Do credit cards have routing numbers?

Unlike bank accounts, credit cards don’t have routing numbers. That’s not a bad thing. It’s just that bank accounts and credit cards are different financial tools. 

There might be some overlap between how you use them. But generally, they’re for different purposes. So credit cards don’t have routing numbers in part because they don’t need them.

What you’ll learn:

• Routing numbers are unique to individual banks, credit unions and financial institutions.

• Routing numbers can be found online or on paper checks.

• Credit cards have 16-digit card numbers to help verify the card issuer, card network and cardholder. 

• Along with other security features, credit card numbers help facilitate secure payments.

A routing number is a nine-digit number that’s specific to individual financial institutions. It’s also called an ABA (American Bankers Association) number.

You can think of a routing number as a bank’s identification number. Along with unique account numbers, they help ensure that banking transactions end up in the correct place.

Routing numbers might be needed to do things like:

• Set up a direct deposit for paychecks, Social Security payments, tax refunds and more.

• Set up online bill pay.

• Send or receive wire transfers.

• Register accounts with payment services, such as PayPal.

• Transfer money between accounts at different banks.

No, credit cards don’t have routing numbers. Routing numbers are unique to banks to ensure accurate payments between different financial institutions.

But a credit card doesn’t need that information. Cards use credit card networks to process payments, and the card has features necessary to complete secure transactions.

A credit card number is a 15- or 16-digit number located on either the front or back of a credit card. They can typically be found by signing into accounts online.

Credit card numbers identify things like:

• Credit card networks: There are four major credit card networks in the U.S.: Visa®, Mastercard®, American Express® and Discover®.

• Credit card issuers: Financial institutions, such as Capital One, that extend lines of credit and provide the actual card.

• Cardholders: These are the people to whom cards are issued.

Because credit card numbers have important information that identifies an account, it’s important to keep your card safe and keep security in mind when you use it. Reviewing your card’s security features, monitoring your account and learning how to identify scams are some steps you can take to protect your personal information.

Routing numbers are nine-digit sequences that identify banks and other financial institutions. They’re required for different types of banking transactions. Credit cards don’t need routing numbers. That’s partly because transactions are processed through credit card networks.

If you’re interested in a Capital One credit card, you can see if you’re pre-approved with no impact to your credit score.