When you need to set up direct deposits, pay bills, or send money through wire transfers, knowing the right pathward national association routing number is key. This nine-digit code helps banks identify each other during transactions in the United States. Pathward National Association, a bank focused on helping people and businesses who might not get services from big traditional banks, uses specific routing numbers like 072413764 for many operations. In this guide, we break down everything about this number, why it matters, and how to use it safely. We aim to make banking simple and clear for everyone.
Pathward started as a small savings and loan in Iowa back in 1954. Over the years, it grew into a national bank that puts financial inclusion first. That means they work to give banking options to folks who are often left out. Their routing numbers play a big role in making sure money moves quickly and correctly. Whether you’re setting up payroll or sending funds to family, understanding the pathward national association routing number can save you time and avoid mistakes.
What Is a Routing Number?
Banks use routing numbers to know where money should go. Think of it like an address for your bank. The American Bankers Association created these numbers over 100 years ago to make paper check processing easier. Today, they handle electronic transfers too.
A routing number has nine digits. The first four tell about the Federal Reserve district and location. The next four identify the bank itself. The last one is a check digit to catch errors. For Pathward, these numbers link to their main office in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
People often mix up routing numbers with account numbers. Your account number is unique to you, while the routing number is for the bank. You need both for things like direct deposit forms.
The History of Pathward National Association
Pathward National Association has a rich story that shows how it became a leader in inclusive banking. It all began in 1954 when Stanley H. Haahr founded the Storm Lake Savings and Loan Association in Storm Lake, Iowa. This small community lender aimed to help local folks save money and buy homes. Back then, savings and loans were popular for focusing on everyday people rather than big businesses.
By 1993, the bank changed its name to First Federal Savings Bank of the Midwest. This shift showed growth beyond just Iowa. They started offering more services, like checking accounts and loans. In 2004, they launched the Meta Payment Systems division. This was a big step into payment technologies, like prepaid cards. It helped the bank reach people without traditional bank accounts.
The name MetaBank came in later years as they expanded nationally. But in 2022, they rebranded to Pathward after selling the “Meta” name to Meta Platforms (the company behind Facebook). This change highlighted their focus on providing a “path forward” for financial access. Now, as Pathward National Association, they operate without physical branches, making them a digital-first bank.
Headquartered at 5501 S Broadband Lane in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Pathward is a subsidiary of Pathward Financial, Inc., which trades on NASDAQ under CASH. As of recent reports, they have about $7.5 billion in assets and over 1,000 employees. Their commitment to the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) means they invest in low- and moderate-income communities. For example, they support programs for financial education and small business loans.
Pathward’s evolution ties directly to their routing numbers. As they grew, they got multiple routing numbers for different services. The pathward national association routing number 072413764 is one key example, used for ACH and wire transfers in South Dakota.
Understanding Pathward’s Services
Pathward stands out because it focuses on Banking as a Service (BaaS) and Commercial Finance. BaaS means they partner with other companies to offer banking products. For instance, they issue prepaid cards, debit cards, and payroll cards through third parties. This helps businesses provide financial tools to their employees or customers without running a bank themselves.
In BaaS, Pathward handles the behind-the-scenes work like compliance and security. They’ve issued over a billion prepaid cards, making them one of the largest in the U.S. Their tax solutions help with refund advances and transfers during tax season. Credit solutions support lending for people with diverse credit histories.
On the Commercial Finance side, Pathward offers loans to businesses. This includes asset-based lending, factoring, and equipment financing. They specialize in industries like manufacturing, energy, and transportation. Insurance premium finance lets companies pay for insurance in installments.
These services rely on reliable routing numbers. When a business uses Pathward for payroll, the pathward national association routing number ensures deposits go through smoothly. Statistics show that ACH transfers, which use routing numbers, process over 29 billion payments yearly in the U.S., worth trillions of dollars.
Key Features of Pathward National Association Routing Number
The main pathward national association routing number is 072413764. It’s linked to their Sioux Falls location and supports both ACH and wire transfers. But Pathward has several routing numbers because of their history and services. Here’s a list of some:
- 072413764: Main for ACH and wire in SD.
- 124085244: Another for various transfers.
- 273070278: Used for certain payment systems.
- 273970116: Common for prepaid card operations.
- 291471024: For specific commercial finance.
Why multiple numbers? Banks get them based on mergers, locations, or service types. Pathward’s came from acquisitions and expansions. Always check which one fits your need.
This number is active and was last revised in 2022. It’s eligible for Fedwire, the system for large transfers.
How to Find Your Pathward Routing Number
Finding the right routing number is easy. Here are steps:
- Look at a check: It’s in the bottom left corner.
- Check online banking: Log in to see account details.
- Review statements: Banks print it on monthly statements.
- Call the bank: Pathward’s phone is 605-782-0740.
- Use official sites: Sites like Wise list it.
For Pathward, since they’re branchless, online or phone is best. Verify with the recipient to avoid delays.
Using the Pathward National Association Routing Number for Transfers
Routing numbers make transfers work. For ACH, like direct deposits, it routes money electronically. ACH is cheap or free and takes 1-3 days. Wire transfers use it for faster, same-day moves but cost more.
To set up:
- Gather your account number and the pathward national association routing number.
- Fill out forms for payroll or bill pay.
- For international, you might need SWIFT code instead.
Examples: If you’re getting tax refunds via Pathward’s tax services, the routing ensures quick deposit. Businesses use it for vendor payments.
Tips:
- Double-check digits to prevent errors.
- Use secure apps for transfers.
- Know limits: ACH up to $1 million daily for some.
Verifying the Pathward National Association Routing Number
Verification prevents fraud. Methods:
- Federal Reserve site: Search E-Payments Directory.
- Bank confirmation: Call Pathward.
- Third-party tools: Like US Bank Locations.
Pathward warns to always confirm. Wrong numbers can delay funds or cause fees.
Common Mistakes with Routing Numbers
People often use the wrong number for the transfer type. Wire might need a different one than ACH. Mixing up with SWIFT for international.
Another: Typing errors. One digit off, and money bounces.
Solution: Copy-paste from official sources. Update if the bank changes, like Pathward’s rebrand.
Pathward’s Commitment to Financial Inclusion
Pathward’s mission is “financial inclusion for all.” They serve underserved markets. For example, their prepaid cards help unbanked people (about 5.9 million U.S. households per FDIC stats).
Through CRA, they invest in communities. In 2023, they had a strategic plan for LMI support, including loans and donations. Their Community Impact Program gave over $1.1 million and 5,500 volunteer hours.
This ties to routing numbers by enabling access to banking services.
Differences Between ACH and Wire Transfers
ACH is batch-processed, good for recurring payments. Low cost, but slower.
Wire is real-time, secure for large amounts. Fees: $25-50.
Pathward supports both with 072413764.
Choose ACH for bills, wire for urgency.
Pathward’s Role in Tax Services
Pathward helps with tax refunds. They offer advance loans and transfers. Routing number directs refunds.
In 2024, they partnered with over 40,000 tax offices. This speeds up access to money.
Commercial Finance and Routing Numbers
For businesses, Pathward’s loans use routing for payments. Factoring: Sell invoices for cash, routed via ACH.
Stats: Small businesses make up 99.9% of U.S. firms, many need such finance.
Security and Privacy at Pathward
Pathward follows strict rules. They use encryption for transfers. Their privacy notice covers data handling.
In 2024, they settled a case for $700,000 over account freezes, showing commitment to fix issues.
Future of Pathward and Banking
Pathward plans more digital tools. With fintech growth, BaaS will expand. Routing numbers stay key, but tech like blockchain might change things.
They aim for more CRA investments.
FAQs About Pathward National Association Routing Number
What is the pathward national association routing number for wire transfers? It’s 072413764 for most, but confirm.
How do I verify it? Use Fed site or call 605-782-0740.
Does Pathward have branches? No, it’s online-only.
What’s the difference from SWIFT? Routing for domestic, SWIFT for international.
Can I use it for international transfers? No, need SWIFT or IBAN.
Conclusion
In summary, the pathward national association routing number like 072413764 is essential for safe, efficient banking with Pathward National Association. This bank, with its history from 1954 and focus on inclusion, makes financial services accessible. Use it for ACH, wires, and more, always verifying to avoid issues. By understanding this, you take control of your finances.
What challenges have you faced with routing numbers, and how can we help?
References
- Wise – Provides details on routing number 072413764, usage for transfers, and verification. Useful for international users interested in US banking.
- RemitFinder – Offers bank code info for Pathward, aiding remitters from abroad like in Pakistan.
- US Bank Locations – Lists routing numbers, addresses, and history revisions. Helps audiences verify bank details for secure transactions.
