Transit Number, Institution Number and Account Number (2024)

FAQs

What is the account number transit number and institution number? ›

Your bank transit number and institution number can be found at the bottom of a cheque. The transit number (five digits) identifies which branch you opened your account at. The three-digit institution number identifies your bank. The account number (11 digits) identifies your individual account.

Someone with access to both your account number and routing number could withdraw money from your personal bank account. They could also use these account details to shop online, pay bills, create counterfeit checks or apply for new credit accounts.

It's usually split up into pairs; the first two digits identify which bank it is and the last four digits refer to the specific branch of the bank, where you opened the account.

Account number example

The account number is the second series of digits, and it's scrunched between the routing and check numbers. In the same example from above, the 12-digit account number is 012345678912.

The transit number is 5 digits. The institution number is 3 digits. The account number is 7 digits.

A routing number for electronic payments contains a zero (called the "leading zero"), a three-digit financial institution number and a five-digit branch number. For example, if Bank's routing number is 026011242, the institution number is 260, and the transit number is 11242.

Answer and Explanation:

No, it's not possible to withdraw money from account number, branch and institution only.

If a fraudster knows your routing number they can easily tell which financial institution your funds are at, putting you at risk of phishing attempts. If a criminal has both your routing number and account number they can potentially steal money from your account through fraudulent ACH transfers and payments.

Banks clearly suggest not sharing your bank account details unless you are expecting a fund transfer. Even in the case of fund transfer, make sure that the person crediting your bank account is trustworthy. Do Not Email Your Account Number: Mailing your bank account number to individuals can also be dangerous.

Your bank transit number and institution number can be found at the bottom of a cheque. The transit number (five digits) identifies which branch you opened your account at. The three-digit institution number identifies your bank. The account number (11 digits) identifies your individual account.

What is the difference between bank account number and transit number? ›

While the routing number identifies the financial institution's name, the account number—usually between eight and 12 digits—identifies your account. If you hold two accounts at the same bank, the routing numbers will, in most cases, be the same, but your account numbers will be different.

How Do You Find Out Your Account Number? You can find your bank account number on your bank statements, printed at the bottom of a paper check, or by logging on to the bank's website. If you can't find it in these ways, try visiting a bank branch in person.

If you have a Canadian bank account, you can find your transit code on check in the bottom left corner of your check. It should be a 9-digit number that identifies the branch where you opened your account. This number is also sometimes referred to as the branch transit number or routing number.