Yes, savings accounts have routing numbers, but you use them differently than with checking accounts
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 specific bank or credit union to the broader payment system. However, most people never need to use it. Transfers between your own accounts at the same bank happen when ready without a routing number. External transfers—moving money from another bank's account into your savings—do require the routing number, along with your account number.
The routing number for your savings account is the same as the routing number for your checking account at that bank. Banks do not issue separate routing numbers for different account types. What changes is the account number itself, which is unique to each account you hold.
Key Takeaways
- Savings accounts have routing numbers because they are held at a bank or credit union, and the routing number identifies that institution to the payment system.
- Your bank's routing number is the same whether you are using a checking account, savings account, or money market account.
- You need the routing number only when someone outside your bank is sending money to your savings account, such as a direct deposit or transfer from another bank.
- Internal transfers between your own accounts at the same bank do not require a routing number and process when ready.
- You can find your routing number on the bottom left of a check, through your bank's website, or by calling your bank directly.
When you actually need the routing number for a savings account
You need the routing number when money is coming into your savings account from outside your bank. This includes direct deposit of a paycheck, a transfer from another person's account at a different bank, or an automated clearing house (ACH) payment. In each case, the sending bank uses your routing number to route the payment to the correct institution, and your account number to route it to the correct account within that institution.
You do not need the routing number for transfers between accounts you own at the same bank. If you move money from your checking account to your savings account at the same institution, the bank handles it internally and the transfer is usually when ready. You also do not need it if you are withdrawing money from your savings account or depositing cash in person.
How to find your savings account routing number
The easiest place to look is a check from your checking account. The routing number appears in the bottom left corner, printed in a specific format. Even though the check is from your checking account, this routing number works for your savings account too, because it identifies the bank itself, not the account type.
If you do not have a check, log into your bank's website or mobile app. Most banks display the routing number in the account details section, sometimes labeled "bank routing number" or "ABA number." You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for the routing number. Have your account number ready, though the representative will give you the routing number without needing it.
Credit unions use routing numbers the same way as banks. If your savings account is at a credit union, you can find the routing number through the credit union's website, by calling, or sometimes on a statement.
Routing number versus account number: what each one does
The routing number identifies the bank or credit union. Think of it as the address of the institution. The account number identifies your specific account within that institution. Think of it as your apartment number inside that building. Together, they tell the payment system exactly where to send money.
When you give someone your banking information to send you money, you provide both numbers. A direct deposit form, for example, asks for routing number and account number separately. If you give only the routing number, the payment system knows which bank to send the money to, but not which account. If you give only the account number, the system has no way to know which bank holds that account.
What happens if you give the wrong routing number
If you provide an incorrect routing number, the payment may be rejected outright, or it may be sent to the wrong bank. If it goes to the wrong bank, that bank will typically reject it because the account number does not match any account in their system. The money then bounces back to the sender, and the sender receives a notification that the transfer failed.
This process usually takes a few business days. During that time, the money is in limbo. Once it returns to the sender's account, they can correct the routing number and try again. To avoid this, double-check the routing number before you provide it to anyone sending you money. Verify it against your bank's official website or a recent statement, not from memory or a previous email.
Routing numbers for online banks and savings-only institutions
Online banks and savings-only institutions have routing numbers just like traditional banks. The routing number works the same way—it identifies the institution to the payment system. You find it the same way: through the bank's website, by calling, or on a statement.
The main difference is that online banks and savings-only institutions typically do not issue checks, so you cannot pull the routing number from a check. You must look it up online or call. Some online banks display the routing number prominently on the account details page. Others require you to navigate to a help section or contact customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my checking account routing number for my savings account?
Yes. The routing number belongs to the bank, not to a specific account type. Your checking account and savings account at the same bank share the same routing number. What differs is the account number for each account.
Do I need a routing number to withdraw money from my savings account?
No. You need a routing number only when money is coming into your account from outside your bank. Withdrawals, deposits in person, and transfers between your own accounts at the same bank do not require it.
What if my bank has multiple routing numbers?
Some large banks operate multiple branches or divisions and may have different routing numbers for different regions or account types. Check your bank's website or a recent statement to confirm which routing number applies to your account. When in doubt, call your bank and provide your account number so they can give you the correct one.
Is it safe to share my routing number?
Yes. The routing number is public information—it identifies the bank, not your account. Someone with only your routing number cannot access your account or move money out of it. They would also need your account number, and even then, most transactions require additional verification.
How long does a transfer take if I provide the correct routing number?
ACH transfers between banks typically take one to three business days. Transfers between accounts at the same bank are usually when ready. Wire transfers, which use routing numbers differently, can be faster but cost more. The exact timing depends on when the sending bank initiates the transfer and your bank's processing schedule.