
Getting your CUSIP number can be a straightforward process if you know where to start. The CUSIP number is assigned by S&P Global Market Intelligence and is used to identify publicly traded securities.
To get your CUSIP number, you'll need to submit an application to S&P Global Market Intelligence.
The application process typically takes a few weeks, but it can vary depending on the complexity of your request.
Finding a Security
You can find a CUSIP number for a stock by accessing the database of CUSIP numbers, but this requires paying a fee to Standard & Poor's or a similar service. Unfortunately, this can be a bit pricey.
You can also find the CUSIP number on official statements for a security, such as financial statements and confirmations of purchase. Securities dealers can also provide this information.
The process for finding a CUSIP number for a bond is similar to that of finding the number for a stock, and the issuing entity may publicly list all CUSIP numbers for issued bonds.
A unique perspective: How to Find Out Who Has Your Number?
Find a Security

Finding a Security's CUSIP Number can be a challenge, but there are a few ways to go about it.
You can start by checking with your brokerage firm or website that provides securities research, as they often include the CUSIP number in the profile information of the concerned stock or bond.
A general Google search with the stock's trading symbol is likely to yield results on the CUSIP number, making it a good option for common stock.
For municipal bonds, you can find the unique number in Electronic Municipal Market Access (EMMA), managed by the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board.
CGS's 'CUSIP Access' is a fee-based web service that provides access to the entire universe of identifiers and a standardized securities description, but be prepared to pay a fee.
You can also find the CUSIP number on official statements for a security, such as financial statements and confirmations of purchase.
Securities dealers can also provide the CUSIP number, making them a potential resource for finding this information.
Here are some options to consider when looking up a CUSIP number for a bond:
- Check the issuing entity's website for publicly listed CUSIP numbers
- Use a database search tool, similar to those used for stocks
- Contact a securities dealer for assistance
Bank Bonds
To request a CUSIP identifier for a bank bond, you'll need to submit a Tender Notice, Bank Purchase Agreement, Standby Letter of Credit, or Notice of Conversion.
Draft documents are acceptable, so you don't need to have everything finalized before reaching out. Just be sure to include the original CUSIP and the tender or remarketing date in the Special Instructions field.
If there are multiple tenders, provide the first tender date. This information will help ensure that your request is processed efficiently.
CUSIP identifier(s) confirmation will be sent to the email address you provide, so make sure to include a valid email address in your submission.
Take a look at this: Numbered Bank Account
Registration Process
To get a CUSIP number, you need to register your securities or bonds with CUSIP. We can help assist in the setup and registering your securities or bonds with CUSIP in a timely fashion.
The registration process typically involves submitting your securities or bonds information to the CUSIP registration service.
You can seek our help if you need a CUSIP number or a specialist to help with the registration process.
Understanding CUSIP
A CUSIP number is a 9-character alphanumeric code that identifies a North American security for the purposes of facilitating clearing and settlement of trades. This unique identifier is crucial for keeping track of the vast number of bond issues in the market.
There are over 1,000,000 different bond issues, most of which are municipal bonds issued by cities, counties, and states. A precise identification system is necessary to manage this large volume.
Here's a breakdown of what the characters in a CUSIP number mean:
- The first six characters, known as the base or CUSIP-6, identify the bond issuer.
- The seventh and eighth characters identify the bond maturity.
- The ninth character is an auto-generated check digit.
What to Know
A CUSIP number identifies securities, including stocks, of U.S. and Canadian companies and U.S. government and municipal bonds.
Most stocks can be identified by three or four letters in their ticker symbol, such as INTC for the chip maker Intel. There are usually around 20,000 unique ticker symbols for these publicly traded companies.
A precise identification system is critical to keeping track of the well over 1,000,000 different bond issues in the bond market.
Expand your knowledge: Cusip to Ticker
The groupings of characters in a CUSIP number identify specific information.
Here's a breakdown of what each grouping means:
- First six characters: Known as the base or CUSIP-6; identifies the bond issuer
- Seventh and eighth characters: Identifies the bond maturity
- Ninth character: An auto-generated check digit
You can find a stock's CUSIP number in a few quick ways, like performing a Google search in the format [stock trading symbol] CUSIP number. Alternatively, you can use a search tool such as QuantumOnline or Fidelity Investment's Find Symbol tool to find CUSIP numbers for a stock, mutual fund, or annuity.
You might like: How Do I Find My Cusip Number
Select Identifier Type
To select the right identifier type for your CUSIP request, you have a few options.
If you're looking for a code to uniquely identify a legal entity in the syndicated loan market, you'll want to choose Entity Identifiers (CEI). CEI is a 10-character code designed to do just that.
You'll also need to decide how to proceed with your request. You can use the Corporate, Municipal, International, or Hedge Fund application form depending on the type of offering.
Here are your options:
- One-Time ONBOARDING FORM for Fund Managers
- CEI Search
- CEI Data API
- CEI Annual Renewal
Remember, you'll need to provide an email address to receive CUSIP identifier(s) confirmation. This email address is optional, but it's a good idea to include it to ensure you receive the confirmation.
Importance and Format
A CUSIP number is a 9-character identifier that captures the significant differentiating characteristics of an issue. It's a precise way to identify a bond issue in the bond market.
With over 1,000,000 different bond issues, a system like CUSIP is crucial to keep track of them. Most of these issues are municipal bonds from cities, counties, and states.
Importance of the Bond Market
The bond market is a complex and vast system, with over 1,000,000 different bond issues.
Most of these bond issues are municipal bonds, issued by cities, counties, and states.
A precise identification system is critical to keeping track of them.
Format
The format of unique identifiers is a crucial aspect to understand. These numbers capture an issue's significant differentiating characteristics based on a 9-character identifier with a common structure.
CUSIP and CINS numbers share a similar format, which is a key takeaway. Given is the format of both CUSIP and CINS numbers.
Locating CUSIP
Locating CUSIP numbers is easier than you think. You can request a stock quote on a broker's website, which often includes the CUSIP number.
Brokerage websites, official statements, and physical stock or bond certificates are good places to find CUSIP numbers. Certain bond CUSIPs can also be obtained through the Municipal Securities Rule-Making Board via the Electronic Municipal Market Access system.
You can use online search tools like QuantumOnline.com, Fidelity Investment's Find Symbol tool, or the MSRB's Electronic Municipal Market Access website, known as EMMA, to find CUSIP numbers.
For another approach, see: Stock Cusip
Look Up
You can look up a CUSIP number by requesting a stock quote on a broker's website, which often includes the CUSIP.
A quick search tool can be found at QuantumOnline.com, where you can find a company's CUSIP number, profile, and contact information.
You can also use Fidelity Investment's Find Symbol tool to search for a stock, mutual fund, index, or annuity using a security name, trading symbol, CUSIP number, or fund number.
The MSRB’s Electronic Municipal Market Access website, known as EMMA, offers advanced search functions to track down securities information and look up CUSIP numbers.
Knowing the CUSIP number can be helpful in planning out your stock trading strategy.
Check a Bond
To check a bond, you can start by looking up the CUSIP number, which can be found through a database search tool similar to those used for stocks.
The issuing entity often lists all CUSIP numbers for issued bonds, but this might be limited to only outstanding bonds.
You can use these database search tools to find the CUSIP number of a bond, making it easier to track and verify the bond's information.
Here's an interesting read: How to Look up a Cusip Number
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a CUSIP number?
The cost to obtain a CUSIP number is typically around $280. This fee is charged by S&P to securities issuers for each CUSIP number assigned.
Featured Images: pexels.com


