Credit cards do not have routing numbers. Credit cards simply don’t need them. Routing numbers are only required to transfer funds from one account to another via wire transfers, checks, etc.
It’s understandable why someone might think that credit cards have routing numbers. Almost all credit cards have a 16 digit number either on the front of back of the card itself. This however is not a routing number.
Some credit cards have even opted out of displaying the 16 digit number and instead provide that information to customers in other ways.
Do Credit Cards Have Account Numbers?
Yes, credit cards do have account numbers. This number makes a connection between the credit card issuer and cardholder and is crucial in processing payments.
In fact, the very first number on the credit card helps to identify the type of card.
Cards starting in:
3 means it’s an American Express card
4 means it’s a Visa card
5 means it’s a Mastercard
6 means it’s a Discover card
The next 6 to 8 of the numbers on your card make up what is known as the issuer identification number. Otherwise known as a bank identification number (BIN). These combination of numbers help identify the banking institution that issued the card.
And the numbers that are remaining are completely unique to each credit cardholder since they are designed to identify the customer’s account to withdraw funds from.
What is a Routing Number?
A routing number is a nine-digit number that is unique to which bank you use and functions like an address for the bank. It’s an important number to know as it’s necessary for direct deposit setups as well as fund transfers, digital checks and paying bills. Here’s an example of a routing number for Navy Federal credit union.
You’ll sometimes here routing numbers being referred to as ABA numbers. ABA stands for American Bankers Association. This is in reference to the fact that in 1910 ABA established routing numbers.
Learn more about how to find your routing number.
