Routing number
A routing number — formally an ABA routing transit number — is the nine-digit code that identifies a US financial institution on payment networks. Paired with an account number, it tells rails like ACH and Fedwire exactly where to deliver funds. Sharing routing and account numbers is how a business gets paid into its account.
By Nikhil Srinivasan, Founder & CEOLast updated July 2026
Routing numbers are issued to chartered institutions, and one bank can hold several — different numbers for wires, ACH, or regions. The routing-plus-account pair is effectively the address of a demand deposit account, which is why it appears on invoices, payroll setups, and payment instructions.
On Infinite, accounts are real: dedicated accounts with unique routing numbers, provided through chartered, FDIC-insured partner banks. Each customer’s account sends and receives on ACH, Fedwire, and RTP directly, rather than referencing a pooled account.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a routing number and an account number?
The routing number identifies the bank; the account number identifies the specific account at that bank. On a US check, the routing number is the first nine digits at the bottom left, followed by the account number. Payment instructions need both to land funds.
Is a routing number the same as a SWIFT code?
No. Routing numbers identify US institutions on domestic rails like ACH and Fedwire; SWIFT codes (BICs) identify institutions on the international messaging network. A cross-border wire typically needs both ends resolved. SWIFT
Do virtual accounts have real routing numbers?
A virtual account number routes into a single underlying real account, so funds land in the pooled account it references. A real account’s routing and account numbers point at an account titled to its owner. Virtual accounts vs real accounts
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