What Is a Bank Transit Number?
A bank transit number is a distinct number that identifies the branch where you opened your account. The transit number is just one of a series of numbers linked to your Canadian bank account.
What a bank transit number is and how it’s used
A bank transit number is a unique five-digit number used to identify the bank branch or location where you opened your account. That’s why the transit number is sometimes called a branch number.
Your bank transit number combined with your three-digit financial institution number forms your eight-digit routing number. You’ll need your bank transit number, institution number and account number to set up online direct deposits to your bank account, such as your paycheque. Everyday bank transactions, such as sending or receiving a wire transfer or making automatic bill payments, also use these numbers to locate your bank account.
Routing number vs. transit number
A bank transit number and routing number each represent your bank and help complete a transaction. Here are some features and differences:
ROUTING NUMBER | TRANSIT NUMBER |
|---|---|
A routing number combines your bank transit number and institution number. | A bank transit number represents the bank branch where you opened your account. |
It is typically eight digits long. | It is usually five digits long. |
A routing number includes the transit number. | A transit number is part of the routing number. |
How to find your bank transit number
There are a few ways to find the bank transit number for your accounts. A personal cheque shows your branch number. Some banks also generate online images of a void cheque for this purpose.
How to find the bank transit number on a cheque
To read the bank transit number on a cheque, look for a row of numbers at the bottom. From left to right:
The first number is the cheque number.
The second number, which is five digits long, is your bank transit number.
There might be a dash right after the transit number, followed by three more digits. This is your financial institution number.
If you’re trying to isolate your transit number, focus on the second set of numbers in the sequence: just five digits. Remember that together, your transit number and institution number make up your routing number.
How to find the bank transit number online
If you don’t use cheques, you can also find your transit number by logging into your online banking portal or mobile app and reviewing your recent transactions or e-statements.
The exact method to find your transit number depends on your financial institution. For example, some banks generate a pre-filled form for direct deposit, which would include the transit number. Others show your transit number next to your account number in your online banking display.
If you’re not sure which option your bank uses, you can check with customer service or search the bank’s FAQ.
Other ways to find your bank transit number
There are other methods to find your bank transit number. For instance, financial documents, such as bank statements for the account, may list the transit number.
You can also contact your bank or the local branch where you opened your bank account and ask them to verify the transit number for your account.
Always be sure to double-check the information you get because a wrong transit number can cause problems for any direct deposits or automatic withdrawals that you may set up.
Frequently asked questions
What is a bank transit number and how do I find it?
What is a bank transit number and how do I find it?
A bank transit number is a unique five-digit number that represents the bank branch where you opened your account. You can find your bank transit number on cheques, account statements and your online banking portal or mobile app, as well as by contacting the bank.
Is a routing number the same as a transit number?
Is a routing number the same as a transit number?
No, a routing number is a combination of your five-digit bank transit number and three-digit institution number. A bank transit number is part of the routing number.
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