What is an ABA routing number? How US bank payments find the bank
By SendPay Business · · 2 min read
An ABA routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies a bank in the United States. It was introduced by the American Bankers Association in 1910, and US payments still use it to send money to the right bank.
Where to find it
It is printed at the bottom left of a US cheque, shown in online banking, and listed on the bank's website. The account number that follows it identifies the account itself.
ACH and wire numbers
Some US banks use one routing number for ACH payments, such as direct deposits and bills, and a different one for wire transfers. Always check which one the payment needs.
Sending money to the US from abroad
The US does not use IBANs, so an account number and routing number take their place.
- The bank's SWIFT code.
- The account holder's name and address.
- The account number.
- The routing number, if the sender's bank asks for it.
Where SendPay fits
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This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. SendPay Business is a technology company, not a bank, and does not take deposits; regulated services on the platforms are provided by licensed partners. PayPal, Patreon and Substack are named as reference points only and are not affiliated with SendPay Business.