A banking transit number — the ABA routing number in the US — is a nine-digit code that identifies a specific bank and branch so money can be routed correctly for checks, ACH and wires. Here is how it fits with your other banking numbers.
What Is an ABA Transit Number?
In the US, the routing/transit number (also called the RTN or ABA number) is nine digits: the first two are the Federal Reserve routing symbol, followed by an institution identifier and a check digit. It tells the payment system which bank is responsible.
What It Is Used For
- Direct deposits and bill payments (ACH).
- Processing paper checks.
- Domestic and international wire transfers.
Transit Number vs Account Number vs SWIFT
The transit number finds the bank; your account number finds the account. On the international side, SWIFT/BIC identifies the bank globally, while an IBAN (Europe) combines everything in one code.
Where to Find Yours
Bottom of your US checks, your bank's website/statements, or your online banking account details page.
FAQ
Is a routing number the same as an account number?
No — routing identifies the bank (9 digits); the account number identifies your account.
Do Nigerian sort codes work like transit numbers?
Conceptually yes — Nigerian sort codes route local transfers; transit numbers do the same in the US.
Related: Nigerian Sort Codes and GTBank Balance.