Most of the time, yes — both accounts at the same bank use the same routing number
Your routing number identifies the bank or credit union itself, not the individual account. So if you have a checking account and a savings account at the same institution, they almost always share one routing number. The routing number stays the same; what changes is your account number, which is unique to each account you hold.
Think of it this way: the routing number is like the address of a post office branch, and your account number is like your mailbox inside that branch. The post office address doesn't change whether you're picking up mail or dropping it off — but your mailbox is yours alone.
The one exception is if your bank operates multiple branches in different regions or if you opened accounts at different institutions entirely. Some very large banks may use different routing numbers for different states or regions, though this is uncommon. If you're unsure, your bank statement or online banking portal will show you the exact routing number for each account.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number identifies your bank or credit union, so checking and savings accounts at the same place use the same routing number.
- Your account number is what makes each account unique — the routing number stays the same across all your accounts at that institution.
- You can find your routing number on the bottom left of any check, in your online banking portal, or by calling your bank.
- If you have accounts at two different banks, each bank has its own routing number, even if you have both a checking and savings account at each one.
Why the routing number doesn't change between account types
The routing number's job is to direct money to the right bank or credit union. It doesn't matter whether the money is going into a checking account, savings account, money market account, or any other product — the routing number gets the transfer to your institution. Once the money arrives at your bank, the account number tells the bank which specific account to deposit it into.
This is why you can use the same routing number for direct deposit of your paycheck into checking, automatic bill payments from checking, and transfers into savings. The routing number is the same; only the account number changes.
Where to find your routing number
If you need to confirm your routing number, you have several quick options. The easiest is to look at the bottom left corner of any check you have — the first set of nine digits is your routing number. Your account number appears next to it.
You can also log into your online banking portal or mobile app, where the routing number is usually listed under account details or settings. If you don't have checks or online access, call your bank's customer service line and they can tell you your routing number in under a minute. You don't need to know your account number to ask — just tell them you need the routing number for your branch.
What happens if you use the wrong routing number
If you accidentally use a different bank's routing number when setting up a transfer or direct deposit, the money will go to that other bank instead of yours. This happens most often when someone copies a routing number from a friend's check or finds an old routing number online that their bank no longer uses.
If this happens, contact your bank right away. They can usually trace where the money went and work with the other institution to retrieve it. The process can take a few business days, but the money is recoverable. To avoid this, always double-check your routing number against your own checks or your bank's official website before you submit it.
Routing numbers for online banks and credit unions
Online banks and credit unions work the same way as traditional banks — they have one routing number that applies to all account types you hold with them. If you bank with an online institution like Ally or Charles Schwab, you'll find the routing number in your account settings or by calling their support line.
Credit unions also use routing numbers, and the number is specific to each credit union. If you're a member of a large credit union network, make sure you're using the routing number for your specific credit union branch, not another branch's number. Your credit union's website or member services can confirm the correct number.
When you might see different routing numbers
Large banks that operate across multiple states sometimes use different routing numbers for different regions. This is rare, but it can happen. If you moved and opened a new account at the same bank in a different state, you might have a different routing number for the new account.
The most common reason to see different routing numbers is if you have accounts at two separate banks. Bank A has its own routing number, and Bank B has a completely different one. Even if you have both checking and savings at Bank A and both checking and savings at Bank B, you'll use Bank A's routing number for Bank A accounts and Bank B's routing number for Bank B accounts.
How routing numbers work with transfers between your own accounts
If you're moving money between your checking and savings accounts at the same bank, you usually don't need to use the routing number at all. Most banks let you transfer between your own accounts through online banking or the mobile app with just a few clicks — the system already knows both accounts belong to you.
However, if you're setting up an external transfer to move money to an account at a different bank, you'll need that other bank's routing number plus the account number. The routing number tells your bank where to send the money, and the account number tells the receiving bank which account to deposit it into.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same routing number for both my checking and savings account?
Yes. Both accounts at the same bank use the same routing number. The account number is what distinguishes them. You can use the same routing number for any transaction involving either account.
What if my bank merged with another bank — do I get a new routing number?
Usually not when ready. Your bank will notify you if your routing number changes, and they typically give customers time to update it. Check your bank's website or call them if you're unsure whether a merger affected your routing number.
Do I need a different routing number for wire transfers versus ACH transfers?
No. The same routing number works for both wire transfers and ACH transfers (like direct deposit or bill pay). The routing number is the same regardless of the transfer method.
If I have accounts at two different branches of the same bank, are the routing numbers the same?
Yes, in almost all cases. Branches of the same bank share the same routing number. The routing number identifies the bank itself, not the individual branch location.
What should I do if I accidentally sent money to the wrong routing number?
Contact your bank when ready and explain what happened. They can trace the transfer and work with the receiving bank to retrieve the funds. This process usually takes a few business days, but the money can be recovered.