Chase Bank's ABA number is 021000021, used to route money between banks during transfers

An ABA number (also called a routing number) is a nine-digit code that tells the banking system which bank should receive your money during a transfer. When you send money from another bank to Chase, or when Chase sends money out on your behalf, the ABA number directs it to the right place. Chase's main ABA number is 021000021, though some Chase accounts may use different routing numbers depending on the state where your account was opened or the type of account you hold.

You need an ABA number whenever you set up direct deposit, arrange a wire transfer, or authorize automatic payments. Without it, the transfer cannot be processed. The number is specific to Chase as an institution, not to your individual account — your account number is separate and identifies which account within Chase receives the funds.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase's primary ABA number is 021000021, used for most transfers and direct deposits to Chase accounts.
  • Different Chase accounts opened in different states may have different routing numbers, so you should verify the correct one for your specific account.
  • You can find your account's correct ABA number on the bottom left of your checks, on your Chase statement, or by calling Chase customer service.
  • The ABA number is not the same as your account number — you need both pieces of information to complete most transfers.
  • Wire transfers, ACH transfers, and direct deposits all require an ABA number to route the money to the correct bank and account.

Where to find your Chase ABA number

The easiest place to find your ABA number is on the bottom left corner of your Chase checks. The first nine digits printed there make up your routing number. If you do not have checks handy, log into your Chase online banking account or mobile app and look at your account details — the routing number is usually listed there under account information.

You can also call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935 and ask for your account's routing number. Have your account number ready when you call. If you are setting up a transfer with another bank or employer, that organization may also have a list of Chase routing numbers by state, since some accounts use different numbers depending on where they were opened.

Why Chase has multiple ABA numbers

Chase is a large national bank with branches and operations across all 50 states. Historically, banking regulations and the way the Federal Reserve organized the banking system meant that different regions had different routing numbers. Even though Chase merged many of its regional banks over the years, some of those older routing numbers remain active for accounts opened under those original institutions.

Your specific account's routing number depends on which Chase entity originally issued your account. This is why you should always verify the routing number for your particular account rather than assuming all Chase accounts use 021000021. Using the wrong routing number will not send money to the wrong person — the transfer will simply fail and bounce back — but it wastes time and can delay payments.

How ABA numbers work in transfers

When you initiate a transfer, you provide three pieces of information: the recipient's bank's ABA number, the recipient's account number, and the recipient's name. The sending bank uses the ABA number to look up the receiving bank in the Federal Reserve's routing system, then sends the money there. The receiving bank uses the account number to deposit it into the correct account within that bank.

For wire transfers, which move money the same day, the ABA number is critical because the Federal Reserve uses it to route the transfer through its secure network. For ACH transfers, which take one to three business days, the ABA number tells the automated clearing house which bank to send the batch of transactions to at the end of the business day. Direct deposits work the same way — your employer's payroll system uses your ABA number and account number to send your paycheck to Chase, which then deposits it into your account.

Difference between ABA number and account number

Your ABA number identifies Chase Bank itself — it is the same for all Chase customers (or at least all customers in the same region or account type). Your account number identifies your specific account within Chase. Together, they tell the banking system exactly where your money should go.

Think of it like a mailing address: the ABA number is the city and state, and your account number is the street address and apartment number. You need both to reach the right destination. If you give someone only your account number without the ABA number, they cannot send you money because the system will not know which bank to send it to. If you give only the ABA number without the account number, the money will reach Chase but Chase will not know which account to put it in.

Common situations where you need an ABA number

You will need your Chase ABA number when setting up direct deposit for your paycheck or government benefits. Your employer or the benefits agency will ask for your routing number and account number. You also need it if you are arranging automatic bill payments from your Chase account — the biller uses the ABA number to pull money from Chase on the scheduled date.

Wire transfers require an ABA number, whether you are sending money out of Chase or receiving it into Chase. If you are moving money between your own accounts at different banks, you will need the ABA number for each bank. Some online payment services and peer-to-peer transfer apps also ask for your routing number to connect to your bank account, though many now use account login information instead.

What happens if you use the wrong ABA number

If you provide an incorrect ABA number, the transfer will not go through to the wrong bank or the wrong person. Instead, the sending bank's system will reject it because the routing number does not match any valid bank in the Federal Reserve's database, or it will route to a different bank entirely. The money will either bounce back to the sender within one to three business days, or it may be held while the banks try to sort out where it should go.

This is why it is important to double-check your routing number before you authorize a transfer, especially for large amounts or time-sensitive payments like rent or mortgage. If a transfer fails, contact the sending bank or organization to find out what went wrong, then resubmit with the correct information. For wire transfers, which move faster, contact Chase immediately if you realize you used the wrong number — Chase may be able to stop or redirect the transfer if it has not yet been sent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 021000021 the routing number for all Chase accounts?

021000021 is Chase's primary routing number and works for most Chase accounts, but some accounts opened in specific states or under certain circumstances may use different routing numbers. Always verify the routing number for your particular account before initiating a transfer. You can find it on your checks, in your online banking account, or by calling Chase.

Can I use the same ABA number for all my Chase accounts?

If all your Chase accounts were opened at the same time and in the same location, they likely share the same routing number. However, if you opened accounts at different times or in different states, they may have different routing numbers. Check each account individually to be sure, especially before setting up automatic payments or direct deposits.

Do I need an ABA number to transfer money between my own Chase accounts?

No. If you are moving money between two of your own Chase accounts, you can do it through Chase's online banking or mobile app without needing a routing number. You only need the ABA number when transferring to or from another bank, or when another organization (like your employer) is initiating the transfer.

What if I cannot find my routing number?

Call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935 with your account number ready. They will provide your account's correct routing number immediately. You can also visit a Chase branch in person and ask a teller, or check your most recent Chase statement — the routing number is sometimes printed there as well.

Is the ABA number the same as the SWIFT code?

No. The ABA number (routing number) is used for domestic transfers within the United States. A SWIFT code is used for international wire transfers. If you are sending money to or from outside the U.S., you will need a SWIFT code instead of an ABA number. Chase can provide you with both if you need them.