Member number vs account number credit union

Your bank account's routing and account numbers are typically needed to set up transfers to and from other bank accounts. Your account number is unique to your checking or savings account, while the routing number is specific to the bank or credit union as a whole.

Importance of Routing and Account Numbers

Banks and credit unions manage tens or hundreds of thousands, and even millions, of accounts. When transferring money to or from your bank account, your routing number and account number are both integral in making sure the money is deposited to or withdrawn from the correct account.

You'll probably need to have these numbers on hand when setting up direct deposit, bill pay and other types of bank transfers. Wire transfers, on the other hand, typically use a different number than your routing number, and you can get that number directly from your bank or credit union.

A routing number is a nine-digit number that identifies the bank or credit union where an account is held. These numbers are also commonly referred to as ABA routing numbers, referring to the American Bankers Association, which assigns them.

Routing numbers are only used within the U.S. and show that the financial institution has an account with the Federal Reserve and is chartered at either the federal or state level.

In most cases, banks and credit unions only have one routing number. But some large national and multinational banks may have multiple routing numbers based on where you live or hold the account.

What Is an Account Number?

While a routing number identifies the bank or credit union that holds your account, an account number identifies your specific account among the many others that the financial institution holds.

For example, if you have more than one checking account or a checking and a savings account with the same institution, the routing numbers will likely be the same, but the account numbers will be different.

Because your account number effectively provides access to the funds in your account, it's critical that you keep it safe.

How to Find Your Routing and Account Numbers

You can find your account and routing numbers at the bottom left-hand side of paper checks that are tied to your checking account, by logging in to your online banking account or by asking a representative of the financial institution.

Since your financial institution's routing number isn't unique to your account, you may be able to simply find it online—just make sure the website you use is the one owned by your bank or credit union. Other websites may gather routing number information for several financial institutions to make things more convenient, but it's best to get the number directly from the institution.

Member number vs account number credit union

The numbers on the bottom of each of your checks are printed in magnetic ink using what's called magnetic ink character recognition (MICR). The MICR line makes it easier for banks and credit unions to process checks quickly.

When you are ready to provide your routing and account numbers for a bank-related transaction, double-check your sources to make sure you get the numbers exactly correct. If you're off by even a single digit, the transaction won't complete. In some cases, you may be required to enter your account number twice to verify the correct information, which can help avoid potential errors.

The Bottom Line

Your routing and account numbers are necessary for a lot of different bank transactions. They're good to keep on hand in a secure location, but it only takes a moment to find them if you don't have them at the ready when you need them.

Although anyone can find the ABA routing number for your bank or credit union, your account number is not public information, so it's important not to share it unless absolutely necessary to avoid potential fraud. This includes keeping your checkbook away from prying eyes, making sure your bank account password is secure and not sharing pictures of checks you've written on social media.

How long is your account number?

If you said “7-digits”, you’re only half right.

Your account number is your 7-digit Member number PLUS the 6-digit prefix that indicates checking, savings or other share type. You must use the whole number for all outside transactions including electronic transfers, payroll deposits, bill payer services, online banking and third-party check printers. Incomplete account numbers cause many transactions to fail resulting in late payments and fees to you.

Our ABA/Routing number is always 254074439. Whenever you use your account number outside the Credit Union, use the whole number.

Is member number the same as account number credit union?

What is a Member Number for a Credit Union? If you're wondering, "Is the member number the same as an account number?" the answer is, basically, yes. While each account you have with the credit union will be identified on its own, at a credit union, the account number is often the same as your member number.

What is a member number?

A member number is used to identify a member and their basic information. Each individual receives their own number that reflects personal information such as address, phone number, email, and date of birth.

Is my account number on my membership card?

The account numbers are actually not printed on cards. Your card number, which can be found on the front of your card, is different from your account number.

What is a member number for a bank account?

A member number is a unique number assigned to each member in the credit union. This number serves as an identification number that helps us quickly locate your member profile when helping you. You might notice that the first few numbers of your member number match your account numbers.