A routing and account number on a check are vital identifiers that enable the processing of financial transactions. They are encoded as Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) characters at the bottom of a check and consist of a nine-digit routing number, which identifies the financial institution where the account is held, and a specific account number assigned to the account holder. For instance, a check may display the routing number “123456789” and the account number “987654321”.
This information is crucial for ensuring the secure and accurate transfer of funds. It enables banks to identify the account to which the payment should be credited and facilitates the automated processing of checks. The use of MICR technology has significantly improved the efficiency and accuracy of check processing.
