What is an institution number?

An institution number is a unique 3-digit code that is used to identify and represent a particular bank or financial institution. It is used to route electronic transactions to and from financial institutions such as electronic funds transfers (ETF), pre-authorized debit (PAD), bill payments, bank to bank transfers and wire transfers.

Where is the institution number on a cheque?

You can find the institution number on your cheque at the bottom along with a string of other numbers. What is a bank institution number? A bank institution number is a three-digit number that refers to a specific bank. Every bank in Canada is identified by its own unique institution number.

How do I Find my financial institution number?

The easiest way to locate the financial institution number for your account is by looking at a blank cheque. You’ll find the number between the bank transit number (branch number) and your account number in the micro-encoding at the bottom of the cheque. For example, Royal Bank’s financial institution number is 003.