A routing number for a check, also known as a bank routing number or ABA (American Bankers Association) number, is a nine-digit code printed on the bottom of checks. It identifies the financial institution where the check’s account is held. For instance, the routing number 123456789 on a check indicates that the funds should be transferred to Bank of America.
Routing numbers are crucial for electronic check processing. They enable banks to identify the correct financial institution to send the funds and initiate the transfer process. Additionally, routing numbers play a vital role in direct deposit, allowing employers to send salaries directly to employees’ bank accounts.