In the world of automated banking we need to know information that can simplify our personal banking needs in many ways. Today, because almost everything we do is now automated, we no longer have to take time off to run to the bank to pay bills, get cash, or to manage our finances. Much of that are done automatically with the use of the bank's ABA routing number.
You've probably already scrutinized your check to find it. If you're not sure and are still wondering where to find bank's routing number here are a few tips to help you locate it.
Where To Look?
One of the easiest places to find it is on your printed checks. If you look at the bottom line of your check you'll see a string of numbers starting at the bottom left of your checks. The first nine numbers of that line is your ABA routing number. While you will be able to read the numbers, you will notice that they look a little strange. The entire row is printed in a machine-readable format so that your checks can be processed without the need for humans to interact with it.
If you don't have a checking account, you can still find your bank's ABA routing number on the bank's website. Some banks will make it easy to find but others may require a bit of digging. Nevertheless, the ABA number is a public number so there's no reason to keep it a secret. It is simply a tool to help identify which bank and branch your money should go to or be sent from. However, the numbers that follow the nine digits on the bottom of your check are your account number, which identify the specific location where your money is held. This is the number you want to protect.
What Is The Purpose Of The Routing Number?
Once you know where to find bank's routing number you can begin to automate your financial transactions. The numbers were created to assist banks in processing the many paper checks issued by customers and to identify other negotiable transactions. They are used just as much as you would use a mailing address. Today, every financial institution must have at least one routing number. However, these numbers are for the exclusive use of banks in the US only. There is a completely different form of numbering system for dealing with transactions with foreign banks.
We often take banking for granted these days and forget that it wasn't so long in the past when getting our paychecks cashed or paying bills required taking time out of our busy schedule to go to a physical bank, stand in line, and perform the transactions in person. But now, with the use of the ABA routing numbers we rarely ever need to go to a bank again. Our checks are automatically deposited, our bills are paid even before we realize it, and we can have cash in our hands by walking up to a machine and inserting a piece of plastic; all because we know where to find bank's routing number and how to put it to good use.