An Overview of ABA Routing Transit Numbers
A bank routing number, also known as a Routing Transit Number (RTN) or an ABA Routing Number, is a unique nine-digit number assigned to each banking or financial institution. The American Bankers Association (ABA) initially designed the numbering system in 1910 to facilitate the processing of paper checks.
Since then, the ABA has begun partnering with registrars to manage the system. Today, the code is utilized by Automated Clearing Houses (ACH) to facilitate direct deposits, bill payments, and other automated transactions. The ABA routing number is usually at the bottom of a personal or business check.
Who Assigns Routing Numbers?
Accuity, a SourceMedia company, is the registrar responsible for assigning new ABA numbers. They publish the list of ABA routing numbers in the American Bankers Association Key to Routing Numbers semi-annually. Currently, there are approximately 30,000 in use.
How to decode the First Two Digits
The first two digits of the nine-digit ABA Routing Number correspond to the 12 Federal Reserve Banks. The first two digits must be in the 00 through 12, 21 through 32, 61 through 72, or 80.
01 through 12 are the “normal” routing numbers and correlate to the Federal Reserve Banks as follows:
- 01 = Boston
- 02 = New York
- 03 = Philadelphia
- 04 = Cleveland
- 05 = Richmond
- 06 = Atlanta
- 07 = Chicago
- 08 = St. Louis
- 09 = Minneapolis
- 10 = Kansas City
- 11 = Dallas
- 12 = San Francisco
The numbers 21 through 32 were assigned only to thrift institutions through 1985, but now the numbers may be used by any bank, although credit unions primarily use them. For example, this range of numbers correlates to the Federal Reserve Banks as follows:
- 21 = Boston, Massachusetts
- 22 = New York, New York
- 23 = Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- 24 = Cleveland, Ohio
- 25 = Richmond, Virginia
- 26 = Atlanta, Georgia
- 27 = Chicago, Illinois
- 28 = St. Louis, Missouri
- 29 = Minneapolis, Minnesota
- 30 = Kansas City, Missouri
- 31 = Dallas, Texas
- 32 = San Francisco, California
The numbers 61 through 72 are used for electronic transactions by non-bank processors. The numbers correlate as follows:
- 61 = Boston
- 62 = New York
- 63 = Philadelphia
- 64 = Cleveland
- 65 = Richmond
- 66 = Atlanta
- 67 = Chicago
- 68 = St. Louis
- 69 = Minneapolis
- 70 = Kansas City
- 71 = Dallas
- 72 = San Francisco
The number 80 is for traveler’s checks.
How to decode the Third and Fourth digits
The third digit corresponds to the Federal Reserve check processing center assigned to the bank. The fourth digit is zero if the bank is located in a Federal Reserve city. If not, it is 1–9, depending on the state within the Federal Reserve district.
How to decode the Fifth through the Eighth digits
Next, the fifth through eighth digits are the ABA Institution Identifier. The institution identifier represents the bank’s unique ABA identity within the Federal Reserve district.
How to decode the Ninth digit
The ninth check digit is a checksum test that uses a position-weighted sum of each digit. Check sorting equipment verifies the checksum. If the checksum fails, the item routes to a “reject pocket.” The reject pocket is where someone manually examines the check. Then, they make repairs and resubmit for sorting.
What do private investigators need to know?
Private investigators need to understand the American Bankers Association (ABA) routing number system. These nine-digit codes help them find money to pay off a court judgment. Think of them as a map to the U.S. financial system. They are a key tool for asset and judgment recovery.
An ABA routing number points to a specific bank or credit union. The ABA first created them to sort paper checks. Now, they guide electronic payments like direct deposits and wire transfers. The ACH network, which relies on these numbers, handled over 31 billion payments in 2023 alone.
How Routing Numbers Help Locate Assets
Routing numbers are vital for finding a person’s assets. An investigator uses the number to identify the correct bank. Then, they can legally serve papers to that institution. These legal notices force the bank to share information about a debtor’s accounts.
Using Routing Numbers for Judgment Recovery
Investigators also use routing numbers to collect on a judgment. A lawyer uses the routing and account number to take money from an account. This action is called a bank levy or garnishment. Using the wrong routing number will cause the levy to fail, giving the debtor a chance to hide their money.
Verifying the Correct Number
It is essential to know that big banks can have many routing numbers. They might use separate numbers for different states or payment types. With over 28,000 active routing numbers in the U.S., investigators must always verify they have the right one. This simple number is a powerful tool for finding assets and enforcing judgments.
Questions and Comments
Please leave a message below if you have questions about the ABA bank routing number. Also, here are some resources for more information:
- ABA Routing Numbers– The official ABA site provides detailed information on the background and development of the numbering system, how to obtain an official number, and much more. Run a routing number search. Companies needing access to the entire Routing Number database or applying for a routing number should contact Accuity, the Official Registrar.
- Financial Products and Services – An overview of various financial products and services.