Most of the time, yes—your checking and savings accounts at the same bank use the same routing number
A routing number identifies the bank or credit union itself, not the individual account. If you have both a checking account and a savings account at the same institution, they almost certainly share one routing number. That routing number stays the same whether you're sending money to your checking account, your savings account, or any other account you hold there.
The account number is what distinguishes between them. Your routing number tells the payment system which bank to send the money to. Your account number tells that bank which specific account within your name to deposit it into. Together, they form the complete address for your money.
The one exception is if you have accounts at two different banks—say, checking at Bank A and savings at Bank B. In that case, each bank has its own routing number, and you would use the routing number that matches whichever bank holds the account you're sending money to.
Key Takeaways
- A routing number identifies the bank or credit union, not the individual account, so all your accounts at one institution share the same routing number.
- Your account number is what distinguishes your checking account from your savings account at the same bank.
- If you have accounts at two different banks, each bank has its own routing number, and you use the one that matches the receiving bank.
- You can find your routing number on the bottom left of your checks, through your bank's website or app, or by calling customer service.
- Using the correct routing number with the wrong account number will send money to the right bank but the wrong account—the bank can usually correct this, but it may take several business days.
How routing numbers and account numbers work together
Think of a routing number as the address of the bank building, and an account number as the mailbox inside that building. The routing number gets your payment to the right institution. The account number gets it to the right mailbox once it arrives.
When you set up a direct deposit, make a wire transfer, or send an ACH payment (the most common electronic transfer method), you provide both pieces of information. The routing number is usually five to nine digits. The account number is typically 10 to 12 digits, though this varies by bank. Together, they may support your money lands in the right place.
Because the routing number belongs to the bank, not the account, it never changes when you open a new account at the same bank. If you opened a savings account last year and a checking account this year at the same bank, both use the same routing number.
What happens if you use the right routing number with the wrong account number
The money will reach your bank, but it will go into the wrong account. This is not a permanent problem, but it does require correction.
If the account number belongs to another customer at the same bank, that customer's bank will typically reject the deposit and send it back to the sender. This reversal usually takes three to five business days. The sender can then resubmit with the correct account number.
If the account number does not exist at that bank, the bank will also reject the deposit and return it. Some banks will hold the funds for a short period while they attempt to contact the account holder, but most will reverse it automatically.
If you realize you made the error before the money arrives, contact your bank when ready. If the transfer has already been processed, contact the bank that received it and provide the correct account number. They can sometimes redirect the funds, but this is not may provide and depends on the bank's policies and how far along the transfer is.
Where to find your routing number for each account type
Your routing number is the same for checking and savings, so you only need to find it once. The easiest places to look are:
- The bottom left corner of any check from your checking account. The first set of numbers is the routing number; the second set is your account number.
- Your bank's website or mobile app, usually under account details or settings.
- A call to your bank's customer service line—they can confirm it in seconds.
- Your bank's routing number lookup tool, which you can search for by bank name online.
If you have multiple accounts at the same bank, do not assume the routing number is different. It will be the same for all of them. The account number is what changes from account to account.
When you might have different routing numbers
You will have different routing numbers only if your accounts are at different banks or credit unions. For example:
- Checking account at Bank A uses Bank A's routing number.
- Savings account at Bank B uses Bank B's routing number.
- Money market account at Bank A uses Bank A's routing number (same as your checking account there).
Some large banks operate multiple divisions or subsidiaries, each with its own routing number. If you have accounts in different divisions of the same parent company, they may have different routing numbers. Your bank can tell you whether this applies to your accounts.
Credit unions also have routing numbers, and the same rule applies: all your accounts at the same credit union share one routing number. If you move money between your checking and savings at the same credit union, you use that credit union's routing number for both.
Transferring money between your own checking and savings accounts
When you move money between your checking and savings at the same bank, you usually do not need the routing number at all. Most banks let you transfer between your own accounts through their website or app with just a few clicks. The system recognizes that both accounts belong to you and processes the transfer internally.
If you are setting up an external transfer to move money from your checking at Bank A to your savings at Bank B, you will need Bank B's routing number and the account number of your savings account at Bank B. Your bank will ask for both.
Internal transfers between your own accounts at the same bank are usually when ready or complete within one business day. External transfers between different banks typically take one to three business days, depending on the banks involved and the time of day you initiate the transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same routing number for both my checking and savings accounts?
Yes. If both accounts are at the same bank or credit union, they share the same routing number. You distinguish between them using the account number. When you provide banking information, always pair the routing number with the correct account number for the specific account you want the money to go into.
What if I only have a savings account and no checking account?
Your savings account still has a routing number—it is the bank's routing number. You use it the same way you would for a checking account: paired with your savings account number for any incoming transfers or direct deposits. The routing number does not change based on account type.
Do I need to update my routing number if I switch from checking to savings?
No. The routing number stays the same because it identifies the bank, not the account. If you are closing your checking account and keeping only savings at the same bank, the routing number does not change. You would only need to update the account number if you are setting up a new transfer or direct deposit to the savings account.
Will my bank charge me if I accidentally use the wrong account number?
Most banks do not charge a fee for a rejected or reversed deposit caused by an incorrect account number. However, if the error causes a delay and you incur overdraft fees or other charges as a result, contact your bank to see if they will reverse those fees. Some banks will as a courtesy, especially if it was their error.
If I have accounts at two different banks, do I need two routing numbers?
Yes. Each bank has its own routing number. When you send money to your checking account at Bank A, use Bank A's routing number. When you send money to your savings account at Bank B, use Bank B's routing number. Your bank or the sender's bank can tell you which routing number to use for each destination.