How to Read a Cheque: Transit, Institution and Account Numbers in Canada

Reading left to right: the cheque number, then the transit number (5 digits, your branch), the institution number (3 digits, your bank) and your account number. Employers and billers need the transit, institution and account numbers to set up direct deposit or pre-authorized payments.

Yes. “Transit number” and “branch number” are the same 5-digit code for the branch where your account is held. Some banks print it without its leading zero, so a TD transit number can look like 4 digits; add a zero in front when a form asks for 5.

A 3-digit code that identifies your bank. Every account at the same bank shares it, while the transit number changes with the branch. These are the numbers the banks state on their own pages:

It depends on the bank. RBC, Scotiabank and CIBC say their personal account numbers are 7 digits. Copy the number exactly from your void cheque or app, including any leading zeros.

Most banks let you download one, or a direct deposit form with the same numbers, from online banking or the app:

Write “VOID” in large letters across the front of a blank cheque, without covering the numbers at the bottom, so it can’t be cashed. Keep a note of the cheque number.

1) Write the date at the top right. 2) Write the name of the person or company after “Pay to the order of”. 3) Write the amount in numbers in the box and in words on the line below, ending with the cents as a fraction (for example, “Two hundred fifty and 00/100”). 4) Sign at the bottom right. 5) Add a note on the memo line, such as an invoice or account number, if the payee asks for it.

Share them only with people who need to pay you or take authorized payments, such as your employer, the government or a company you’ve signed up with. Anyone with them could attempt a fraudulent withdrawal, so don’t post a void cheque or send it to someone who contacts you unexpectedly.