Yes, savings accounts have routing numbers
Your savings account has a routing number, just like a checking account does. The routing number identifies which bank or credit union holds your account. You need it whenever someone sends money into your savings account — whether that is a direct deposit from your employer, a transfer from another bank, or a payment from someone else.
The routing number is the same for all accounts you hold at the same bank. If you have both a checking and a savings account at the same institution, they share one routing number. The account number is what distinguishes between them.
Key Takeaways
- Every savings account has a routing number that identifies your bank or credit union.
- The routing number stays the same whether you are using checking, savings, or money market accounts at the same bank.
- You need both the routing number and your account number for incoming transfers, but only the account number for outgoing payments.
- You can find your routing number on the bottom left of your checks, on your bank's website, or by calling customer service.
Where to find your savings account routing number
If you have checks linked to your savings account, the routing number appears in the bottom left corner, printed as a nine-digit code. Not all savings accounts come with checks — many banks offer them only for checking accounts.
Your bank's website is the most reliable source. Log into your online account, look for a section called "Account Details," "Account Information," or "Routing and Account Numbers," and the routing number will be listed there. If you cannot find it online, call your bank's customer service line. They can confirm the number in seconds.
When you actually need the routing number for savings
You need the routing number when money is coming into your savings account from outside your bank. This includes direct deposits from an employer, government payments, or transfers from another person's account at a different bank. The routing number tells the sending bank where to deliver the money.
You do not need the routing number when you are sending money out of your savings account. If you are transferring funds to another account or paying a bill, you only provide your account number and the receiving bank's details.
Routing numbers versus account numbers
These two numbers work together but do different jobs. The routing number identifies your bank — it is the same for every customer at that bank. The account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Think of the routing number as the bank's address and the account number as your mailbox number.
When someone sends you money, they need both numbers. The routing number gets the payment to the right bank, and the account number makes sure it lands in your account, not someone else's at the same bank.
Routing numbers for online banks and credit unions
Online banks and credit unions have routing numbers just like traditional banks do. If your savings account is at an online bank like Ally or Marcus, you can find the routing number on their website under account information or by contacting support. Credit unions also have routing numbers — yours will be listed in the same places as a traditional bank's would be.
The process for using the routing number is identical no matter what type of institution holds your account. The only difference is where you look to find it, since online banks do not issue checks and credit unions may have different website layouts.
What happens if you give the wrong routing number
If you provide an incorrect routing number, the money usually bounces back to the sender rather than reaching your account. The sending bank's system checks the routing number against a database of valid numbers. If the number does not match any bank, the transfer fails and the funds return to the source within a few business days.
If you accidentally give a valid routing number that belongs to a different bank, the money goes to that bank instead of yours. This is rare but more serious — you would need to contact both banks to trace and recover the funds. Always double-check the routing number before confirming a transfer, especially for large amounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my savings account routing number for a wire transfer?
Yes. Wire transfers use the same routing number as ACH transfers and direct deposits. You provide the routing number, your account number, and your bank's name. Wire transfers are faster than ACH transfers but usually cost a fee.
Do I need a routing number to transfer money between my own accounts at the same bank?
No. Transfers between your own accounts at the same bank happen when ready and only require your account numbers. You only need the routing number when money is moving between different banks.
Is the routing number the same if I move my savings account to a different branch?
Yes. The routing number is tied to your bank, not to a specific branch location. If you move your account or switch branches, the routing number stays the same.
What if my bank merged with another bank — does my routing number change?
Sometimes. When banks merge, the routing numbers may change or one may be phased out. Your bank will notify you if this happens and provide your new routing number. Check your account information online or call customer service to confirm the current number.