A bank transit number, also known as a routing number, is a unique identifier for a financial institution that helps other financial institutions identify what institution issued checks or other financial documents. It is a nine-digit code that identifies a specific financial institution and is used when transferring money or identifying specific bank accounts. The transit number is printed on checks so other banks can determine which bank the check was first drawn from.

In Canada, banks and other financial institutions identify their branches with a unique transit number (also known as branch numbers) . A transit number is made up of five digits and together with the institution number, they form a routing number. The transit number shows which branch you opened your account at, while the institution number identifies your bank. The account number identifies your individual account.

Banks use routing numbers to process transactions, as the routing number tells all financial institutions involved in a transaction where to send and receive money. Routing numbers are often used when setting up a wire transfer relationship with one’s personal or business bank. A wire transfer is an electronic funds payment across a network administered by hundreds of financial institutions worldwide.

The routing number is located at the bottom of a check and is the first nine digits on the far left. The first four digits designate the Federal Reserve Bank of the district where the institution is located. The next four digits denote the bank itself, while the last digit is a classifier for the check or negotiable instrument.

If you’re unsure about which routing number you need, you can call your bank and they’ll be able to direct you.