Savings accounts have routing numbers, but you may not need to use yours

Yes, savings accounts have routing numbers. Your bank assigns one to your account the same way it does for checking accounts. The routing number identifies which bank or credit union holds your account, and it stays the same regardless of whether the account is for checking, savings, money market, or another type.

The practical question is different: do you actually need to know it? For most savings account holders, the answer is no. You use a routing number when someone outside your bank needs to send money directly into your account—a paycheck deposit, a wire transfer, a payment from another institution. Many people never do this with their savings account. If your savings account is purely for storing money you move there yourself through your bank's app or website, you may never type the routing number in.

But if you plan to have direct deposits go into savings, or if you need to receive a wire transfer or ACH payment there, you will need it. Knowing where to find it takes thirty seconds.

Key Takeaways

  • Every savings account has a routing number assigned by the bank, even if you never use it.
  • You only need the routing number if someone outside your bank is sending money directly into your savings account.
  • Your bank's routing number is the same for all account types—checking, savings, money market—at that institution.
  • You can find your savings account routing number on a check, your bank statement, or by calling customer service or logging into your online banking portal.

Where to find your savings account routing number

The fastest way depends on what you have access to right now. If you have a checkbook linked to your savings account, the routing number is printed on the bottom left of any check, a nine-digit code before your account number. Not all savings accounts come with checks, so this option may not explore to you.

Your bank statement—whether you get it by mail or read it from your online portal—lists the routing number near the top or bottom, usually labeled as "routing number" or "ABA number." If you bank online, log in and look for account details or account information. Most banks display the routing number there without requiring you to call.

If you cannot find it online or on paper, call your bank's customer service line. They will confirm the routing number in under a minute. Have your account number ready when you call, though they can usually look it up by name and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Why banks use the same routing number for all account types

A routing number identifies the bank or credit union, not the individual account. Think of it as the address of the institution. Your account number is what identifies you within that institution. Together, they form the complete destination for incoming money.

This is why you use the same routing number whether you are receiving a direct deposit into checking or savings. The routing number says "send this to Bank of America's Denver branch" (or whichever bank and location applies). The account number says "put it in account 123456789." The bank's system then routes the money to the correct account type based on the account number you provide.

When you actually need your savings account routing number

Direct deposit is the most common reason. If your employer or a government agency (like Social Security or a tax refund) is sending money directly into your account, you provide both the routing number and your account number. Some people prefer direct deposit to savings rather than checking to create a small friction that discourages impulse spending.

Wire transfers and ACH transfers from other banks also require the routing number. If you are moving money from one bank to another, or if someone is sending you money through their bank's online system, they will ask for your routing number and account number. This is standard for any transfer that does not go through your own bank's app.

Loan payments, insurance premium payments, and other recurring bills sometimes ask for routing and account numbers if you want to pay directly from your bank account rather than by credit card or check.

The difference between routing numbers and account numbers

A routing number belongs to the bank. An account number belongs to you. If you have multiple accounts at the same bank—checking, savings, money market—they all share the same routing number but have different account numbers. This is how the bank knows which account to deposit money into.

For security, treat your account number like you would a password. The routing number is less sensitive—it is printed on every check and is public information about your bank. But together, the two pieces let someone send money into your account, so do not share either one with people you do not trust.

What happens if you give the wrong routing number

If you provide an incorrect routing number, the money usually does not reach your account. Instead, it either bounces back to the sender or lands in someone else's account at a different bank. The sender will typically be notified that the transfer failed, and they can resubmit with the correct information.

If money accidentally goes into the wrong account at another bank, the receiving bank is responsible for returning it. This can take several business days. The sender may also contact their bank to initiate a reversal. The key is catching the error quickly—if you notice a transfer did not arrive when expected, contact the sender and ask them to verify the routing number they used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my checking account routing number for my savings account at the same bank?

Yes. Both accounts share the same routing number because it identifies the bank, not the account type. The account number is what tells the bank which account to deposit into. As long as you provide the correct account number for your savings account, the money will go there even if you use the routing number from your checking account information.

Is my routing number different if I have accounts at multiple branches?

No. Most banks use one routing number for the entire institution, regardless of how many branches exist. Some very large banks or credit unions may have multiple routing numbers, but this is rare. If you move to a different branch or state, your routing number typically stays the same. Check with your bank if you are unsure.

What if my bank merged with another bank?

Your routing number may change after a merger, but your bank will notify you and update your account information. If you have recurring transfers or direct deposits set up, contact the sender to confirm whether they need the new routing number. Most banks provide a grace period where both old and new routing numbers work.

Can someone withdraw money from my savings account if they have the 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 they can only deposit money into the account, not take it out. To withdraw, they would need access to your online banking login or physical access to your debit card and PIN.

Do online banks and credit unions have routing numbers?

Yes. Online banks and credit unions have routing numbers just like traditional banks. You find them the same way—on statements, in your online portal, or by calling customer service. Online institutions use routing numbers for direct deposits and incoming transfers the same way brick-and-mortar banks do.