You’re staring at a screen, maybe trying to set up a direct deposit or wire some money to a friend, and you realize you need the People United Bank routing number. But then you remember. Or maybe you didn't know. People’s United isn't exactly People’s United anymore.
Money is stressful. Finding a nine-digit number shouldn't be.
💡 You might also like: US government federal spending: Why the numbers are so hard to swallow
Back in 2022, M&T Bank officially completed its acquisition of People’s United. It was a massive deal, worth about $8.3 billion. If you were a long-time customer in Connecticut or New York, you probably saw the signs change on the buildings and received a flurry of mailers that mostly looked like junk but were actually pretty important. Because the banks merged, the way you handle your routing number changed too. It wasn't just a branding facelift; it was a total backend migration.
The Transition to M&T Bank
Here is the deal. Most people searching for the People United Bank routing number are actually looking for the M&T Bank routing information now. When the systems fully integrated, the old People's United ABA numbers were mostly phased out for new transactions, though some "legacy" numbers stayed active for a while to prevent direct deposits from bouncing.
It’s a bit of a mess if you still have an old checkbook tucked away in a drawer. If you use one of those old checks, the routing number printed at the bottom might still work for a standard check clearing, but for setting up new electronic transfers, you really need to use the current M&T credentials.
Why does a routing number even matter? Think of it as the "address" for the bank itself. While your account number identifies you, the routing number—that nine-digit string—tells the Federal Reserve exactly which "building" the money needs to go to. If you get one digit wrong, your money enters a sort of digital purgatory. It's not fun to fix.
Which Number Do You Actually Use?
Routing numbers aren't "one size fits all." This is where a lot of people trip up. Depending on where you opened your account originally, or what you’re trying to do, the number changes.
For the former People's United footprint, which covered a huge swath of the Northeast, you’re generally looking at M&T’s regional routing numbers.
Honestly, the most common routing number for those in the old People's United territory (like Connecticut or Massachusetts) after the M&T merger is 022000046.
✨ Don't miss: 1 oz Gold Price in USA: What the Charts Aren't Telling You
But wait. There’s a catch.
If you are doing a domestic wire transfer, that's often a different number than the one you use for a standard ACH transfer (like your paycheck). And if you’re doing an international wire? You’ll need a SWIFT code, not just a routing number.
Checking Your Specific Region
M&T Bank, which now manages all the old People's United accounts, uses different routing numbers based on the state where the account was first opened. This is a relic of how banking laws used to work, where banks were essentially partitioned by state lines.
- Connecticut and most of the New England area: Generally uses the main M&T identifiers now.
- New York: Often uses 022000046.
- Pennsylvania and Maryland: These have their own specific codes.
If you’re ever unsure, the absolute safest place to look isn't a random website. It's the bottom left corner of your checks. You'll see three groups of numbers. The first group on the left is the routing number. The middle group is your account number. The third group is the check number.
Common Mistakes with People United Bank Routing Number Searches
People often confuse "routing number" with "transit number." They are basically the same thing in the US, but don't get them confused with your account number. I've seen people try to put their account number in the routing field and then wonder why their mortgage payment didn't go through.
Another big one? Using the routing number from a deposit slip.
Did you know the routing number on a deposit slip is sometimes different from the one on your checks? It’s a weird quirk of internal bank processing. For most electronic setups—like Netflix, your employer, or the IRS—you should only use the number found on your personal checks or your official online banking portal.
What About Wire Transfers?
Wire transfers are the high-stakes version of banking. They are fast, usually permanent, and they often require a "Wire Routing Number" which might be distinct from the "Electronic/ACH Routing Number."
👉 See also: Why Do You Want Fries With That Still Defines Modern Sales
If you provide the standard People United Bank routing number (or the updated M&T one) for a wire transfer, and that specific number isn't set up to receive wires, the transaction might fail. M&T Bank typically uses a centralized routing number for all domestic incoming wires.
It’s also worth noting that M&T charges fees for wires. People's United had their own fee schedule, but you are under M&T's rules now. A typical incoming domestic wire might cost you $15 or $20 just to receive your own money.
The Digital Shift: Using the App
If you've migrated your account to the M&T digital platform, finding the number is actually pretty easy. You don't have to go hunting for a physical checkbook.
- Log in to the M&T Online Banking or the mobile app.
- Click on your specific account (Checking or Savings).
- Look for "Account Details" or "Show Details."
- Your routing and account numbers will be displayed there, often masked for security until you click a "reveal" icon.
This is the most "fail-proof" way to do it. Websites change. Data gets old. But the app linked to your specific balance is going to have the right info.
Security and Your Routing Number
Is a routing number a secret? Not really. Every company you pay by check sees it. However, in the wrong hands, combined with your account number, someone can technically initiate a "forced ACH" or create a fraudulent check.
Since the People’s United merger, there has been a slight uptick in phishing scams. Scammers might call or email claiming to be from "People’s United" or "M&T" saying there is a problem with your routing number migration.
They’ll ask you to "verify" your full account number and routing number. Don't do it. The bank already knows this information. They don't need you to tell them their own routing number. If someone asks for this over the phone, hang up. Go to the official M&T website yourself or walk into a branch.
Direct Deposit and the IRS
If you are setting up your tax refund, the IRS is very particular. They want that nine-digit ABA number. Since People's United transitioned, if you have your tax info saved from three years ago in a software like TurboTax, you must update it.
Even if the old People's United number worked last year, there is no guarantee the legacy "bridge" will stay open forever. M&T has been pretty aggressive about moving everyone over to their unified systems.
Summary of Actionable Steps
Finding your number shouldn't be a scavenger hunt. To ensure your money goes where it's supposed to, follow these specific steps.
- Check your latest statement: Digital or paper statements from M&T Bank will have the correct, current routing number for your specific region clearly printed at the top or bottom.
- Identify the transaction type: Use the ACH routing number for paychecks and utility bills. Use the Wire routing number for same-day high-value transfers.
- Verify the state of origin: If you opened your account in Vermont, your number might differ from someone who opened theirs in New York.
- Update your autopay: If you still have bills pulling from an old People's United account using the old routing code, log in to those accounts (electric, water, credit cards) and refresh the banking info with the updated M&T details.
- Destroy old checks: If you have boxes of old People's United checks, it’s honestly safer to shred them and order M&T replacements to avoid any processing delays or "returned item" fees.
The transition from People's United to M&T is mostly over, but the "digital tail" of these mergers lasts for years. Staying proactive about using the current M&T routing information instead of relying on legacy People's United data will save you from "payment failed" notifications and unnecessary late fees.