Most checking and savings accounts at the same bank share one routing number
A routing number identifies the bank or credit union itself, not the type of account you hold there. If you have both a checking account and a savings account at the same institution, they almost always use the same routing number. The routing number tells the payment system which financial institution to send money to. Your account number — the separate identifier — is what tells that institution which specific account within the bank should receive the funds.
This matters because it means you do not need to hunt for a different routing number when moving money between your own accounts at the same bank, or when setting up direct deposit to either account type. The routing number stays the same; only the account number changes.
Key Takeaways
- Checking and savings accounts at the same bank use the same routing number because the routing number identifies the bank, not the account type.
- Your account number is what distinguishes between your checking account and your savings account once the money reaches the bank.
- If you have accounts at different banks, each bank has its own routing number, regardless of whether the account is checking or savings.
- When you set up a transfer or direct deposit, you need both the routing number and the account number to reach the correct account.
How routing numbers and account numbers work together
Think of the routing number as the address of the bank building, and the 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 initiate a transfer or set up direct deposit, you provide both pieces of information. The automated clearing house (ACH) network — the system that moves most routine payments between accounts — uses the routing number to find the receiving bank, then passes the account number to that bank so it knows which account to credit. The account type (checking versus savings) does not change this process.
When you might see different routing numbers
Different routing numbers appear only when you have accounts at different banks or credit unions. Bank of America's routing number is different from Wells Fargo's, which is different from a local credit union's. If you maintain a checking account at one bank and a savings account at another, those accounts will have different routing numbers because they belong to different institutions.
Some large banks also maintain multiple routing numbers for different regions or for different processing purposes (such as wire transfers versus ACH transfers). If you are unsure which routing number to use, your bank's website or a call to customer service will clarify. Most banks list all their routing numbers on the website under a "routing numbers" or "bank information" page.
Finding your routing number for either account type
Your bank statement lists the routing number at the bottom left of any check, printed as the first set of nine digits before your account number. Online banking platforms typically show it under account details or settings. You can also call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch — they will provide the routing number in seconds.
If you have both checking and savings at the same bank and want to confirm they use the same routing number, check both statements or look up both accounts in your online banking portal. You will see the same nine-digit number for both. This is normal and expected.
What happens if you use the wrong routing number
If you provide the correct account number but the wrong routing number, the payment will go to the wrong bank. The sending bank will attempt to deliver it to the receiving bank identified by that incorrect routing number. If the account number does not exist at that bank, the payment typically bounces back to the sender within one to three business days, and you will need to resubmit with the correct information.
If the account number happens to exist at the wrong bank, the money could land in someone else's account. This is rare but serious. Always double-check both the routing number and account number before confirming a transfer, especially for the first time to a new recipient.
Routing numbers for wire transfers versus ACH transfers
Some banks maintain separate routing numbers for wire transfers and for ACH transfers (the system used for direct deposit, bill pay, and most routine transfers). Wire transfers move money faster but cost more, while ACH transfers are slower but free or low-cost. If your bank lists multiple routing numbers, check which one applies to the type of transfer you are making.
For transfers between your own checking and savings accounts at the same bank, this distinction usually does not matter — most banks accept the standard routing number for both types of transfers. But when sending money to someone else's account at a different bank, confirm with your bank whether you need the ACH routing number or the wire routing number based on how you are sending the money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my savings account routing number for direct deposit to my checking account?
No. Direct deposit requires the routing number of the bank where the account is located, plus the account number of the specific account receiving the funds. If both accounts are at the same bank, you use that bank's routing number with the checking account number. The routing number does not change, but the account number must match the account you want the money to reach.
What if my bank has multiple routing numbers listed?
Large banks sometimes maintain separate routing numbers for different regions or for wire transfers versus ACH transfers. Check which routing number your bank specifies for the type of transfer you are making. Your bank's website or customer service can tell you which one to use for direct deposit, bill pay, or transfers to another person's account.
Do credit unions use the same routing number for checking and savings?
Yes. Credit unions, like banks, use one routing number per institution regardless of account type. If you have both a checking account and a savings account at the same credit union, they share the same routing number. The account number distinguishes between them.
If I move my savings account to a different bank, do I need a new routing number?
Yes. Each bank has its own routing number. If you open a savings account at a new bank, that account will have a new routing number (the new bank's) and a new account number. You will need to update any automatic transfers or direct deposits that were going to your old savings account.