ACH US Routing Number – BERKSHIRE BANK

	Routing Number	Address	City	State
1	011601074	99 NORTH STREET	PITTSFIELD MA	VT
2	011910697	99 NORTH STREET	PITTSFIELD	MA
3	031207911	99 NORTH STREET	PETTSFIELD	MA
4	031919063	99 NORTH STREET	PITTSFIELD	MA
5	211870812	99 NORTH ST	PITTSFIELD	MA
6	211870977	99 NORTH STREET	PITTSFIELD	MA
7	211871691	99 NORTH STREET	PITTSFIELD	MA
8	211872399	99 NORTH STREET	PITTSFIELD	MA
9	211872959	99 NORTH ST	PITTSFIELD	MA
10	221371071	24 NORTH STREET	PITTSFIELD	MA
11	221380114	99 NORTH STREET	PITTSFIELD	MA

The automated clearing house (ACH) network is an electronic payment transfer system that processes large volumes of credit and debit transactions in batches. ACH payments are a popular option for businesses to pay employees, vendors, and conduct other financial transactions. To properly route ACH payments, accurate routing numbers are essential. Berkshire Bank’s routing number and other specifics help explain ACH numbers and how they work.

What is an ACH Routing Number?

An ACH routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the financial institution from which a payment originated or is destined. It’s like a ZIP code for money, telling the ACH network where to send a payment. Routing numbers are also known as ABA routing transit numbers or RTNs.

Purpose of Routing Numbers

Routing numbers serve two key purposes in ACH transactions:

Identifying the Receiving Institution – The routing number tells the ACH network where to direct debit and credit payments. This allows money to be transferred between accounts accurately.
Security and Verification – Routing numbers help financial institutions confirm valid transactions and avoid fraud. The numbers provide a layer of security.

Where to Find Routing Numbers

Routing numbers can be found in several places, including:

Bottom of checks issued by the financial institution
Bank statements
Bank website (often under a “Routing Number” search)
ABA routing number database

Overview of Berkshire Bank’s Routing Number

Berkshire Bank is a community bank headquartered in Boston, MA with over 100 branch locations throughout the Northeast. They provide a full range of financial services for consumers and businesses.

Berkshire Bank’s Routing Number is:

221380114 Example, See the table for exact branch Routing Number

This 9-digit number identifies Berkshire Bank in ACH or wire transactions. Having the correct routing number helps ensure payments are processed smoothly and accurately.

Other Details for ACH Payments

When setting up ACH payments with Berkshire Bank, additional details are required beyond just the routing number:

Account Number – This identifies the specific account where funds should be deposited or withdrawn. Berkshire Bank account numbers are up to 17 digits long.
Account Type – The type of account must be specified (checking, savings, etc.) to properly route payments.
Advice Details – Any required details or instructions that provide context for the payment.

How ACH Routing Numbers Work

ACH routing numbers work within the ACH network to direct funds to the appropriate destination. There are four key parties involved:

The Four Main Parties in ACH Payments

Originating Depository Financial Institution (ODFI) – The bank where the payment originates. They process payment instructions and transmit the ACH file into the network.
ACH Operator – Central clearing facilities like the Federal Reserve or Electronic Payments Network (EPN). They receive ACH files and facilitate entries exchange between ODFI and RDFI.
Receiving Depository Financial Institution (RDFI) – The bank that receives the ACH payment and deposits or debits the recipient’s account. Guided by the routing number.
Originator / Receiver – Individual or organization sending/receiving the payment. The originator submits payment details to the ODFI.

How ACH Files Route Payments

ACH payments involve transferring ACH files containing batches of formatted payment instructions:

The Path of an ACH Payment

Originator gives payment instructions to the ODFI. Account, routing, and amount details are supplied.
ODFI compiles ACH files and sends them in batches through the ACH Operator network.
Using the routing number, the ACH Operator knows where to send the ACH file.
RDFI receives the ACH file and credits/debits the Receiver’s account accordingly.
Receiver has their funds successfully transferred based on instructions.

Berkshire Bank’s History and Background

Berkshire Bank has been serving the Northeast with banking services since 1846. Here is some background on their history and offerings:

Notable Facts About Berkshire Bank

Headquarters: Boston, MA
Founded: 1846 (176 years in business)
Branches: 130+ across CT, MA, NY, NJ, PA, and VT
Employees: Over 1,100
Services: Full banking and financial services for retail, commercial, SBA lending, and wealth management.

Berkshire Bank’s Merger History

Started as Berkshire County Savings Bank in Pittsfield, MA
Became Berkshire Bank in 1988
Acquired Lake Sunapee Bank in 2019
Merged with Commerce Bancorp in 2021
Now Berkshire Bank operates with a continued community focus under CEO Nitin Mhatre

Berkshire Bank is FDIC insured and upholds responsible, ethical banking practices. They have maintained their community-oriented approach while expanding across multiple states.

Important Uses of Routing Numbers

Routing numbers serve a vital function in facilitating ACH transfers and other electronic payments between accounts. Here are some of the most common uses:

How ACH Routing Numbers Are Used

Direct Deposit – Employers need routing numbers to pay employees via direct deposit. This allows paychecks/salary to be deposited automatically into accounts.
Supplier/Vendor Payments – Companies use ACH payments and routing numbers to pay suppliers and vendors electronically instead of paper checks.
Account Transfers – Customers can transfer funds between accounts at different banks using routing numbers to identify where to send money.
Loan Payments – Routing numbers allow loan payments to be drafted from accounts automatically each month using auto-debit ACH transactions.
Online/Mobile Transactions – Ecommerce and mobile apps utilize routing numbers to connect customer bank accounts for payments and transfers.
Account Verification – Banks use routing numbers as part of verifying new accounts during online account openings and fund transfers.

How Consumers Can Use Routing Numbers

Consumers can take advantage of routing numbers to simplify certain financial processes and enable key capabilities:

Personal Uses of Bank Routing Numbers

Provide employer for direct deposit of paycheck or government benefits
Verify accounts when transferring money or paying bills online
Set up automatic bill payments from bank account
Order checks with routing number printed
Sign up for a money transfer app like Venmo or PayPal by linking routing number
Give routing number when authorizing withdrawals or payments
Avoid fees and speed up transfers between your own accounts

For everyday banking, having your financial institution’s routing number handy helps securely connect accounts.

Tips for Finding and Verifying Routing Numbers

To avoid payment issues, it’s important to have accurate routing numbers. Here are some tips for finding and confirming numbers:

Researching and Confirming Your Routing Number

Check Official Bank Sources – Websites, statements, call bank directly to get the number.
Match Format – Validate the routing number is 9 digits in the proper ABA format (no letters or symbols).
Use Multiple Sources – Cross-reference numbers listed on checks, deposits, or wire transfers.
Update Regularly – Confirm routing number periodically in case of changes.
Ask for Verification – Have recipient validate number if transferring to a new payee.
Use Official Databases – ABA RTN databases can help look up numbers.

Taking steps to verify routing numbers helps prevent funds from being misrouted and delayed.

Errors from Incorrect Routing Information

Submitting inaccurate routing information leads to a variety of payment processing issues:

Potential Problems from Wrong Routing Details

Misrouted Payments – Funds get sent to the wrong financial institution and account.
Rejected Transactions – Invalid account or routing numbers will lead to failed payments.
Delays – Errors cause payments to be held up while the issue is fixed.
Fees – Banks may charge fees for rerouting misdirected funds.
Fraud – Improper numbers increase risks of payments being intercepted.
Damage Trust – Payees may hesitate working with you again after payment problems.
Cash Flow Issues – Businesses or consumers miss making timely payments.

Thoroughly verifying routing particulars prevents many headaches.

How Changes to Routing Numbers Occur

While routing numbers are designed to remain consistent, occasionally banks do need to adjust them under certain situations:

Scenarios Where Routing Numbers Are Updated

Mergers and Acquisitions – Banks involved in an M&A have to transition to new routing numbers.
Relocating Data Centers – Changes to data facility locations may come with routing number changes.
Splitting Institutions – Spinning off part of a bank into a new entity could alter the routing number.
Overlap Issues – ABA may assign a new number to resolve duplicate routing number scenarios.
New Technology – Major back-end upgrades may necessitate IT changes to numbers.

Banks try to minimize routing number changes when possible for simplicity. But maintaining an updated record helps detect transitions.

How Berkshire Bank Could Change Their Routing Number

As a regional bank, Berkshire Bank’s routing number could require an update due to:

Situations that May Lead Berkshire Bank to Adjust Their Routing

Further mergers or acquisitions with other banks. For example, integrating Commerce Bancorp required routing changes.
Expanding to new regions. If they grow to other states, new routing digits may be needed.
Transitioning underlying technology. Major IT overhauls could drive routing updates.
ABA requests. The ABA may ask them to modify the number if issues arise.
Fixing erroneous transactions. Duplicate numbers causing misrouted payments would need resolution.
Security enhancement. In the unlikely event of fraud, a number change may help secure accounts.

Berkshire Bank aims to avoid unnecessary changes but may adapt routing as needed. Staying informed helps avoid disruptions.

Next Steps with Your Routing Number

Now that you understand the purpose and function of bank routing numbers, here are some helpful next steps:

What to Do With Your Routing Number

Update payment templates with the correct routing digits.
Provide the number to any direct deposit or online transfer services.
Verify your routing number is current before any major ACH transfers.
Check statements and confirm routing matches recent transactions.
Contact bank to request official written verification if needed.
Set a reminder to validate your routing number again in 6-12 months.

Keeping your routing number details current helps ensure all your ACH payments process smoothly.

Conclusion

In summary, ACH routing numbers serve a critical role directing electronic payments between accounts at different financial institutions. Berkshire Bank’s 9-digit code identifies their bank in the ACH network for facilitating transfers. Maintaining up-to-date routing information enables efficient, timely processing of transactions, avoiding costly errors and delays. Given the importance of accuracy, taking steps to research, verify, and regularly check routing specifics is key for both individuals and businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is unique about Berkshire Bank’s routing number?

Nothing is particularly unique, as their routing number follows the standard 9-digit ABA format used by all banks in the ACH network. It appropriately identifies Berkshire Bank for routing ACH transfers.

Where can I find Berkshire Bank’s routing number on my checks?

Berkshire Bank’s routing number is printed on the bottom left corner of checks, after the account number and before the check number. It is a 9-digit code flanked by two symbols.

Does Berkshire Bank’s routing number change?

Historically, Berkshire has not changed their main routing number often. However, mergers like Commerce Bancorp may require transitioning to newly assigned routing digits. Customers should verify routing numbers regularly for any updates.

Can I use Berkshire Bank’s routing number for wire transfers too?

Yes, their ABA routing transit number works for both ACH transactions and wire transfers. The same 9-digit code routes payments through both networks appropriately.

What happens if I submit the wrong routing number for Berkshire Bank?

An incorrect routing number could result in payments being rejected, misrouted, or delayed. Fraud risks also increase with improper routing. To avoid issues, always confirm Berkshire Bank’s routing details before submitting payments.