ACE Money Transfer - Blog

Routing Number vs. Account Number How Are They Different

Routing Number vs. Account Number How Are They Different?

01 Aug 2022


Do you feel confused between routing and account numbers while making transactions? 

Every bank-related cash transaction generally requires two critical pieces of information to identify customers: the routing number and account number, which are both assigned when you open an account. 

Your account number is specific to your checking or savings account, whereas the routing number is unique to the entire bank or credit union. When transferring funds to or from your bank account, your routing number and account number are often essential to ensure that the funds are deposited or withdrawn correctly. Worldwide diasporas primarily need a bank account number or routing number to make a global money transfer to support their families needs.

When will you essentially need a Routing Number?

Banks and credit unions manage hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of accounts. You will definitely need these numbers when setting up direct deposit, bill pay, and other types of bank transfers. Account numbers are unique to each account holder, like customer IDs or fingerprints that are always different for every user. 

Routing numbers are unique numerical identifiers for each banking institution. The relevant financial institutions must provide the routing and account numbers whenever you make an electronic funds transfer. These are the crucial codes required when making a money transfer across borders.

What is a Routing Number?

A routing number is a nine-digit code identifying the bank or credit union holding an account. This number verifies that the bank is a federal or state-chartered institution with a Federal Reserve account. Most banks use a single routing number for all electronic or paper transactions in the twenty-first century. 

Routing numbers indicate that a financial institution has a Federal Reserve account. Banks and credit unions typically have only one routing number. Large national and multinational banks, on the other hand, may have multiple routing numbers.

Routing numbers are typically needed when reordering cheques. These can also be found online or by contacting your bank. Remember that the routing numbers for domestic and international wire transfers differ from those on your cheques. 

Bank Account Number

The account number and the routing number work together. The routing number is used to identify the financial institution's name, while the account number is used to identify your account. In most cases, if you have two accounts at the same bank, your routing numbers will be the same, but your account numbers will differ. Keeping your account number safe is crucial because it is unique, just like your Social Security number or PIN code. 

An account number distinguishes your account from many others held by the financial institution. The routing numbers will most likely be the same if you have more than one checking account or checking and a savings account with the same institution, but the account numbers will be different. A routing number identifies the bank or credit union that holds your account. Some institutions might not require a routing number, but you will essentially need to produce the bank account number to send money abroad.

Importance of Account Number and Routing Number

Routing and account numbers are significant because they inform the system about the money's origins and destinations. Any inaccuracy in providing exact figures can cause delays and costly fees. If someone has access to your data, they may be able to withdraw funds from your account.

How to find the Account Number and Routing Number?

The routing number for your bank or credit union can be found on paper cheques, online banking accounts, or by asking a financial institution representative. Routing numbers are not unique for every other user, so you might be able to find them online as well. Other websites may compile routing numbers for various financial institutions to simplify things, but it's best to get the number directly from the bank.

Difference between Account Number and Routing Number

Processing information is indicated by routing numbers. A routing number is a series of numbers that indicate which Federal Reserve banks and centres will process a check. A financial institution simply assigns an account number based on its own procedures. Routing numbers are always nine digits, while account numbers can range from eight to twelve digits and/or letters.

Why is IBAN used?

An IBAN (International Banking Account Number) is a globally recognised system for identifying bank accounts and sending money internationally. On the other hand, routing numbers are a system of identification used and should not be confused with the former. If you're sending or receiving money from outside your home country, you will almost certainly be asked for an IBAN or routing number. 

You will be asked for specific banking information, such as an IBAN or routing number, if you plan to send money online to your loved ones in the form of remittance. This information will be used to ensure that your hard-earned money reaches the intended recipient safely and promptly. The IBAN and routing number systems were created to ensure efficient payments when transferring funds from one country to another.

ACE Money Transfer - An Alternative to Send Money Internationally

ACE Money Transfer has been the leading remittance sending company providing services for over 100 countries for two decades. ACE is one of the most trusted options for sending money overseas with utmost security of the funds and affordable transfer fees. 

It's quicker and less expensive than a wire transfer and doesn't require any codes. Sending money online with ACE Money Transfer allows you to avoid exchange rate markups. You can add funds to an ACE Multi-currency Account using your bank's routing and account numbers.

Several expats across the UK, Europe, Australia, Canada, and Switzerland, consider ACE Money Transfer the best, quick, and most convenient way for their money transfers across borders. Its team of experts can assist you with all of your foreign currency conversion or current account management needs at any time of day. 

Sign up now to become a valued member of the ACE family.


Tips

PREVNEXT
Tips for Expatriates - Things You Must Know When Sending Money Online
Current Trends in the Romanian Job Market for Filipino Expats
  • Categories
  • Country