Yes, your savings account has a routing number
Every savings account at a bank or credit union has a routing number. It is the same routing number as your checking account if you have one at the same institution. The routing number identifies which bank or credit union holds your account, not which specific account you have.
You use the routing number whenever you need to move money into or out of your savings account electronically — whether that is a wire transfer, an automatic deposit from your employer, or a payment you are setting up online. Without it, the sending bank would not know which institution to send the money to.
The routing number is not secret. Banks publish it openly because it is not enough by itself to access your account. Someone would also need your account number, and even then, most transactions require additional verification.
Key Takeaways
- Your savings account routing number is the same as your checking account routing number at the same bank or credit union.
- The routing number tells the sending bank which institution to send money to, but does not identify your specific account.
- You can find your routing number on the bottom left of your checks, on your bank's website, or by calling customer service.
- The routing number is safe to share because it cannot be used to withdraw money without your account number and additional verification.
Where to find your savings account routing number
If you have checks, the routing number is printed on the bottom left of every check, before your account number. It is a nine-digit code.
If you do not have checks or prefer not to look them up, log into your online banking account. Most banks display the routing number in the account details section, sometimes labeled "Bank Information" or "Account Details." You can also call your bank's customer service line — the number is usually on the back of your debit card — and ask them to read it to you.
Your bank's website often has a routing number lookup tool where you can enter your city or state and find the routing number for your branch. This is useful if you have moved or are setting up a transfer from a different location.
Why savings and checking accounts share the same routing number
The routing number identifies the bank or credit union itself, not the type of account. Think of it like the address of a building. All the apartments in the building share the same street address, but each apartment has its own unit number.
Your account number is what distinguishes your savings account from your checking account or any other account you have at that institution. When you provide both the routing number and account number together, the bank knows exactly which account to send money to.
This is why you always need both pieces of information for electronic transfers. The routing number gets the money to the right bank; the account number gets it to the right account within that bank.
What you should and should not share
It is safe to share your routing number. Banks expect you to give it out — you provide it to employers for direct deposit, to other banks for wire transfers, and to creditors setting up automatic payments. The routing number is printed on your checks, which you hand to people regularly.
Never share your full account number with anyone unless you have initiated the transaction yourself and you trust the recipient. Do not share your PIN, your online banking password, or the three-digit security code on the back of your debit card. These are what actually protect your account.
If someone calls you asking for your account number or routing number, hang up and call your bank directly using the number on your debit card or statement. Scammers sometimes pose as bank employees to trick people into revealing account details.
Routing numbers for wire transfers and direct deposits
When you set up a wire transfer — moving money to another bank — you will need both the routing number and the account number of the account you are sending money to. The routing number tells your bank where to send it; the account number tells the receiving bank which account to deposit it into.
For direct deposit from your employer, you provide your routing number and account number so the payroll system knows which bank and which account to deposit your paycheck into. The same applies if you are setting up automatic bill payments from your savings account.
Some institutions use a different routing number for wire transfers than for ACH transfers (the slower electronic transfers used for direct deposit and bill pay). Your bank can tell you which routing number to use for which type of transfer. When in doubt, ask before you submit the transfer.
What happens if you use the wrong routing number
If you provide an incorrect routing number, the money usually goes to the wrong bank. That bank will eventually figure out the mistake and send the money back to your bank, which then returns it to you. This process can take several business days to a week.
If you use the wrong account number but the correct routing number, the money goes to your bank but to someone else's account. Your bank should catch this and return the funds, but it is worth double-checking before you submit any transfer.
Always verify the routing and account numbers before you hit send on a transfer, especially for large amounts. It is much faster to catch the error before the transaction goes through than to wait for it to bounce back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone withdraw money from my savings account if they have my routing number?
No. The routing number alone cannot be used to withdraw money. Someone would need your account number as well, and even then, most banks require additional verification — a PIN, a password, or a signature — before allowing a withdrawal. The routing number is safe to share.
Do I need a different routing number for my savings account and checking account?
No. Both accounts at the same bank use the same routing number. The account number is what tells the bank which account you are referring to. If you have accounts at two different banks, each bank has its own routing number.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
Your routing number may change after a merger. Your bank will notify you and update your account information. If you have automatic payments or direct deposits set up, contact those organizations to provide the new routing number. Your bank can also tell you whether your routing number has changed.
Is the routing number the same for all branches of my bank?
Usually yes, but not always. Most large banks use one routing number for the entire institution regardless of branch. Some smaller banks or credit unions have different routing numbers for different branches. Check with your bank if you are unsure.
Where do I find the routing number if I bank online only?
Log into your online account and look for "Account Details," "Bank Information," or a similar section. You can also call the customer service number listed on your bank's website or on any statements they have sent you. Online banks are required to make this information available to customers.