Which institution is identified by the routing number on a check?

The routing number on a check specifically identifies the financial institution where the account is held. This number is crucial for the processing of electronic transactions and the transfer of funds. It allows banks to coordinate transactions by identifying which institution should receive or send the funds.

In the context of a check, the payor's depository financial institution is the bank where the payor has established their account, and this is the institution that will be involved in debiting the funds from the account when the check is processed. The routing number ensures that the check is directed to the correct bank, facilitating accurate and timely transactions.

Other options represent different financial entities or roles in transaction processing. A card issuer refers to a bank or financial institution that provides credit or debit cards but is not directly involved in processing checks. A reconverting bank is involved in converting the paper check into an electronic format but does not hold the payor's funds directly. Lastly, a clearing house is an intermediary that ensures the clearing and settlement of second-day transactions but does not specifically identify the institution for the payor's account as the routing number does. Thus, the routing number primarily points to the payor's depository financial institution.