What do check routing numbers mean

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Personal Business. Work with a financial professional. Resources Personal finance. What is a routing number? Which number is the account number on a check? What is a checking account number? Article Sources. Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts.

We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in our editorial policy. Related Articles. Banking What Is an External Transfer? Banking Banking Checking Accounts Need to Void a Check? Partner Links. The magnetic ink character recognition line MICR is the line at the bottom of a check that includes the banking account, routing, and check numbers.

How Account Numbers Work An account number is a unique string of numbers and, sometimes, letters or other characters that identifies the owner of the account. How Does a Checking Account Work? A checking account is a highly liquid deposit account held at a financial institution that allows deposits and withdrawals.

Routing Transit Number A routing transit number is a nine-digit numerical code used to identify a banking or other financial institution for the purpose of clearing funds or processing checks in the United States. Investopedia is part of the Dotdash publishing family. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for Investopedia. This is often the case with larger institutions. Essentially, a routing number is a bank ID that works with an account number to identify your account and make sure your money ends up in the right place.

How We Make Money. Anna Baluch. Written by. Anna Baluch is a personal finance freelance writer from Cleveland who enjoys writing about debt, mortgages, student loans, personal loans and auto financing.

Edited By Brian Beers. Edited by. Brian Beers. Brian Beers is the senior wealth editor at Bankrate. He oversees editorial coverage of banking, investing, the economy and all things money.

Share this page. Bankrate Logo Why you can trust Bankrate. Bankrate Logo Editorial Integrity. Key Principles We value your trust. Your bank routing number is a nine-digit code that's based on the U.

Bank location where your account was opened. It's the first set of numbers printed on the bottom of your checks, on the left side. You can also find it in the U. Bank routing number chart below. Your account number usually 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. You can also find your account number on your monthly statement. Download the U. Bank Mobile App Its streamlined, simple to use tools make banking easier. Get the app. Are you using the right checking account for your needs? Compare checking options. Complement your checking with a savings account Compare savings accounts.