Yes, savings accounts have routing numbers, and they work the same way as checking account routing numbers
Your savings account has a routing number because it is held at a bank or credit union, and that institution needs a way to receive money from outside sources. The routing number identifies your bank to the Federal Reserve and to other financial institutions. When someone sends you money via ACH transfer, wire transfer, or direct deposit, that routing number tells the sending bank exactly where to send the funds.
The routing number for your savings account is the same as the routing number for your checking account at the same bank — it identifies the bank itself, not the type of account. What changes between accounts is your account number, which is unique to that specific savings account.
You will find your savings account routing number in the same places you would find it for any other account: on the bottom left of a check (if your bank issues them for savings accounts), on your bank statement, through your online banking portal, or by calling your bank's customer service line.
Key Takeaways
- Savings accounts have routing numbers because they need to receive transfers from other banks, and the routing number identifies which bank holds the account.
- The routing number is the same whether you use it for a savings account or a checking account at the same bank — it identifies the institution, not the account type.
- Your account number is what distinguishes your savings account from other accounts at that same bank.
- You can find your savings account routing number on statements, in online banking, or by calling your bank directly.
When you need a routing number for your savings account
You will need your savings account routing number when you set up a direct deposit to that account, arrange an ACH transfer from another bank, or receive a wire transfer. Employers, government agencies, and other payers use the routing number plus your account number to deposit money into your specific savings account.
You may also need it if you are moving money between your own accounts at different banks, or if you are authorizing automatic bill payments to come from your savings account. Some banks also ask for it when you are setting up a linked account for transfers within their own system, though many will let you skip this step if both accounts are already at the same institution.
How routing numbers work for savings accounts
A routing number is a nine-digit code assigned by the American Bankers Association to each bank branch. When a transfer is sent to your savings account, the sending bank uses that routing number to route the money through the Federal Reserve's network to your specific bank. Once it arrives at your bank, the account number directs it to your savings account rather than to any other account you might hold there.
The routing number does not care what type of account receives the money. A routing number works for savings accounts, checking accounts, money market accounts, and any other deposit account at that bank. The system is built to handle multiple account types at the same institution, so the routing number stays constant.
Where to find your savings account routing number
The easiest place to look is your online banking portal. Log in, navigate to your savings account, and look for account details or account information. Most banks display the routing number prominently alongside your account number.
Your bank statement also shows the routing number, usually at the bottom of the first page or in a section labeled "account information." If you have a savings account checkbook (some banks still issue them), the routing number appears in the bottom left corner, just like on a checking account check.
If you cannot find it online or on paper, call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your statement. Have your account number ready, and they will give you the routing number in seconds. You can also visit your bank's website and search for "routing number" — most banks have a page where you can look it up by branch location or account type.
Routing numbers versus account numbers for savings accounts
The routing number identifies your bank. The account number identifies your specific savings account within that bank. Together, they form the complete address for your money.
If you give someone only your routing number, they cannot deposit money into your account — they need both pieces of information. If you give them only your account number without the routing number, the money will not know which bank to go to. Both are required for any transfer to work.
This is why banks ask for both when you set up direct deposit or authorize a transfer. The routing number gets the money to the right bank. The account number gets it to the right account once it arrives.
What happens if you use the wrong routing number
If you provide an incorrect routing number, the transfer will either be rejected before it leaves the sending bank, or it will be sent to the wrong bank and then returned to the sender. The money does not disappear — it bounces back to whoever tried to send it, usually within one to three business days.
Some sending banks will catch the error when ready and ask you to correct it before processing. Others will attempt the transfer, it will fail, and the sender will be notified that the routing number was invalid. Either way, the transfer does not go through, and you will not receive the money until the correct routing number is used.
This is why it is worth double-checking the routing number before you give it to an employer, a government agency, or anyone else who will be sending you money regularly. A single digit wrong can cause delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my savings account routing number for automatic bill payments?
Yes, if your bank allows bill payments from savings accounts. Some banks restrict bill payments to checking accounts only, so check with your bank first. If they do allow it, you will provide the same routing number and your savings account number to set up the payment.
Is the routing number different for each savings account I have at the same bank?
No. All your accounts at the same bank branch share the same routing number. What differs is the account number. If you have multiple savings accounts at the same bank, they all use the same routing number but have different account numbers.
Do credit unions use routing numbers for savings accounts?
Yes. Credit unions issue routing numbers just like banks do. Your credit union savings account has a routing number that works the same way — it identifies the credit union, and your account number identifies your specific savings account within it.
What if my bank has multiple branches — do they all have the same routing number?
Most banks assign one routing number per institution, regardless of branch count. However, some larger banks assign different routing numbers to different regions or branches. Check your statement or online banking to confirm which routing number applies to your specific branch.
Can someone withdraw money from my savings account if they have my routing number?
No. A routing number alone cannot be used to withdraw money. Someone would need both your routing number and your account number, and even then, most withdrawals require additional authorization or access to your online banking credentials. Routing numbers are safe to share.