Ben Nguyen 
A routing number is a critical piece of information required for many financial transactions in Canada. For customers of the National Bank of Canada, understanding your routing number is key to smooth transactions into and out of your accounts. This guide explains everything about the National Bank routing number, from what it is and where to find it to how it’s used for various banking purposes.
What Is a National Bank Routing Number?
A bank routing number in Canada is a nine-digit code used to identify your specific bank branch, standardized by the Canadian Payments Association. This number serves one primary purpose: directing your money to where it needs to go.
A National Bank routing number is composed of two key parts:
National Bank Transit Number
Also known as the branch number, this transit code identifies the specific National Bank branch where your account is held. No two branches in Canada share the same transit number.
National Bank Institution Number
This 3-digit number identifies the overall financial institution. For the National Bank of Canada, the institution number is always 006. It distinguishes National Bank accounts from the thousands of other banks and credit unions in Canada.
When combined, the 5-digit transit number and the 3-digit institution number form the complete routing number, which uniquely points to your branch.
Paper vs. Electronic Routing Format: A Key Distinction
A common source of confusion is the difference between how the National Bank routing number appears on a paper cheque versus how it should be entered into an online form.
Paper Format (On a Cheque)
The line of numbers at the bottom of your cheque includes special symbols to separate the different parts of your account information for machine processing. The routing number comes after the 3-digit cheque number and in this format XXXXX-006 (where XXXXX is the transit code).
Electronic Format (For Online Transactions)
When you are asked to provide a routing number for any online transaction, such as setting up a direct deposit or paying a bill, always enter the 9-digit number without any spaces or symbols: 006XXXXX.
For example, a branch at 1349 La Salle Blvd, Sudbury, ON has the transit code of 03151. The routing number in e-format will be 000603151.
Where to Find Your National Bank Routing Number
National Bank provides several straightforward ways to locate your routing number.
Look at Your Cheque
The quickest method is to examine a cheque from your personal chequing account. At the bottom, you will see a series of numbers printed in a special magnetic ink. The first 3-digit code is the cheque number. The next 8 digits comprise your routing number, and the remaining are the account number.
Check National Bank Online or Mobile Banking
Log in to the National Bank online account or use the mobile app. Navigate to your account details or summary page. The full transit and account number will be listed there.
Pro-Tip: Generate a PDF Void Cheque
The easiest and most reliable way to get all your account information at once is by generating a void cheque specimen directly from your National Bank online banking or mobile app. This downloadable PDF clearly displays your name, branch address, and banking number, formatted correctly for direct deposits and pre-authorized payments.
Call National Bank Customer Service
If you don’t have a cheque or access to online banking, you can call National Bank’s customer service line at 1-888-835-6281. After verifying your identity, a banking specialist can provide you with your routing number.
Use the Branch Address
If you know the address of your home branch, you can use the branch locator tool on the National Bank website. After finding your specific branch, the transit number will be displayed along with its contact details. Simply add the institution number (006) to form the full routing number.
How National Bank Routing Numbers Enable Financial Transactions
You will need your full 9-digit routing number and your account number for any electronic transaction where money is moving into or out of your account.
Direct Deposit Setup
To receive your paycheque or government payments (like tax refunds) directly into your account, you must provide your employer or the government agency with your name, transit number, institution number (006), and account number.
With these details, they can seamlessly deposit funds into your account on the schedule you specify. No more waiting in line to cash cheques.
Online Bill Payments (Pre-Authorized Debit)
To set up automatic payments for bills like your phone, utilities, or insurance, the company will require your routing and account numbers to withdraw the funds on the scheduled dates. National Bank then uses those details to process one-time or recurring payments to companies on your behalf.
Domestic Wire Transfers
To send or receive wire transfers within Canada, the recipient’s full name, account number, and routing number are required for processing. Providing this information ensures that funds are deposited into the intended accounts, wherever they may be.
In addition to the routing and account numbers, international transfers require more information (see next section).
Other Important National Bank of Canada Banking Codes
For international transfers or sending/receiving foreign currencies, National Bank uses a few additional banking identification codes beyond the routing number:
SWIFT Code (for international wires)
The SWIFT code uniquely identifies the National Bank of Canada on the global SWIFT network for international money transfers. The primary SWIFT code is BNCDCCAMMINT.
Note: Some specific branches or types of international transfers may use a different SWIFT code. Always confirm the correct code with your branch or with the person sending you money to prevent delays or rejection of the transfer.
ABA Routing Number (for U.S. wires)
The American Bankers Association (ABA) routing number is used for transfers involving the U.S. banking system. This number is 021000021. It directs the payment through the U.S. system before being forwarded to your account in Canada.
IBAN – International Bank Account Number
IBANs are used to identify bank accounts in Europe and other parts of the world. Canadian banks, including National Bank, do NOT use the IBAN system.
Handling Partial or Incorrectly Formatted Routing Numbers
Sometimes, you may end up with only part of the full routing number available.
If You Only Have a 4-Digit Transit Number
Some older documents or systems may show a 4-digit transit code. To meet the modern 5-digit standard, simply add a leading zero. For example, a transit number of 3151 becomes 03151
If an Online Form Requires More Digits for Your Account Number
Most National Bank account numbers have seven digits. However, some electronic payment forms have a fixed field length (e.g., nine digits). In this case, you may need to add leading zeros to your account number (only for that specific form).
For example, an account number of 2406521 would be entered as 002406521. Your actual account number remains unchanged; you are simply padding it to meet the form’s requirements.
Short Summary
- A routing number is composed of the transit number and the institution number. The National Bank institution number is 006.
- National Bank routing numbers are needed for direct deposits, online bill payments, wire transfers, and other electronic money movements.
- Check your cheque or online banking, or call National Bank to find your 9-digit routing number.
- For international wires, you may also need to provide the SWIFT code or ABA number.
- If you only have partial routing number details, add leading zeros to fill in the gaps.
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Frequently Asked Questions About National Bank Routing Numbers
Here are some answers to common questions that arise when dealing with National Bank account details:
Do I need to provide a National Bank routing number for in-branch services?
No, a National Bank routing number is only needed for electronic payments and transfers, not for in-person transactions.
Does my routing number change if I switch branches?
Yes. Your routing number is tied to your branch. If you move your accounts to a new National Bank branch, you will be assigned a new transit number, which results in a new routing number.
Is my routing number the same for all my accounts at one branch?
Yes. All personal accounts (chequing, savings, etc.) held at the same branch will share the same routing number, but each will have its own unique account number.
Can I use the National Bank routing number internationally?
No, National Bank routing numbers will only work for transfers within Canada. For international wires, you need to provide additional details like SWIFT codes.
What happens if I enter the wrong National Bank routing number?
An incorrect routing number can cause your transfer to be rejected, delayed, or, in a worst-case scenario, sent to the wrong account. Always double-check the numbers.
Can I change my National Bank routing number at any time?
No, you cannot change your routing number directly. It is tied to your National Bank branch location. You would need to switch branches to get a new routing number.
