Alliant Credit Union Routing Number

Learn why routing numbers are so important.

By Sean Dennison May 11, 2020 Find a Credit Union

Alliant Credit Union has been around since 1935, though it was originally called the United Airlines Employees’ Credit Union. Today it manages $12 billion in assets for its 500,000 members. It’s a safe bet at least some of those members have had to wire money at some point in their lives — and needed to know Alliant’s routing number to complete the transaction. In this guide, you’ll learn about Alliant Credit Union’s routing number and how to use it.

Alliant Credit Union Routing Number

Here’s a quick look at Alliant’s routing number:

Alliant Credit Union Routing Number

271081528

You’ll use this number when setting up wire transfers.

What Is a Routing Number?

Routing numbers, also known as ABA or transit numbers, act as bank IDs during transactions such as wire transfers. Routing numbers were introduced to the financial world in 1910 by the American Bankers Association to identify where checks end up. Nowadays, routing numbers are used for a number of tasks, including making online and phone payments.

Can Banks Have Multiple Routing Numbers?

Yes, more than a few banks have more than one routing number. Although Alliant only uses one routing number, it’s not uncommon to see large banks use multiple routing numbers. Wells Fargo and Citibank are a couple of banks that use different routing numbers for different states. The bigger and older a bank is, the more likely it is to use multiple routing numbers due to mergers, acquisitions and geographic spread.

How Do You Find a Routing Number on a Check?

You can find the routing number on a check by looking at the lower-left corner. The routing number will be printed horizontally, next to the account number. The chunky font is what’s know as a magnetic ink character recognition code, which allows machines to read checks.

What Is the Routing Number for International Transfers?

SWIFT codes are basically routing numbers used in international wire transfers. Domestic banks use them to identify themselves and foreign banks during a transaction. But not at all banks and credit unions use a SWIFT code, and Alliant Credit Union belongs to that group. When you receive an international wire transfer, you’ll provide the bank with your Alliant routing number instead of a SWIFT code.