Finding your Alterna Bank account number is essential for setting up direct deposits, pre-authorized bill payments, and linking external bank accounts. Whether you are using the digital banking portal on your desktop or the mobile app, Alterna makes it incredibly easy to locate your full routing details without needing a physical chequebook.
A complete set of Canadian banking details consists of three parts: the financial institution number, the branch transit number, and your unique personal account number. Below, we provide the exact step-by-step process to find these details in your Alterna Bank digital dashboard, along with tips to troubleshoot common login issues and generate a void cheque instantly.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Alterna Bank Institution Number | 608 |
| Alterna Savings Institution Number | 842 |
| Main Transit Number (Bank) | 00016 |
| Account Number Format | Typically 7 to 12 digits |
Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Your Account Details
- Step 1: Navigate to the official Alterna Bank website and select Log In, or open the Alterna Bank mobile app on your smartphone. Enter your client ID and password.
- Step 2: Once logged in, locate the main navigation bar and select Accounts to view a list of your active chequing and savings profiles.
- Step 3: Click or tap on the specific account you want to set up a transfer or direct deposit for.
- Step 4: Select Account details from the menu options. This page will display your full Account Number, Transit Number, and Institution Number.
- Step 5: To create a direct deposit form, select the option to Print, Email, or Export PDF directly from this details page.
Pro-Tip: Never manually copy and paste or write down your account numbers for payroll setups if you can avoid it. Instead, use the Export PDF function on the Account details page to generate a pre-filled Direct Deposit/Pre-Authorized Debit form. This official document acts as a void cheque and ensures HR departments and external institutions receive 100% accurate routing data, preventing delayed payments and returned transfers.
Troubleshooting Common Digital Access Pain Points
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Delays: If you are trying to log in to check your account number and the one-time passcode (OTP) SMS isn't arriving, ensure your mobile carrier isn't blocking shortcodes. You can also temporarily switch your authentication method to email delivery.
- Browser Errors and Blank Screens: If you encounter a blank page or an endless loading wheel when trying to click Export PDF for your void cheque, your browser's pop-up blocker or cache is likely interfering. Disable strict ad-blockers for the Alterna site or try accessing the portal in an Incognito/Private browsing window.
- Locked Account ID: Entering the wrong password or answering your security questions incorrectly multiple times will lock your digital profile. You cannot unlock your account online to retrieve your account number; you must contact the Alterna support team directly at 1.877.560.0100 to verify your identity and restore access.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a void cheque from Alterna Bank?
You do not need a physical chequebook. You can generate a void cheque equivalent by logging into your online banking, selecting your account, clicking on Account details, and choosing to export or print the Direct Deposit / Pre-Authorized Debit form.
What is the Alterna Bank transit number?
The main branch transit number for Alterna Bank is 00016, and the institution number is 608. If your account is with Alterna Savings (the parent credit union), the institution number is 842 and the main transit is 00646.
Is my account number the same as my debit card number?
No. Your 16-digit debit card number is used solely for point-of-sale transactions and ATM access. Your actual bank account number is a separate 7-to-12-digit number used for routing money into and out of your specific chequing or savings account.
