Your routing number is the same whether you use a savings or checking account at the same bank
A routing number identifies your bank or credit union, not the type of account you have. If you have both a checking and a savings account at the same institution, they share one routing number. The account number is what distinguishes between them.
Think of it this way: the routing number is like your bank's address. The account number is like your apartment number inside that building. You can have multiple apartments (accounts) at the same address (bank), but the address itself stays the same.
The only time you would have different routing numbers is if your checking and savings accounts are at different banks or credit unions. For example, if your checking account is at Chase and your savings account is at a local credit union, those two institutions have different routing numbers.
Key Takeaways
- One bank or credit union has one routing number, regardless of how many accounts you hold there.
- Your routing number stays the same whether you are setting up a direct deposit to checking or a transfer to savings.
- The account number is what tells the bank which specific account to move money to or from.
- If you move money between your own checking and savings at the same bank, you only need one routing number.
How banks use routing and account numbers together
When you give someone your banking information to send you money, you provide both numbers. The routing number tells the sending bank where to send the funds — which institution to contact. The account number tells your bank which of your accounts should receive the money once it arrives.
For a direct deposit from your employer, you write down your bank's routing number and your checking account number. If you later want to change the direct deposit to go to savings instead, you keep the same routing number but provide your savings account number. The employer's payroll system uses both pieces of information to land the money in the right place.
This system works the same way for wire transfers, ACH transfers (the electronic transfers that take one to three business days), and bill payments. The routing number is always the same for your bank; only the account number changes based on which account you are using.
Finding your routing number when you have multiple accounts
Your bank's routing number appears on the bottom left of any check you write from either account. If you have checks for both your checking and savings accounts, the routing number printed on both will be identical.
You can also find your routing number by logging into your online banking, calling your bank's customer service line, or visiting your bank's website. Many banks list their routing number on the main website or in the FAQ section. Some banks have different routing numbers for different regions, so make sure you are looking up the number for the branch where you opened your account or the region where you live.
If you are unsure which number is which on your check, remember: the first set of numbers on the bottom left is the routing number, the middle set is your account number, and the last set is the check number.
What happens if you mix up the numbers
If you accidentally give someone your account number instead of your routing number, the transfer will likely fail. The sending bank needs the routing number to know where to send the money. Without it, the system cannot process the transaction.
If you give the wrong account number but the correct routing number, the money may go to someone else's account at your bank, or the transfer may be rejected. This is why it is important to double-check both numbers before you submit them, especially for large transfers or recurring payments like direct deposit.
If a mistake does happen, contact your bank right away. Most banks can trace the transaction and recover the funds, but it takes time. Catching the error quickly makes recovery faster.
Routing numbers for online banks and credit unions
Online banks and credit unions work the same way as traditional banks: one institution, one routing number. If you have a checking and savings account at an online bank like Ally or Charles Schwab, they share a routing number.
Credit unions also follow this rule. If you are a member of a credit union and have both a share savings account (their version of a savings account) and a share draft account (their version of a checking account), both accounts use the credit union's routing number.
The main difference with online banks is that you cannot walk into a physical branch to ask for your routing number. Instead, you find it by logging into your account online, calling their phone number, or checking their website. Most online banks display this information clearly in the account settings or FAQ section.
When you might need to know the difference
You need to know which account is which when you are setting up direct deposit, arranging a wire transfer, or paying a bill online. Your employer or the person sending you money will ask for your routing number and account number. Providing the routing number for the right bank but the account number for the wrong account will send the money to the wrong place.
For transfers between your own accounts at the same bank, you may not need the routing number at all. Many banks let you move money between your own checking and savings using just the account numbers, especially if you are doing it through online banking or a mobile app. Check with your bank about their process.
If you are sending money to someone else's account at your bank, you still need both numbers. The routing number confirms you are sending it to your bank, and the account number makes sure it lands in their account, not someone else's.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a different routing number for my savings account?
No. Your bank has one routing number for all account types. Whether you have a savings account, checking account, money market account, or any other product at that bank, the routing number remains the same. Only the account number changes.
What if my bank has multiple branches?
Most banks use the same routing number for all branches nationwide. However, some larger banks or regional banks may have different routing numbers for different regions or divisions. Check your bank's website or a check to confirm which routing number applies to your specific account.
Can I use my checking account routing number for my savings account?
Yes, absolutely. Since they are the same number, you can use it for either account. Just make sure you provide the correct account number for whichever account you want the money to go into.
What if I have accounts at two different banks?
Each bank has its own routing number. Your checking account at Bank A and your savings account at Bank B would have different routing numbers. You would need to use the correct routing number for whichever bank you are sending money to or receiving money from.
Is my routing number the same on my debit card as on my checks?
Your debit card does not display your routing number. Only checks show it. If you need your routing number and do not have a check, log into online banking, call your bank, or visit their website to find it.