National Bank of Canada (Banque Nationale du Canada) is Canada’s sixth-largest bank by assets and the dominant bank in Quebec. If you have a National Bank account and need to set up direct deposit, authorize a pre-authorized debit, or provide banking information to the CRA, here is everything you need to know.
National Bank Institution Number
Institution number: 006
This 3-digit number identifies National Bank of Canada within Canada’s payment network. It is used for all domestic electronic transactions, including payroll direct deposit, pre-authorized debits, and bill payments.
How to Find Your National Bank Transit Number
The transit number (5 digits) identifies your specific branch. It changes if you move your account to a different branch. There is no single transit number for all of National Bank — you need to look up the one for your specific account.
Option 1: National Bank Online Banking
- Log in to National Bank Online Banking
- Select My Accounts
- Click on the account you want the information for
- Select Account Details
- Your transit number and account number are listed here
- You can also download a void cheque or direct deposit form in PDF format from this page
Option 2: National Bank Mobile App
- Open the National Bank app
- Tap your account
- Go to Account Details or Direct Deposit
- Your transit number, institution number (006), and account number are displayed
- Generate a direct deposit form directly from the app
Option 3: Bottom of a Personal Cheque
At the bottom of a National Bank personal cheque, you will find your routing information in MICR font:
⑈ TTTTT ⑈ 006 ⑈ AAAAAAA
Transit Inst. Account
- TTTTT = your 5-digit transit number
- 006 = National Bank institution number
- AAAAAAA = your account number
Option 4: Call National Bank
Phone: 1-888-835-6281 (personal banking) Available Monday to Friday, and select weekend hours.
A customer service representative can provide your transit number after verifying your identity.
Option 5: Visit a Branch
Bring government-issued photo ID to any National Bank branch. A teller can provide your transit and account numbers.
Setting Up Direct Deposit with National Bank
For payroll direct deposit:
- Provide your employer or HR department with:
- Institution number: 006
- Transit number: (your branch’s 5-digit number)
- Account number: (your account number)
- Alternatively, attach a void cheque or a direct deposit form generated through National Bank online banking
For CRA direct deposit (tax refunds, GST/HST credit, CCB):
- Log in to CRA My Account
- Go to Profile → Direct Deposit
- Enter institution number 006, your transit number, and account number
Alternatively, use National Bank’s online banking — many Canadian banks offer a direct CRA direct deposit setup option that sends your banking information to CRA without requiring you to log into My Account separately.
National Bank Wire Transfer Information
Domestic wire transfers (within Canada)
Use your standard routing information:
- Institution number: 006
- Transit number: your branch’s transit number
- Account number: your account number
Incoming international wire transfers
For international wires, provide the sender with:
- SWIFT/BIC code:
BNDCCAMMINT - Your account number
- Your full name and address as registered with National Bank
- National Bank’s address: 600 De La Gauchetière West, Montreal, QC H3B 4L2
9-digit routing number for US services
Some US platforms (Wise, PayPal, Stripe, US employers) ask for a 9-digit routing number for Canadian accounts. Use:
0 + transit number + 006
Example: If your transit is 04932, the 9-digit routing number is 004932006.
Confirm the exact format with the service you are using — conventions vary between platforms.
National Bank Account Types
National Bank offers several account types, each with the same routing structure (transit + institution 006 + account number):
| Account Type | Primary Use |
|---|---|
| The Total Chequing Account | Day-to-day spending, unlimited transactions |
| Modest Plan | Reduced fee with 12 monthly transactions |
| Student Banking | No monthly fee for full-time students |
| The Connected Account | Everyday banking with rebates |
| Savings Account | Interest-bearing, for non-daily use |
| USD Account | US dollar transactions |
All account types use the same institution number (006) and your branch’s transit number.
Frequently Confused: National Bank vs. Other Banks
National Bank (institution number 006) is distinct from:
- Bank of Montreal / BMO — institution number 001
- Royal Bank of Canada / RBC — institution number 003
If you are not sure which bank holds your account, the institution number on your cheque or in your banking app will confirm it.