What is a Bank Transit Number in Canada?

Updated

Share:

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin
Share on pinterest

A Canadian bank transit number is a five digit number used by every bank and financial institution in Canada. Unlike American banks that use routing numbers, Canadian banks use transit numbers to make it easy for the users to identify the bank details.

The purpose of the bank transit number is to identify the bank name, branch and all the detail of that specific bank account. There are two main portions of an account information number in Canada:

  • Transit number: The first five digits of the number are called the transit number which represents the details about the branch.
  • Institution number: The next three numbers are known as the institution number which shows the bank details.
  • Account number: The last seven digits are the unique account number.

When you open an account in Canada, you’re automatically assigned all of these numbers.

Bank Transit Number in Canada

The transit number is used to identify the home branch of the account. This means it shows the details about the branch of the bank where the bank account was first opened and is still used. Transit number is used by the bank to easily find the branch where the account is opened.

This number makes it easy for the banks and the users to manage their account information and transfer the details of the bank quickly. For instance, if a user wants to send their account number to someone for a specific transaction, it makes it easier for the bank to identify the location of the account.

The users also pass on their account details in just a form of a number. Therefore, it can be said that the purpose of transit numbers is to conduct transactions, like transferring funds from one bank account to another.

This helps ensure that the money has been transferred to the correct location. All the parts of the routing number including the transit number have the same purpose of properly locating the bank accounts of the customers.

Whenever a company or a person wants to conduct a transaction, whether send or receive the money, it is compulsory to provide the transit number along with the bank account number. The transit number in Canadian bank accounts is helpful for international transactions as well.

Global money transfers also require this number to accurately locate the Canadian account. The transit number is important for companies and individuals to carry out transactions both domestically and internationally.

The transit number can be used to take out all the details about the branch of the specific bank. You can check the address and working hours of the bank from the branch number called the transit number.

Where Can the Transit Number of a Bank be Found?

The five-digit transit number in Canada can be found through several methods. It is written on the bottom of the chequebook along with the institution number and the account number. The user can identify those five digits from the cheque.

The transit number can also be found in online banking apps and bank statements. Simply click on your account info/details to get your bank transit number.

The transit number in Canada is a part of all the financial institutions to help businesses and individuals locate their branch numbers and addresses.

You Might Like

Post Comments

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Essential reads, delivered weekly

Join the Financial Literacy Train. Get the latest financial information delivered right to your inbox.

Newsletter

Deals and Offers

We’ve rounded up the Best life in Canada, with the best promotions, and the best sign-up bonuses, to help you maximize your benefits.

Helcim payments

Easy Payment Processing

Simplify payments with Helcim

Shopify

Create Your Online Store

Selling online should be easy

Questrade

Invesment Made Simple

Build your investment portfolio and save on fees.

Reviews

Post Comments

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertiser Disclosure

Canada Buzz is an advertising-supported blog. Some products and services that appear on this site are from companies from which Canadabuzz receives compensation. We may alter brand placements on our website to amplify our partners and their offers. Any time you click to our partner websites or register for a product or services through an affiliate link on our website, we may earn a commission at ZERO cost to you.

Canada Buzz is a purely informational blog. Opinions expressed on this blog are NOT endorsed by the reviewed brands. The information provided on this website does not constitute financial or professional advice. However, our team strives to bring you quality, unbiased information.

Adageorge

Highlights

Avid researcher, freelance writer, and personal finance enthusiast passionate about financial education and literacy.

Latest Post

Kareena Maya

Personal Finance and Travel Rewards Expert Contributor

Highlights

Experience

Kareena Maya is a freelance writer focused on the personal finance and travel spaces. He frequently writes about credit cards, banking, student loans, insurance, travel rewards and more. His work has been featured in publications such as Forbes Advisor, Bankrate, Credit Karma, Finance Buzz, The Ascent and Student Loan Planner.

Kareena Maya is a freelance writer focused on the personal finance and travel spaces. He frequently writes about credit cards, banking, student loans, insurance, travel rewards and more. His work has been featured in publications such as Forbes Advisor, Bankrate, Credit Karma, Finance Buzz, The Ascent and Student Loan Planner.