How to Locate the CUSIP Number for a Stock

The CUSIP number, the Committee on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures number, is a unique nine-character identification number assigned to all stocks and registered bonds in the U.S. and Canada. The CUSIP system was established in 1968. It labels securities traded on public markets and facilitates all settlement and clearinghouse activity.

Key Takeaways

• The CUSIP number is the unique identifier for every publicly traded security.
• This distinct number identifies the company that issued the security and what type of security it is.
• The CUSIP distinguishes securities from one another and facilitates the quick identification and exchange of stocks or bonds.

Locate a CUSIP Number

CUSIP numbers are nine-digit, alphanumeric, and similar to a serial number. The first six characters are known as the base or CUSIP-6, and these characters uniquely identify the security issuer. The seventh and eighth digits identify the security, and the last digit is automatically generated. The numbers are owned and created by the American Bankers Association and managed by CUSIP Global Services. They can be found using the following sources:

• CUSIP Global Services at cusip.com is managed on behalf of the American Bankers Association.
• Companies may display their CUSIP numbers to investors on their websites. 
• CUSIP numbers can also be accessed through the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) via the Electronic Municipal Market Access (EMMA) system.
• The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) hosts a database query tool.

The International Securities Identification Number (ISIN) is used internationally, with most United States and Canadian securities labeled with an additional two-character prefix and one final check character attached at the end of the originally issued CUSIP.

Examples

What Types of Securities Have CUSIP Numbers?

CUSIP numbers are assigned to securities such as common stock, corporate bonds, hedge funds, preferred stock, municipal bonds, derivatives, Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), and variable annuities.

How Do Investors Find a CUSIP Number for a Bond?

The process for finding the CUSIP number is similar to finding the number for a stock. The issuing entity will often publicly list all CUSIP numbers for any issued bonds, though this might be limited to only outstanding bonds.

What Does a CUSIP Number Tell Investors?

A CUSIP is a unique identifier for a specific security. It creates a concrete distinction between each security traded within public markets.

The Bottom Line

CUSIP numbers help identify and organize stocks and bonds in the U.S. and Canada using alpha-numeric digits to identify the issuer and the security to help with clearing and settlement. There are a few ways to access a CUSIP number, such as through Cusip Global Services, on company websites, and databases of regulatory agencies, such as the SEC.