What is a Routing Number in Canada?

WOWA Simply Know Your Options

A routing number is an important piece of information that is used to identify a financial institution in Canada. It is used to identify the location of a bank or credit union and is required when making financial transactions.

The routing number consists of two things: the 5-digit branch number (also known as transit number), which identifies the account opening branch and the 3-digit financial institution number, which identifies the bank. From the above figure, 00002-003 at the bottom of the cheque leaf is the routing number, where 00002 is the branch/transit number and 003 is the financial institution number.

These details can be found at the bottom of personal cheques. A routing number is used as an identifier for the bank or financial institution in a monetary transaction. Within Canada, the routing number is used by banks, credit unions and trust companies to process cheques and electronic transactions such as

• Digital cheques
• Funds transfers
• Bill payments
• Direct deposits
• Recurring loans

In Canada, routing numbers are assigned to each financial institution by the Canadian Payments Association (CPA). The CPA is responsible for the oversight and regulation of the payment system in Canada. They are responsible for ensuring that all transactions are secure, efficient and cost-effective. The CPA assigns a unique routing number to each financial institution, which is used to identify the institution in the banking system.

There are two common ways routing information is shown in Canada: an 8-digit MICR format for cheques, and a 9-digit routing format for electronic payments.

8-Digit Routing Number (Cheque / MICR format)

• Format: XXXXX‑YYY (5-digit transit, 3-digit institution)
• Use: printed on cheques and other paper items

Example:

• Transit number: 12345
• Institution number: 001 (BMO)
• Routing number: 12345-001

9-Digit Routing Number (EFT routing number)

• Format: 0YYYXXXXX (leading zero, 3-digit institution, 5-digit transit)
• Use: direct deposit, pre-authorized debits, payroll, online bill payments

Example:

• Transit number: 12345
• Institution number: 001 (BMO)
• Routing number: 000112345

An account number is a 7–12 digit number which is associated with a bank account. This number is unique to one's account: it is an identifier for electronic funds transfer systems to determine where to withdraw or deposit the money. An account number along with a routing number would be needed to complete any automatic payments. The account number and routing number are used together to identify the correct bank account to withdraw or deposit the amount.

Each branch of a financial institution is assigned a unique transit number for identification purposes. The format of the transit number may vary as per institution.

Routing numbers are used for a variety of purposes, including making electronic transfers, ordering cheques, setting up direct deposits and automatic payments and making payments through telephone or online banking. They are also used to identify the financial institution in the banking system. When making a payment, the routing number is used to ensure that the money is sent to the correct financial institution. If the wrong routing number is used, the payment may not be received and the sender may not be able to recover the money. It is important to double-check the routing number before making a payment.

Routing numbers are also used to identify the type of account that is being used. For example, some routing numbers are used to identify chequing accounts, while others are used to identify savings accounts. This ensures that payments are sent to the correct account type. Routing numbers are also used to verify the identity of the sender or recipient of a payment. For example, some banks require customers to provide the routing number of the bank that holds their account in order to complete a transaction. This helps to prevent fraud and unauthorized payments.

In addition to being used for payments and transfers, routing numbers are also used for other banking services. For example, when signing up for online banking, customers may be asked to provide their routing number in order to set up their accounts. This helps to ensure that the customer is accessing their own account, rather than someone else's.

The most common place to find your routing number is at the bottom of your personal cheques. The numbers printed along the bottom include:

• Cheque number
• Routing number
• Account number

On a cheque, the routing number appears before your account number. In the 9-digit MICR format, it includes the institution number (with a leading zero) and the 5-digit transit number.

If you do not have cheques, there are several other reliable ways to find your routing number:

1. Online Banking

Most Canadian banks provide routing details inside online banking portals or mobile apps. Look for:

• "Direct Deposit Information"
• "Void Cheque"
• "Account Details"
• "Pre-Authorized Debit (PAD) Form"

You can usually download a void cheque or direct deposit form (PDF) that clearly shows your transit number, institution number, and account number.

2. Bank Statements

Some bank statements include branch (transit) and institution numbers in the account information section. If not directly labelled as a routing number, you can combine:

• 5-digit transit number
• 3-digit institution number

to form the 8-digit routing number used on cheques.

3. Deposit Slips

Deposit slips often display your branch transit number and institution number, which can be used to determine your routing number.

4. Contacting Your Bank

You can call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch in person. Provide your account details, and they can confirm:

• Transit number
• Institution number
• Full routing number (if needed for EFT)

5. Payments Canada (FIF File)

Payments Canada maintains the official Financial Institution File (FIF), which lists all Canadian financial institutions and their associated numbers. You can access it at payments.ca under the Financial Institution File section.

The FIF file allows you to:

• Verify institution numbers
• Look up branch transit numbers
• Confirm routing details for Canadian banks and credit unions

This is the authoritative source for Canadian routing information.

Highest1-YearGIC Rates

Select GIC Term:

1-Year

See More GIC Rates