Routing Numbers in Canada
Canadian banking uses a two-part routing number system to identify where money should be sent. Unlike the United States which uses a single 9-digit ABA routing number, Canada uses two separate numbers:
- Institution number (3 digits) — identifies the bank (e.g., 002 = RBC, 004 = TD, 003 = Scotiabank)
- Transit number (5 digits) — identifies the specific branch where your account was opened
Together, these two numbers are used for direct deposit setup, wire transfers, pre-authorized debits, and Interac e-Transfer registration.
Institution Numbers — Canadian Banks
| Institution | Institution Number |
|---|---|
| Bank of Montreal (BMO) | 001 |
| Scotiabank | 002 |
| Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) | 003 |
| Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) | 004 |
| National Bank of Canada | 006 |
| CIBC | 010 |
| HSBC Canada | 016 |
| Laurentian Bank | 039 |
| ATB Financial | 219 |
| Desjardins | 815 |
| Tangerine | 614 |
| Simplii Financial | 010 (CIBC subsidiary) |
| EQ Bank | 623 |
Your institution number never changes, regardless of which branch you use. Only the transit number changes by branch.
Transit Numbers
Unlike institution numbers, transit numbers are branch-specific. Every branch of a bank has a unique 5-digit transit number. When you open an account at a particular branch, that transit number stays associated with your account even if you move or change branches — unless you specifically request a branch transfer.
Where to find your transit number:
- On your void cheque — it’s the 5-digit number in the MICR line at the bottom left
- In your bank’s online banking portal under “direct deposit” or “account information”
- On your bank statement
- By calling your bank’s customer service line
How Routing Numbers Appear in Different Contexts
The same account information is presented differently depending on the purpose:
| Purpose | Format |
|---|---|
| Canadian direct deposit / void cheque | Transit (5) + Institution (3) + Account |
| U.S. ACH / wire to Canada | Use SWIFT/BIC code instead of routing number |
| Interac e-Transfer | Not needed — uses email or phone |
| Canadian domestic wire | Transit + Institution + Account number |
SWIFT/BIC codes for Canadian banks:
- RBC: ROYCCAT2
- TD: TDOMCATTTOR
- BMO: BOFMCAM2
- Scotiabank: NOSCCATT
- CIBC: CIBCCATT
- National Bank: BNDCCAMMINT
For international wires into Canada, you use the SWIFT/BIC code rather than the transit and institution numbers. The receiving bank needs: SWIFT code, account number, and account holder name and address.
Finding Your Routing Number — By Bank
RBC: Log in to online banking → My Accounts → View account details. The transit and institution number appear under “Account details.”
TD: Log in to EasyWeb → select account → Account Details. Or find it on any TD cheque — transit number is left of the dash in the bottom MICR line.
Scotiabank: Log in to Scotia OnLine → Accounts → Account information → Account details.
BMO: Log in to BMO Online Banking → My Accounts → View Account → Direct Deposit Information.
CIBC: Log in to CIBC Online Banking → Accounts → Account details → Direct deposit info.
If you have a void cheque from your bank, the transit and institution numbers appear in the MICR line at the bottom. Reading from left to right: transit number, then institution number (wrapped in symbols), then your account number.
Understanding Routing Numbers
- What Is a Routing Number in Canada? Transit and Institution Numbers Explained
- How to Find Your Routing Number in Canada
- Routing Number vs Account Number in Canada: What Is the Difference?
- Bank Routing Numbers in Canada 2026 — All Banks
Routing Numbers by Bank
- RBC Routing Number Canada 2026
- TD Bank Routing Number Canada 2026
- Scotiabank Routing Number Canada 2026
- BMO Routing Number Canada 2026
- CIBC Routing Number Canada 2026
- National Bank Routing Number Canada