ABA numbers: all you need to know

What is an ABA number?

An ABA number is a nine-digit number that identifies banks in the US. Unique to each bank, it makes it possible for banks to transfer money to and from your accounts for transactions like wire transfers, direct deposit and automatic bill payments.

An example of a ABA number:

What are ABA numbers used for?

When you’re making a payment to another bank - the ABA number will locate and identify that bank, ensuring your payment gets to the right place. This is because most payments are transferred through Fedwire, which requires an ABA number to identify the recipient bank. You’ll need to provide the ABA number along the account number of your recipient for your payment to go through successfully. If the information isn’t correct, there could be a delay to the payment.

So, ABA numbers are used in:

• check processing

• making payments by phone or online or paying automatic bills

• money transfers within the US to US accounts

• International money transfers to US accounts

How to find an ABA number?

There are a number of ways to find your bank’s ABA number. If you’re sending to someone else, they will of course need to provide you with their bank’s ABA number. These can be found:

• on paper checks

An ABA number is printed on every check. On personal checks, it’s usually the nine-digit number in the bottom left-hand corner. The number may appear somewhere else on computer-generated checks (like online bill payment checks or business checks). You can also find your ABA number on deposit slips and bank statements.

• by contacting your bank

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. Alternatively, you can always call customer service and ask.

ABA number vs IBAN: what is the difference?

ABA numbers are used to identify banks in the US only. Whereas IBAN numbers are used to identify banks around the world. So, if you’re sending money abroad from the US, you will need to get these details from your recipient and supply the number.

IBAN ( International Bank Account Number) is used to identify the unique information of a bank account in any of the 80 countries that use the IBAN system.

IBAN numbers are made up of 34–35 alphanumeric characters, consisting of a two-digit country code, two check numbers, a four-digit bank code, a six-digit bank branch code and an eight-digit bank account number.

Sending money from the US and abroad

Now that we’ve discussed one aspect of sending money within the US, it may be that you’d like to send money further afield. If so, it’s well worth considering using WorldRemit for your next international transfer. We offer you a fast, secure and convenient service and a choice of ways to send - cash pickup, bank transfer, mobile money and airtime top up.

To get started, download our app today.

But don’t go just yet

Here are a few frequently asked questions about ABA numbers.

Do UK banks have ABA numbers?

UK banks do not have ABA numbers. They have other identifying codes such as sort codes to identify their banks and their branches. You can read about those here.

Do all US banks have an ABA number?

Yes, each financial institution recognised by the Federal Reserve has its own ABA transit routing number.

• Without an ABA number, it would not be possible to deposit a check using a mobile phone.

• ABA numbers allow employers to deposit checks automatically and for those checks to clear faster than a manual check.

• The numbers are also used in Fedwire transfers, and each digit making up the ABA routing number plays a role in the process.

Do you need ABA numbers for international money transfer?

The US is the only country to use ABA numbers to send money. If you wish to transfer money to a US bank account, an ABA number will be needed. However, if you wish to send money abroad, outside of the US, you’ll need to get the IBAN number of the recipient.