routing number

plural routing numbers

1. USA number used by a banking institution to designate a certain geographic area in order to sort inquiries and transactions and direct them to the correct district. It is usually shown at the bottom left of a check.

   But the odd thing is the routing numbers. In the case of the two near matching account numbers, the routing numbers are different. Possible? Maybe. But it's also possible for me to win the lottery twice in the same week […]

   2012, James Harrison, Quest for Power, page 158

   1 more example

   This new check may appear to be the account of John Doe, although the actual account and routing number are for Jane Smith's checking account at the Acme Bank. Fraudsters then use these checks to purchase items and get cash back.

   2009, Martin T. Biegelman, Identity Theft Handbook: Detection, Prevention, and Security, page 202