If the first digit starts with “00”, that means the routing number is used by the United States Government.
If it starts with “01” to “12” then it represents the 12 Federal Reserve Banks in the 12 main United States District.
For routing numbers that start with “21” to “32” digits, then it means it is from thrift institutions such as savings banks and credit unions. It is actually plus 20 to the regular U.S. District number.
Now, for the routing numbers that start with the number “61” to “72”, that means it is used for Electronic Transaction Identifiers. These are non-bank processors and clearinghouses. It is using plus 60 phone number database from the original U.S. District.
If you see the routing number that starts with “80,” that means it is using the traveler’s check.
Note: The UFCU is a credit union. Thus, the first two digits “31” it is using means it is in Michigan.
In order to find the UFCU routing number, it does not always have to be online. There is an offline way to learn your routing number without touching your laptop, smartphone, or PC.
This is information that has been placed by all financial institution to easily identify which branch will process which bank. It has been there for the longest time banks, and credit unions existed.