Understanding Canadian bank institution numbers is crucial for setting up direct deposits, wire transfers, and other electronic fund transfers. This guide will explain what institution numbers are, how to find yours, and provide a list of institution numbers for major Canadian banks and financial institutions.
What are Canadian Bank Institution Numbers?
Canadian bank institution numbers are three-digit codes that identify a specific bank or financial institution. These codes are also known as bank codes or financial institution numbers (FINs). Regardless of the branch location where your account is held, the institution number remains the same for all branches within the same bank.
Here are some key points to remember about institution numbers:
- They are three digits long.
- They apply to all branches of a particular bank or financial institution.
- You will need this number along with your transit number and account number to facilitate electronic fund transfers.
How to Find Your Bank Institution Number
There are several ways to find your bank institution number:
- Look at a cheque: The institution number is typically located at the bottom left corner of a cheque.
- Online banking: Many banks display your institution number within your online banking portal.
- Contact your bank: You can call customer service or visit a branch to inquire about your institution’s number.
List of Canadian Bank Institution Numbers (May 2024)
The table below provides a list of institution numbers for major Canadian banks, credit unions, trust companies, and loan companies. This list is not exhaustive, but it covers many of the most common financial institutions in Canada.
Finding Your Institution Number
For ease of use, the list is presented alphabetically by financial institution name. If your bank is not listed here, you can follow the methods mentioned above to find your specific institution number.
Important Note: This list is current as of May 2024. Institution numbers can change, so it’s always best to confirm yours directly with your bank.
Banks:
- Bank of America, National Association (241)
- Bank of Canada (177)
- Bank of China (Canada) (308)
- Bank of Montreal (001)
- Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank) (002)
- Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ (Canada) (245)
- Bank West (342)
- Barclay’s Bank PLC, Canada Branch (360)
- BNP Paribas (Canada) (250)
- Bridgewater Bank (347)
- Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) (010)
- Canadian Tire Bank (338)
- Canadian Western Bank (030)
- Capital One Bank (Canada Branch) (323)
- Citibank Canada (260)
- Citibank N.A. (328)
- Citizens Bank of Canada (309)
- Comerica Bank (330)
- CTBC Bank of Canada (315)
- Deutsche Bank AG (265)
- DirectCash Bank (352)
- First Commercial Bank (332)
- First Nations Bank of Canada (310)
- Habib Canadian Bank (321)
- Haventree Bank (381)
- HomeEquity Bank (358)
- HSBC Bank Canada (016)
- ICICI Bank Canada (340)
- Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Canada) (307)
- J.P. Morgan Bank Canada (314)
- JPMorgan Chase Bank National Association (270)
- Korea Exchange Bank of Canada (275)
- Laurentian Bank of Canada (039)
- Mega International Commercial Bank (Canada) (269)
- National Bank of Canada (006)
- Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) (003)
- SBI Canada Bank (294)
- Shinhan Bank Canada (355)
- Société Générale (Canada Branch) (292)
- Société Générale (Canada Branch) Ontario (346)
- State Street (327)
- Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation of Canada (301)
- The Bank of New York Mellon (242)
- The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) (004)
- U.S. Bank National Association (318)
- UBS AG Canada Branch (339)
- UBS Bank (Canada) (290)
- United Overseas Bank Limited (335)
- Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Canadian Branch (362)
Credit Unions:
Credit unions are member-owned financial institutions that offer many of the same services as banks, including chequing and savings accounts, loans, and online banking. Here are some of the major credit unions in Canada, along with their institution numbers:
- Airline Financial Credit Union Limited (830)
- All Trans Financial Services Credit Union Limited (810)
- Alterna Savings and Credit Union (842)
- Atlantic Central (839)
- Caisse centrale Desjardins du Québec (815)
- Caisse populaire Alliance Limitée (890)
- Central 1 Credit Union British Columbia (809)
- Central 1 Credit Union Ontario (828)
- Communication Technologies Credit Union Limited (807)
- Concentra Financial Services Association (853)
- Credit Union Central Alberta Limited (899)
- Credit Union Central of Manitoba Limited (879)
- Credit Union Central of Saskatchewan (889)
- Dundalk District Credit Union Limited (828)
- La Fédération des caisses populaires acadiennes Limitée (865)
- La Fédération des caisses populaires de l’Ontario Inc. (829)
- Golden Horseshoe Credit Union Limited (854)
- Meridian Credit Union (837)
- Peace Hills Trust Company (568)
- Vancity Community Investment Bank (309)
Trust and Loan Companies:
Trust and loan companies offer a variety of financial services, including investment accounts, mortgages, and personal loans. Here are some trust and loan companies in Canada, along with their institution numbers:
- Community Trust Company (507)
- CS Alterna Bank (608)
- CIBC Trust Corporation (548)
- Effort Trust Company (532)
- Edward Jones (701)
- Home Trust Company (627)
- HSBC Mortgage Corporation (Canada) (604)
- Industrial Alliance Trust Inc. (625)
- Investors Group Trust Co. Ltd. (536)
- Laurentian Trust of Canada Inc. (522)
- Manulife Bank of Canada (540)
- Manulife Trust Company (626)
- Montreal Trust Company of Canada (550)
- National Trust Company (590)
- Ontario Civil Service Credit Union Limited (846)
- Peoples Trust Company (621)
- President’s Choice Bank (320)
- Royal Bank Mortgage Corporation (592)
- Royal Trust Corporation of Canada (580)
- Scotia Mortgage Corporation (606)
- Sun Life Financial Trust Inc. (551)
- Tangerine Bank (614)
- TD Mortgage Corporation (597)
- TD Pacific Mortgage Corporation (603)
- The Canada Trust Company (509)
- The Equitable Trust Company (623)
- The Northern Trust Company Canada Branch (349)
- Wealth One Bank of Canada (370)
Additional Points to Consider
- Routing Numbers: The combination of your bank’s transit number and institution number creates your routing number. This number is essential for facilitating wire transfers between banks.
- Account Number: In addition to the institution number and transit number, you will also need your account number to complete electronic fund transfers. Your account number is a unique identifier for your specific bank account.
- Direct Deposit Forms: If you don’t have a checkbook, you can usually download a pre-filled direct deposit form from your online banking portal. This form will include all the relevant bank details, including your institution number, transit number, and account number.
By understanding Canadian bank institution numbers and how to find yours, you can ensure a smooth and efficient experience when setting up direct deposits, wire transfers, and other electronic fund transfers. Remember, if you’re unsure about your institution number, the best course of action is to contact your bank directly.