Routing Number Validator
Instantly check if your ABA routing number is valid and belongs to the correct bank
We don’t store or log any data you enter. Validation happens entirely in your browser.
Routing Number Breakdown
Bank Information
Bank Name
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Location
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Transfer Type
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Valid For
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What to Do Next
✅ Validation Successful
Double-check the bank name matches your recipient’s bank before sending money.
⚠️ Caution Needed
Contact your bank directly if any information doesn’t match your expectations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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!Confusing routing numbers with account numbers (routing numbers are always 9 digits)
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!Using wire transfer routing numbers for ACH transfers (they’re often different)
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!Not verifying the bank location matches your recipient’s branch
How Routing Number Validation Works
Routing numbers, also known as ABA (American Bankers Association) numbers, follow a specific mathematical validation formula. Each 9-digit routing number contains a built-in check digit that helps verify its authenticity.
The Validation Formula
The check digit (9th digit) is calculated using this mathematical formula:
Where d₁ through d₈ are the first eight digits of the routing number. The result must equal the 9th digit for the routing number to be valid.
Simple Explanation:
Think of the check digit like the last digit of a credit card number. It’s calculated from the other digits to catch typing errors. If someone makes a mistake entering the routing number, the validation formula will catch it 99% of the time.
Understanding Routing Number Structure
Every routing number tells a story about the bank and its location. The 9 digits aren’t random. They follow a specific pattern that identifies:
- Which Federal Reserve district the bank belongs to
- The specific bank institution
- A built-in error-checking digit
Breaking Down the 9 Digits
| Digits | What They Represent | Example | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Federal Reserve Routing Symbol | 0210 | Identifies the Federal Reserve district and processing center |
| 5-8 | ABA Institution Identifier | 0002 | Identifies the specific bank or financial institution |
| 9 | Check Digit | 1 | Mathematical validation to catch errors |
Common Questions About Routing Numbers
What is a routing number used for?
Routing numbers identify specific financial institutions in the United States. They’re used for:
- Processing paper checks
- Direct deposit setups
- Automatic bill payments
- Wire transfers
- ACH (Automated Clearing House) transactions
Think of them as your bank’s address within the financial system. Just like a postal address tells mail where to go, a routing number tells money where to go.
Why do banks have multiple routing numbers?
Large banks often have different routing numbers for different purposes. Here’s why:
Common Reasons for Multiple Routing Numbers:
- Geographic differences: One routing number for New York, another for California
- Transaction type: Separate numbers for paper checks vs. electronic transfers
- Bank mergers: When banks merge, they often keep old routing numbers active
- Special services: Some routing numbers are reserved for specific services like treasury management
Always verify which routing number you need for your specific transaction type and location.
How can I find my routing number?
You can typically find your routing number in three places:
- On paper checks: Look at the bottom left corner. It’s the first 9-digit number.
- Online banking: Most banks display routing numbers in account details or FAQ sections.
- Bank statements: Check your monthly statements.
- Bank website: Many banks list routing numbers on their websites.
- Contact the bank: Call customer service for verification.
Important: Never use a routing number from an unverified source or from a random internet search. Always get it directly from your bank or official documents.
What’s the difference between ACH and wire routing numbers?
This is a common point of confusion. Here’s the breakdown:
| Feature | ACH Routing Numbers | Wire Routing Numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Use | Direct deposits, bill payments, recurring transfers | One-time urgent transfers, real estate transactions |
| Speed | 1-3 business days | Same day or next business day |
| Cost | Usually free | $15-$45 per transfer |
| Number Format | Often starts with 0, 1, 2, or 3 | May be different from ACH number |
Key takeaway: Always confirm with your bank which routing number to use for your specific transaction type. Using the wrong one can cause delays or failed transfers.
Can routing numbers change?
Yes, routing numbers can change in several situations:
- Bank mergers: When two banks merge, routing numbers often change
- Acquisitions: When a bank buys another, routing systems may be consolidated
- System upgrades: Major technology upgrades can prompt changes
- Regulatory requirements: Sometimes regulations force changes
If you’re setting up recurring payments, it’s wise to verify your routing number annually or when you hear about bank mergers in the news.
International Considerations
While this validator focuses on US routing numbers (ABA numbers), other countries have similar systems:
| Country | System Name | Format | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | Institution + Transit Numbers | 3 digits + 5 digits | Domestic transfers |
| United Kingdom | Sort Codes | 6 digits | Domestic transfers |
| Australia | BSB Numbers | 6 digits | Domestic transfers |
| European Union | IBAN | Up to 34 characters | International transfers |
| Global | SWIFT/BIC Codes | 8 or 11 characters | International wire transfers |
Pro Tip for International Users:
If you’re sending money to or from the US, you’ll need both a routing number (for the US bank) and possibly a SWIFT code for international routing. Always ask the receiving bank for complete instructions.
Table of Common Routing Numbers
Here are some well-known routing numbers for reference. Remember: Always verify with your specific branch as these can vary by location and account type.
| Bank | Routing Number | Primary State | Validation Status | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPMorgan Chase Bank | 021000021 | New York | ✓ Valid | General banking |
| Bank of America | 026009593 | New York | ✓ Valid | ACH transfers |
| Wells Fargo Bank | 121000248 | California | ✓ Valid | Wire transfers |
| Citibank | 322271627 | California | ✓ Valid | Wire transfers |
| Capital One | 111000025 | Virginia | ✓ Valid | Electronic transfers |
| Example Invalid | 123456789 | N/A | ✗ Invalid | Test number |
Security Best Practices
While routing numbers are not secret information (they’re publicly available for all banks), you should still protect your complete banking information. Here are essential safety tips:
Safety Checklist Before Sending Money
- Verify independently: Confirm routing numbers directly with your bank or through official documents
- Start small: For new payment setups, send a small test amount first
- Use secure connections: Only enter banking details on secure websites (look for https://)
- Monitor regularly: Check your accounts weekly for unauthorized transactions
- Be cautious of “emergency” requests: Scammers often create urgency to bypass verification
- Keep records: Save confirmation numbers and transaction details
Red Flags to Watch For:
- Someone pressures you to send money immediately
- The bank name doesn’t match your recipient’s bank
- You’re asked to send money to “unlock” funds or receive a prize
- The routing number validates but feels wrong (trust your gut)
When to Contact Your Bank
Sometimes validation tools aren’t enough. Contact your bank directly if:
- The routing number validates but the bank name seems wrong
- You’re setting up a large transfer (over $1,000)
- You’re sending money to someone for the first time
- The recipient has changed banks recently
- You notice any discrepancies in the information
- You’re using an international transfer service
Tip: Double-Check Before Sending
Always verify the bank name associated with a routing number matches your recipient’s bank. If you’re sending a large amount, consider these extra steps:
- Send a small test transaction first ($1-5)
- Contact both banks to confirm routing information
- Use bank-to-bank transfer services instead of third parties when possible
- Keep all communication records with the recipient
Why Trust Matters in Financial Transactions
When sending money, trust comes from multiple layers of verification:
| Verification Layer | What It Checks | Tool/Method |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Validation | Is the routing number mathematically valid? | This calculator (check digit formula) |
| Bank Verification | Does the number belong to a real bank? | Bank database lookup |
| Purpose Verification | Is this the right number for my transaction type? | Bank confirmation |
| Recipient Verification | Is this the correct recipient’s bank? | Direct confirmation with recipient |
This routing number validator handles the first two layers. The last two require human verification – which is why we always recommend double-checking with your bank and recipient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to enter my routing number here?
Yes. All validation happens locally in your browser. We don’t store, log, or transmit any data you enter. Routing numbers are not secret information; they’re publicly available for all banks. The validation happens entirely on your device, and nothing is sent to any server.
What if my routing number shows as invalid?
First, double-check you entered all 9 digits correctly. Common mistakes include swapping digits or missing a number. If it’s still invalid, contact your bank directly. Some newer routing numbers or special-use routing codes might not validate with the standard ABA check digit formula. Your bank can provide the correct, verified routing number.
Can I use this for wire transfers?
This validator checks if a routing number follows the correct mathematical format. However, some banks use different routing numbers for wire transfers vs. ACH transfers. The validation will tell you if the number is mathematically valid, but you still need to confirm with your bank whether it’s the correct number for wire transfers specifically.
Why does my bank have two different routing numbers?
Banks often have multiple routing numbers for different purposes: one for paper transactions (checks), one for electronic transfers (ACH), and sometimes different numbers for different regions. This helps the bank process transactions more efficiently. Large national banks might have dozens of routing numbers across different states and for different services.
How often should I verify my routing number?
You should verify your routing number whenever you set up a new payment, if you hear about your bank merging with another bank, or if a payment fails unexpectedly. For recurring payments, an annual check is wise. Routing numbers don’t change often, but when they do, it can disrupt all your automated payments.