Canadian Transit Number Validator Tool
🔒 No data is stored or logged. Validation happens in your browser.
What to Do Next
- ✓ Verify the account number matches this transit and institution number
- ✓ Confirm the bank name and branch location match your recipient
- ✓ Double-check you’re using this for the right transfer type (EFT, wire, direct deposit)
- ✓ Keep a record of this validation for your transaction
How It Works
Canadian bank accounts use an 8-digit routing code split into two parts: a 5-digit transit number identifying the specific branch, and a 3-digit institution number identifying the bank itself. Together, they create a unique address for every bank branch in Canada.
Canadian Routing Code Format:
Routing Code = Transit Number (5 digits) + Institution Number (3 digits)
Example: 00022-001 (TD Canada Trust, Bay & King Branch, Toronto)
The transit number tells you exactly which branch the account belongs to. The first digit often indicates the province, though this isn’t a strict rule. The institution number is assigned by Payments Canada (formerly Canadian Payments Association) and stays the same across all branches of that bank.
When you enter both numbers, this tool validates the format, checks if they’re legitimate bank codes, and identifies which financial institution and branch you’re dealing with. Unlike U.S. routing numbers, there’s no mathematical checksum to verify, so validation relies on format checking and database lookup.
What Each Part of Your Transit Number Means
| Component | Length | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transit Number | 5 digits | Identifies specific branch | 00022 |
| Institution Number | 3 digits | Identifies the bank | 001 (BMO) |
| Account Number | 7-12 digits | Your specific account | 1234567 |
Who Needs This Tool?
Anyone moving money in Canada. If you’re setting up direct deposit with a new employer, paying a freelancer via Interac e-Transfer, setting up pre-authorized payments for rent or utilities, or wiring money to a business, you need these numbers to be correct.
Small business owners use this when collecting payments from clients. Landlords verify it before accepting rent via EFT. Parents check it when setting up allowance transfers to their teenager’s first bank account. Contractors validate it before sending invoices with banking details.
💡 Quick Tip
The transit number on a cheque appears in two places: at the bottom in MICR format (magnetic ink) and at the top right corner. They should match. If they don’t, something’s wrong with the cheque.
What Happens If the Numbers Are Invalid?
If either number is the wrong length or contains non-numeric characters, the format is definitely wrong. Go back to your source (bottom of a cheque, bank statement, or online banking portal) and check digit by digit. Common mistakes include reading a smudged 5 as a 6, missing a leading zero, or accidentally copying only 4 digits instead of 5.
Even if the format is correct, the transit number might not exist anymore. Banks close branches, merge locations, or renumber them during reorganizations. A properly formatted number doesn’t guarantee the branch is still active. If you’re working with an old cheque or outdated paperwork, verify with the bank that the transit number is still in use.
When Should You Validate a Transit Number?
Before every new payment setup. That includes adding a payee to online bill payments, entering direct deposit info with a new employer, setting up pre-authorized debits for subscriptions, or initiating a wire transfer for a down payment.
Also validate if the numbers look unusual. Transit numbers should always be exactly 5 digits, and institution numbers should always be exactly 3 digits. If someone sends you a 4-digit or 6-digit transit number, it’s wrong. If the institution number is 000 or 999, be suspicious. Those aren’t assigned to real banks.
Why Canadian Transit Numbers Exist
Canada adopted this system in the 1960s to automate cheque clearing. Before that, banks manually sorted every cheque by reading handwritten branch names and account numbers, which was slow and error-prone. The transit and institution number system let machines read and route cheques automatically.
Payments Canada (the organization that runs Canada’s payment systems) assigns institution numbers to banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions. Each institution then assigns transit numbers to its branches. The system still powers electronic payments today, including EFTs, direct deposits, and pre-authorized debits.
Where to Find Your Transit Number
The easiest place is the bottom of a cheque. Look for the sequence of numbers printed in special magnetic ink. The format is usually shown as: cheque number, transit number, institution number, account number. The transit number is the second set of numbers (5 digits), and the institution number is the third set (3 digits).
If you don’t have cheques, log into online banking. Most Canadian banks display your transit and institution numbers on the main account page or under account details. You can also call your bank’s customer service line, visit a branch, or check your monthly statement (usually printed at the top).
💡 Reading Your Cheque
At the bottom of a Canadian cheque, the numbers appear in this order: [Cheque #] [Transit] [Institution] [Account]. So if you see “001 | 00022-001 | 1234567”, your transit is 00022 and institution is 001.
How to Avoid Common Transit Number Mistakes
First, never assume your transit number matches another branch of the same bank. Every branch has its own unique transit number. Even if you bank with TD and your friend banks with TD across the street, your transit numbers will be different.
Second, watch out for leading zeros. Transit numbers often start with 0, and it’s easy to accidentally drop it when typing. 0022 is not the same as 00022. Always type all 5 digits exactly as shown.
Third, don’t confuse transit with institution. The transit number (5 digits) identifies your specific branch. The institution number (3 digits) identifies your bank. You need both for most transfers. Mixing them up is one of the most common reasons transfers fail.
Major Canadian Bank Institution Numbers
| Institution Number | Bank Name |
|---|---|
| 001 | Bank of Montreal (BMO) |
| 002 | Scotiabank |
| 003 | Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) |
| 004 | Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) |
| 006 | National Bank of Canada |
| 010 | Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) |
| 016 | HSBC Bank Canada |
| 039 | Laurentian Bank of Canada |
| 815 | Tangerine Bank |
| 828 | Central 1 Credit Union |
Quick Sanity Check: Sample Transit Numbers
| Transit Number | Institution | Bank & Branch Example | Valid Format? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00022 | 001 | BMO, Bay & King, Toronto | ✓ Valid |
| 90357 | 003 | RBC, Yonge & Bloor, Toronto | ✓ Valid |
| 10002 | 004 | TD, Main Branch, Vancouver | ✓ Valid |
| 1234 | 001 | Too short | ✗ Invalid |
| 12345 | 99 | Institution too short | ✗ Invalid |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my transit number change after I open an account?
Yes. If your branch closes or merges with another location, your transit number might change. Your bank should notify you in advance and help you update any automatic payments or direct deposits. However, it’s smart to check periodically, especially if your branch has relocated or rebranded.
Is it safe to share my transit and institution numbers?
Sharing these numbers alone is generally safe because they only identify your bank and branch, not your specific account. However, someone needs your transit number, institution number, and account number together to move money. Be cautious about giving all three pieces to anyone you don’t fully trust.
What’s the difference between a transit number and a SWIFT code?
Transit numbers are used for domestic Canadian transfers. SWIFT codes (also called BIC codes) are used for international wire transfers. If you’re sending money from Canada to another country or receiving money from abroad, you’ll need your bank’s SWIFT code instead of (or in addition to) your transit number.
Do online-only banks have transit numbers?
Yes. Digital banks like Tangerine, EQ Bank, and Simplii Financial all have institution numbers assigned by Payments Canada. They typically use a single transit number for all customers or assign virtual transit numbers. Check your online banking portal or mobile app for your specific numbers.
Can two accounts at the same branch have different transit numbers?
No. All accounts at the same physical branch location share the same transit number. However, if you have accounts at different branches of the same bank, each account will have a different transit number corresponding to its branch.
Why do some banks show the transit number with a dash?
The dash is just formatting to make it easier to read. On cheques, you’ll see it written as “00022-001” where 00022 is the transit and 001 is the institution. The dash has no mathematical significance. When entering numbers into online forms, you usually skip the dash and just type the digits.
What happens if I use the wrong transit number?
If the transit number is completely invalid (wrong format or non-existent), the payment system will usually reject the transaction immediately. If it’s valid but belongs to the wrong branch, the payment might get delayed, bounced back, or in rare cases, sent to the wrong account. This is why validation matters.
How long does it take for a new transit number to become active?
When a bank opens a new branch, Payments Canada typically assigns and activates the transit number within a few business days. However, it can take several weeks for all payment processors, payroll systems, and financial institutions to recognize the new number in their databases.
Do credit unions use the same system as banks?
Yes. Credit unions in Canada use transit and institution numbers just like banks. The institution number identifies the credit union, and the transit number identifies the specific branch or service location. The validation process is identical.