Most savings accounts have a routing number, but not all
Your savings account almost certainly has a routing number if it is held at a bank or credit union. The routing number identifies the financial institution itself — not your individual account. Every bank and credit union has one, and it stays the same whether you have a checking account, savings account, money market account, or all three.
The exception is if your savings is held somewhere that is not a traditional bank or credit union — certain online-only platforms, investment accounts, or non-bank financial services. Those may not have a routing number at all, or they may use a different system entirely. The only way to know is to ask your institution directly or check your account statements.
The routing number appears on the bottom left of a paper check, if your account comes with checks. If your savings account does not have check-writing privileges, you will need to find the number another way.
Key Takeaways
- Banks and credit unions always have routing numbers; your savings account inherits the routing number of the institution where it is held.
- The routing number identifies your bank or credit union, not your individual account — it is the same for all accounts you hold at that institution.
- If your savings account does not come with checks, you can find the routing number on your bank's website, in your online banking portal, or by calling the bank directly.
- Online banks, investment platforms, and non-bank financial services may not have a routing number, so confirm with your provider before you need it.
Where to find your routing number if you do not have checks
Log into your online banking portal or mobile app. Most banks display the routing number in the account details section, often labeled "Account Information" or "Bank Details." It is usually listed alongside your account number.
If it is not visible in your portal, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Have your account number ready. A representative can give you the routing number in under a minute.
You can also visit your bank's website directly and search for "routing number." Most banks publish this information publicly because it is not sensitive — the routing number alone cannot access your account. You need both the routing number and your account number together to move money.
What the routing number actually does
The routing number tells the payment system which bank to send money to. When you set up a direct deposit, a wire transfer, or an automatic bill payment, you provide both your routing number and your account number. The routing number directs the payment to your bank; your account number directs it to your specific account within that bank.
Think of it this way: the routing number is the address of the bank building. Your account number is your mailbox inside that building. You need both pieces of information for money to arrive in the right place.
Routing numbers for different account types at the same bank
You use the same routing number for your savings account, checking account, and any other account you hold at that bank. The routing number never changes based on account type. What changes is your account number — each account you open gets its own unique account number.
If you have multiple accounts at the same bank and you are setting up a transfer between them, you will use the same routing number for both the sending and receiving account. Only the account numbers will differ.
When you might not have a routing number
Online investment platforms like Fidelity, Vanguard, or Charles Schwab may not have a traditional routing number. Instead, they use their own transfer systems or require you to link a bank account first. If you want to move money from one of these platforms to your bank, you typically link your bank account (using that bank's routing number) rather than providing the platform's routing number.
Some fintech apps and payment services also do not have routing numbers. PayPal, Venmo, and similar services work through different networks. If you need to move money from these services to a traditional bank account, you link your bank account to the service, not the other way around.
If you are unsure whether your savings provider has a routing number, the fastest way to find out is to ask them directly. They will tell you whether a routing number exists or what alternative method you should use to move money.
Routing numbers and wire transfers
Wire transfers require both a routing number and an account number. Some banks also ask for a SWIFT code if the wire is going to an international account. The routing number ensures the wire reaches the correct U.S. bank; the account number ensures it lands in the correct account within that bank.
If you are sending a wire from your savings account, your bank will ask you for the receiving bank's routing number and the receiving account number. Double-check both before you confirm — wires are difficult to reverse once they leave your bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the routing number the same for all branches of my bank?
Yes. A bank's routing number is the same across all its branches. You use the same routing number whether you opened your account at a branch downtown or across the country. Some very large banks may have multiple routing numbers based on the state where the account was opened, so if you are unsure, confirm with your bank.
Can someone access my account with just my routing number?
No. The routing number alone cannot access your account. Someone would need both your routing number and your account number, plus authorization from you or your bank, to move money. The routing number is public information — it is safe to share.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
Your routing number may change after a merger. Your bank will notify you if this happens and will provide your new routing number. Update any automatic payments or recurring transfers with the new number. Your account number typically stays the same.
Do credit unions have routing numbers?
Yes. Credit unions have routing numbers just like banks do. You can find your credit union's routing number the same way you would find a bank's — on checks, in your online portal, on the credit union's website, or by calling customer service.
What is the difference between a routing number and a SWIFT code?
A routing number identifies a U.S. bank for domestic transfers. A SWIFT code identifies a bank internationally. If you are sending money to or receiving money from outside the United States, you may need a SWIFT code instead of or in addition to a routing number.