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A routing number is a unique, nine-digit identification code that banks and credit unions use to transfer money. When you wire money, set up direct deposits or make electronic fund transfers, your bank reads the number to make sure the funds are sent to the right place. You can find your routing number on your checks or by logging in to your bank account online or in your bank's app.
However, you won't find a routing number on your credit card. Credit cards don't have routing numbers as they're not needed for credit transactions. Your credit card number contains all the information needed to complete safe transactions, including your account number and card issuer's identification. Below, we'll break down what those numbers do and why your card skips the routing number.
What Is a Routing Number?
A routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies a specific bank or credit union, with each institution having its own number. Banks use your routing number along with your account number to send and receive money accurately between institutions.
The American Bankers Association (ABA) introduced the system in 1910, and it's used exclusively in the United States. Foreign banks use SWIFT/BIC codes for specific banking institutions and International Bank Account Numbers (IBANs) for individual customer accounts.
Routing numbers were originally created for paper checks, and you can still find them in the bottom-left corner of your checks or in your online account. Today, they have several uses, including processing checks, online bill payments, direct deposits and wire transfers. Routing numbers also come in handy at tax time, as the IRS uses them along with your account number to withdraw your tax payment or direct deposit your refund.
Routing Number vs. Account Number
Routing and account numbers work together when you transfer money electronically, but each number serves a different purpose. The routing number directs funds to the correct financial institution, while the account number points to the specific individual account.
Routing numbers are also different from account numbers because they are public. Every account holder at the same bank uses the same routing number, and banks openly publish those numbers. Account numbers, however, are unique to you.
Keep your account number private, since someone could use your routing and account numbers together to access your account or make unauthorized transactions.
Why Don't Credit Cards Have Routing Numbers?
Credit cards don't need routing numbers because you're not moving money from a bank account when you use one. Instead, you're borrowing funds against your credit limit and repaying the balance later. As we'll soon see, credit cards still contain identifiers to correctly guide payments to the right place.
What Numbers Does a Credit Card Have Instead?
Your credit card has several numbers that work together to identify your account and approve purchases. Here's what the different numbers on your credit card are used for.
- Card number: A credit card usually has 15 or 16 digits that provide the information needed to process a transaction. American Express cards have 15 digits, and Visa, Mastercard and Discover cards have 16 digits.
- BIN/IIN: The first six digits make up the bank identification number (BIN), which is also called the issuer identification number (IIN). They indicate the card issuer and credit card network behind your card. The very first digit identifies the industry and the card network. American Express card numbers start with 3, Visa cards start with 4, Mastercard cards start with 2 or 5 and Discover cards start with 6.
- Account number: The digits after the IIN, except the last one, make up your account number.
- Check digit: The last digit is a check digit that card networks use with an algorithm to make sure the card number is structured correctly.
- Expiration date: This is the month and year when your card is no longer usable, usually within two to five years from the date of issue. Your issuer should send you a new card before your current one expires.
- CVV: This three- or four-digit security code is usually found on the back of the card. It's meant for phone or online purchases to show you actually have the physical card when making the transaction.
As you've likely noticed, your credit card number isn't the same as your credit card account number. But your account number is included in the longer card number. Ultimately, your credit card number helps link the card to your account and allows your issuer to correctly process purchases, payments and other transactions.
Learn more: How Do Credit Card Payments Work?
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do the Numbers on a Credit Card Represent?
The numbers on a credit card identify the card issuer, connect the card to your credit card account and help process purchases.
Unlike a checking account linked to a debit card, a credit card doesn't have a routing number to guide transactions to your bank or credit union. Instead, the credit card number contains the details needed to process the transaction. The first several digits include the issuer identification number, while the next several digits include your account number. The final digit is a check digit used to validate the card number's structure and catch common errors.
Do Debit Cards Have Routing Numbers?
While debit cards are linked to bank accounts that use routing numbers, the cards themselves don't include routing numbers on their face. Your routing number tells banks where to send or withdraw money for direct deposits, bill payments, money transfers and other transactions. Your account number then identifies the specific account. You can usually find your routing number at the bottom left of your checks, on your bank statements or in your online account.
The Bottom Line
Credit cards don't use routing numbers because they don't draw money directly from your bank account. Instead, your credit card number contains all the information needed to process transactions, including your card issuer's identity and your account number.
Your credit score is another number that is critical to your overall financial health. These three-digit numbers give lenders a snapshot of your credit history and can affect your eligibility for new credit and the interest rates you receive. See where your credit stands by checking your credit report and FICO® Score☉ Θ for free with Experian. Review your report to see what's helping your score and where you may be able to improve.