Important Routing numbers are nine digits long, while bank account numbers often vary in length. In addition, your routing number will always begin with a 0, 1, 2, or 3.

Your routing number is one of the long strings of numbers at the bottom of your check. You need it to get direct deposits, pay bills and move money between banks.

ABA routing numbers are sometimes referred to as the "check routing number," and the ACH routing number as the "electronic routing number" or "number for electronic transfers." If only one number is ...

Your bank routing number and checking account number are two important numbers you need to be able to locate—on a paper check, online or from the bank.

Similarly, routing numbers identify each banking institution. Routing numbers are nine digits long, and account numbers are usually between nine and 12 digits, although some may be longer.