its website where you can find your Credit Union's routing number. You'll need to enter your Credit Union's name and location, and the tool will provide you with the number.

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How to Find a Credit Union Routing Number Online

A routing number is a nine-digit code used to identify your credit union for different types of banking transactions, including wire transfers, direct deposits, and digital checks. Here's how you can find your credit union routing number online.

Use Your Credit Union's Website

Most Credit Unions make their routing numbers readily available on their official websites. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to locate it:

Visit the Website

Start by visiting the official website of your Credit Union. It's important to ensure you are on the correct site to avoid phishing scams.

Locate the Routing Number

Once on the website, search for terms like "Routing number," "ABA number," or "RTN." This information may be found in various sections such as 'Account Services,' 'Help,' 'FAQ,' or 'Contact Us.'

Online Banking

If you've signed up for online banking, finding your routing number can be just a few clicks away.

Log Into Online Banking

Start by logging into your online banking account through your Credit Union's website.

Navigate to Account Information

Once logged in, navigate to 'Account Information' or 'Account Details.' Your routing number is typically listed there.

Mobile Banking Apps

If your Credit Union offers a mobile banking app, it's another convenient way to find your routing number online.

Download and Log In

Download the app from the App Store or Google Play, and log in using your banking credentials.

Find the Routing Number

Just like with online banking, once you are logged in, look under 'Account Information' or 'Account Services' to find your routing number.

Use the American Bankers Association (ABA) Website

The ABA offers a lookup tool that can be used to find your Credit Union's routing number.

Access the ABA Website

Visit the ABA website and navigate to their routing number lookup tool.

Enter the Required Information

You'll need to enter your Credit Union's name and location, and the tool will provide you with the routing number.

Checking Credit Union Routing Numbers on Checks and Bank Statements

Your credit union routing number is printed at the bottom left corner of your checks, preceding your account number. This number can also be found on your monthly bank statements.

Use of Credit Union Routing Numbers in Different Financial Transactions

Wire Transfers

Routing numbers are crucial when sending or receiving domestic wire transfers.

Domestic Wire Transfers

If you're sending money to someone else's account at a different credit union or bank within the U.S., you will need their institution's routing number to ensure the funds reach the correct destination.

Receiving Domestic Wire Transfers

When you're on the receiving end of a domestic wire transfer, you'll need to provide your own Credit Union's routing number to the sender.

Direct Deposits

Setting up direct deposits, like paychecks or government benefits, also requires a routing number.

Setting up Direct Deposits

When setting up direct deposit with your employer or a government benefits provider, you'll need to provide your Credit Union's routing number and your account number. This allows the direct deposit to be routed correctly to your account.

Electronic Funds Transfers (EFTs)

Routing numbers are also used for EFTs, including automatic bill payments and transfers between different financial institutions.

Automatic Bill Payments

When you set up automatic bill payments with a service provider, such as a utility company or a subscription service, you will need to provide your routing number so the funds can be automatically withdrawn from your account.

Inter-Institution Transfers

When you're transferring money between accounts at different financial institutions, you will need the routing number for each institution to facilitate the transfer.

Check Processing

The routing number on a check determines which Credit Union the check is drawn from.

Paying by Check

When you pay by check, the recipient's bank uses the routing number on the check to know where to request the funds from.

Depositing a Check

When you're depositing a check, your bank uses the routing number on the check to know where to request the funds from.

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Security Concerns Related to Credit Union Routing Number

Fraudulent Transactions

With the routing number and account number, fraudsters can create fake checks or initiate unauthorized electronic transactions, leading to the loss of funds from your account.

Monitor your account activity regularly. If you see any suspicious transactions, report it to your Credit Union immediately. Most Credit Unions offer fraud protection services that can recover lost funds.

Identity Theft

In combination with other personal information, your routing number can be used by criminals to steal your identity and apply for credit or initiate transactions in your name.

Protect your personal information. Don't share sensitive data like your social security number, account number, or routing number unless necessary, and ensure the recipient is trustworthy.

Phishing Scams

Fraudsters can trick you into revealing your routing and account numbers through phishing emails or fraudulent websites posing as your Credit Union.

Always verify the source before providing any information. Be wary of emails asking for your banking details, and ensure you're on the official Credit Union's website before entering your data.

Data Breaches

In the case of a data breach, your routing number, along with other personal data, could be exposed and potentially used for fraudulent activities.

Regularly update your passwords and use multifactor authentication when available. If your Credit Union reports a data breach, take steps to protect your account, such as changing your passwords and monitoring your account for unusual activity.

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Role of the ABA in Assigning Credit Union Routing Numbers

When a new credit union is established, or an existing one expands to the point of needing an additional routing number, they apply to the ABA for a new routing number. The ABA uses specific guidelines and criteria to assign these numbers.

The ABA continually maintains and updates its database of routing numbers. It assigns new numbers as needed and removes ones that are no longer in use, such as when a credit union closes. It also keeps track of changes due to mergers and acquisitions.

Conclusion

The nine-digit Credit Union Routing Number, assigned by the American Bankers Association (ABA), plays a vital role in various financial transactions. It directs the flow of funds correctly, ensuring smooth transactions.

These numbers are readily accessible via your checkbook, credit union's website, online banking, mobile apps, or ABA's lookup tool. However, it's imperative to keep in mind that they are sensitive data that could be misused in fraudulent activities or identity theft.

Hence, it's crucial to regularly monitor your accounts, protect your personal data, and remain vigilant against phishing scams and data breaches.

When it comes to changes in these routing numbers, trust in the ABA's systematic management includes assigning, updating, and tracking changes due to credit union closures or mergers.

To summarize, a Credit Union Routing Number is an integral part of banking operations that requires diligent handling.

Credit Union Routing Number FAQs

A Credit Union Routing Number is a unique nine-digit code assigned by the American Bankers Association (ABA) to each credit union in the United States. It's used for different types of banking transactions, including wire transfers, direct deposits, and digital checks.

You can find your Credit Union Routing Number at the bottom left corner of your checks, on your bank statement, on your credit union's website, via online or mobile banking, or by using the American Bankers Association's lookup tool.

A Credit Union Routing Number directs the flow of money in various financial transactions. These include wire transfers, direct deposits, electronic funds transfers (EFTs), and check processing. The routing number ensures that the funds reach the correct credit union and specific member account.

The security concerns related to Credit Union Routing Numbers include fraudulent transactions, identity theft, phishing scams, and data breaches. Therefore, it's important to protect your routing number and monitor your account regularly for any suspicious activity.

The ABA assigns Credit Union Routing Numbers when a new credit union is established or an existing one needs an additional number. It continually maintains and updates its database of routing numbers, assigning new ones as required and removing ones that are no longer in use, such as when a credit union closes. It also tracks changes due to credit union mergers or acquisitions.

Credit Union Routing Number | Overview, Ways to Find, Use (4)

About the Author

True Tamplin, BSc, CEPF®

True Tamplin is a published author, public speaker, CEO of UpDigital, and founder of Finance Strategists.

True is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF®), author of The Handy Financial Ratios Guide, a member of the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing, contributes to his financial education site, Finance Strategists, and has spoken to various financial communities such as the CFA Institute, as well as university students like his Alma mater, Biola University, where he received a bachelor of science in business and data analytics.

To learn more about True, visit his personal website or view his author profiles on Amazon, Nasdaq and Forbes.

Credit Union Routing Number | Overview, Ways to Find, Use (2024)

FAQs

Credit Union Routing Number | Overview, Ways to Find, Use? ›

It guides the Automated Clearing House (ACH) system in directing the flow of money to the correct credit union and specific member account. You can typically find your credit union's routing number on the bottom left corner of your checks, on your bank statement, or on your credit union's website.

How do I know which routing number to use? ›

Where is the ABA Routing Number on my checks? You can find the ABA Routing Number at the bottom of your checks. The ABA Routing Number is the left-most number, followed by your account number, and then by the number of the check.

What information can you get from routing and account number? ›

Your bank account number distinguishes your specific account from the other accounts held by your financial institution. Similarly, your routing number identifies the bank or credit union where the account resides.

Which routing number do I use for my credit card? ›

Credit cards don't have routing numbers as they're not needed for credit transactions. Instead of money being sent directly to or from your bank account, your credit card issuer processes the payment using a separate system.

Can you verify a bank routing number? ›

Confirm the bank routing number provided on the ABA Routing Number Lookup website. Note that many scams involve use of valid routing numbers; therefore results provided by this website should not be taken as confirmation that a payee is legitimate.

Which of the two routing numbers should I use? ›

ABA routing numbers are used for paper or check transfers. ACH routing numbers are used for electronic transfers. Transactions using ACH routing numbers “clear” faster (same or next day) than funds transferred on paper checks using ABA numbers.

How to find account holder name from account number? ›

To initiate this procedure, visit the respective bank where the desired account is held. Locate the cash deposit machine within the bank premises. Insert the account number into the cash deposit machine. The machine promptly presents the account holder's name.

Can I transfer money to Cash App using routing and account number? ›

Set up direct deposits:

You can also deposit paychecks, tax returns, and more to your Cash App balance using your bank account and routing number. You can receive up to $25,000 per direct deposit, and up to $50,000 in a 24-hour period.

What can people do with your routing and account number? ›

What Can Someone Do With Your Bank Account and Routing Numbers?
  • Money stolen from your account through an electronic payment or transfer.
  • An online shopping spree carried out with money from your account.
  • Phony checks printed with your bank account and routing numbers that can be used to take money from your account.
May 13, 2024

What app can I send money with routing and account number? ›

If you want to make instant transfers with routing and account numbers without verification, you can rely on money transfer apps such as Zelle, Wise, PayPal, or other digital banking services. These apps make it easy to move money fast using your routing and account numbers.

Which routing number to pay bills? ›

Bank of America routing numbers
StateRouting Number
Arkansas082000073
California121000358
Colorado123103716
Connecticut011900254
48 more rows
Apr 29, 2024

Which routing number do I use for paychecks? ›

Where is the routing number located on a check? The first set of numbers on the lower left corner of a check is the routing number. Keep in mind the routing numbers are 9-digit codes and the character symbol surrounding the numbers is not part of the routing number on a check.

Which routing number do you use for PayPal? ›

The ACH routing number will have to be included for sending an ACH transfer to any PayPal account. To send a domestic ACH transfer, you'll need to use the ACH routing number 114924742. You'll need to include the ACH routing number when sending an ACH transfer to any PayPal Prepaid account.

Can you google a routing number? ›

Often, banks have routing number information published online. Google your bank's name plus the words "routing number." If you can't find it by looking directly at your bank's website, try Google. You might be surprised at how often you can find something with Google that you can't find easily at a company site.

Can you identify a bank by its routing number? ›

The Routing Number Lookup tool can help verify the Routing Number is associated with a specific financial institution. You can also find routing numbers on the websites of most financial institutions or by calling them directly.

Are bank routing numbers public? ›

Banks and credit unions often publish their ABA numbers online. Unlike a bank account number, a bank routing number is public information and doesn't need to be secured or protected. You may be able to find this number right on the homepage of the bank's website.

Should I use electronic or wire routing number? ›

If you're looking for a fast, one-off transaction and are comfortable paying a higher fee, a wire transfer may be your choice. For recurring or regular payments and credits where you want to avoid fees, and transactions don't necessarily need to be completed same-day, ACH may be preferable.

What happens if you use the wrong routing number? ›

If you attempt a transaction with the wrong routing number, it will usually fail to process. However, in a worst-case scenario, money could be deposited into the wrong account. If you accidentally give someone the wrong routing number, get in touch as soon as possible to correct the error.

Which routing number do I use for salary at Bank of America? ›

The ACH routing number for Bank of America accounts in California is 121000358.

Are routing numbers specific to each bank? ›

Routing and account numbers are assigned to indicate precisely where funds in a transaction are coming from and going. Similarly, routing numbers identify each banking institution with a unique numerical ID.

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