A bank transit number is a code used to identify your bank branch, especially in Canada, where it is usually five digits long and works with the institution number to route payments correctly.

What it does

  • It identifies the specific branch where your account was opened.
  • It helps process direct deposits, bill payments, and transfers.
  • On Canadian cheques, it appears with the institution number and account number.

Simple example

If your bank has:

  • Transit number: 12345
  • Institution number: 001

those two together help form the routing information used for payments and deposits.

Transit vs routing

In Canada, “transit number” usually means the branch code, while the full routing information includes the transit number plus the institution number. In the U.S., “bank transit number” is often used more loosely to mean a routing number, which is typically nine digits.

Where to find it

You can usually find the transit number:

  • On the bottom of a cheque
  • In your online banking details
  • On bank account forms for direct deposit or pre-authorized payments

Bottom line

If you’re in Canada, a bank transit number is the branch identifier for your account, and it is a key part of the numbers needed to move money safely and accurately.