Canadian Clearing Code and Routing Number Guide

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The Canadian clearing code is a unique nine-digit code that identifies a financial institution in Canada. It's essential for processing transactions, and understanding it can help you navigate the banking system.

The clearing code is used in conjunction with the account number to identify the account holder and facilitate transactions. It's a crucial part of the banking process, and knowing how it works can save you time and hassle.

In Canada, the clearing code is typically the first six digits of the bank's routing number. This code is used to identify the financial institution and route transactions to the correct account.

What is a Canadian Clearing Code?

A Canadian Clearing Code is a unique three-digit code assigned to a financial institution in Canada. It's used to identify the institution and facilitate transactions.

The Clearing Code is part of the Canadian financial institution's routing number, which also includes a branch number and account number. This code is essential for direct deposit, bill payments, and other electronic transactions.

In Canada, the Clearing Code is typically the first three digits of the institution's routing number, and it's used to direct funds to the correct institution and account.

What Is a Routing Number?

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A routing number is used by banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions in Canada to identify the specific bank location where an individual holds an account.

It's also known as a bank code.

Canadian routing numbers are eight digits long.

Your routing number is different from your account number, which tells which specific account, monies, and transactions belong to you.

What is an Institution Number?

An institution number is a unique three-digit code used by Canadian banks and financial institutions to identify themselves in the national financial system. This number is part of the routing number, which helps define the bank and branch where your account is held.

The institution number is the first three digits of the routing number, and it's essential for identifying the bank you're working with. You can find your institution number by looking at your routing number, which is typically eight digits long.

In Canada, banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions use institution numbers to differentiate themselves from one another. This helps ensure that transactions are processed correctly and efficiently.

Types of Canadian Clearing Codes

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Canadian clearing codes are used to identify financial institutions and their branches. They're an essential part of the banking system, ensuring that money ends up where it's supposed to go.

The two main types of Canadian clearing codes are institution numbers and transit numbers. An institution number is a unique three-digit code used by Canadian banks and financial institutions to identify themselves in the national financial system.

Transit numbers, on the other hand, are used to designate a branch's geographic region. The fifth and final digit in the transit number is used for this purpose. Here's a breakdown of the geographic regions associated with each digit:

Routing Number Components

Routing number is made up of two parts: five digits and three digits. The three digits are your institution number, which identifies the bank you're working with.

The five digits are the transit number, and it designates the branch where you opened your account. This transit number can be broken down further to identify the branch's geographic region.

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Most financial institutions use the fifth and final digit in the transit number to designate a branch's location. Here's a breakdown of how this works:

This system helps keep banking organized and ensures that money ends up in the right place.

Big Five Institution Counts

The "Big Five" institution numbers in Canada are quite interesting. The largest banks in Canada are known as the "Big Five" and they have unique institution numbers.

Here are the institution numbers for each of the Big Five banks:

  • Bank of Montreal/BMO: 001
  • Bank of Nova Scotia/Scotiabank: 002
  • Royal Bank of Canada/RBC: 003
  • Toronto-Dominion Bank/TD Bank: 004
  • Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce: 006

These numbers are important for clearing transactions and are used by the banks to identify themselves.

Minnie Dietrich

Senior Assigning Editor

Minnie Dietrich is an accomplished Assigning Editor with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With a background in journalism, she has honed her skills in curating engaging content that resonates with diverse audiences. Throughout her career, Minnie has demonstrated expertise in assigning and editing articles across a range of categories, including technology, finance, and lifestyle.

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