Your routing number is on the bottom left of your checks, in your bank's online portal, or one phone call away

The fastest way to find your routing number depends on what you have access to right now. If you have a checkbook, look at the bottom left corner of any check — the first nine digits are your routing number. If you don't have checks or prefer not to use them, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details or settings; most banks display it there. If neither of those works, call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card and ask for your routing number — they will give it to you in under a minute.

Your routing number is specific to the bank branch where your account is held, not to you personally. This means all customers at the same branch share the same routing number. It stays the same as long as your account remains at that branch, even if you move to a different state.

Key Takeaways

  • The bottom left corner of any check shows your routing number as the first nine digits before your account number.
  • Your bank's website or app usually displays your routing number under account details, settings, or account information.
  • Calling your bank's customer service line (the number on your debit card) will give you your routing number when ready.
  • Your routing number belongs to your bank branch, not to you, so it does not change if you move or open new accounts at the same branch.
  • The Federal Reserve maintains a public routing number lookup tool if you know your bank's name but not the number.

Finding your routing number online

Most banks display your routing number in the account information section of their website or mobile app. Log in and look for tabs labeled "Account Details," "Account Information," "Settings," or "My Accounts." The routing number is usually listed alongside your account number. Some banks hide it one level deeper — you may need to click on a specific account first, then select "View Details" or "Account Summary."

If your bank's app or website does not show the routing number in the obvious places, try searching within the app or website for the word "routing." Most banks have a search function that will take you directly to the right page. If the search does not work, look for a "Help" or "FAQ" section and search there for "routing number" — the bank usually provides a direct link to where it is displayed.

Checking your checks

The bottom of a check contains three sets of numbers separated by vertical lines. The first set, on the far left, is your routing number — always nine digits. The middle set is your account number. The third set on the right is the check number. You only need the first nine digits.

If you have old checks from years ago, the routing number may have changed if your bank merged with another bank or if you moved your account to a different branch. Call your bank to confirm the current routing number rather than using one from a very old check.

Calling your bank directly

The customer service number is printed on the back of your debit card. Call that number, tell the representative you need your routing number, and they will provide it. You do not need to explain why you need it — banks give out routing numbers freely because they are not secret information. The call usually takes less than two minutes.

If you do not have your debit card, search online for "[Your Bank Name] customer service phone number." The bank's official website will have the number. Have your account number or the phone number associated with your account ready when you call, so the representative can pull up your account quickly.

Using the Federal Reserve's routing number lookup

The Federal Reserve maintains a public database called FedACH that lets you search for a routing number if you know your bank's name. Go to frbservices.org, select "Fedwire" or "FedACH," and search for your bank. The results will show the routing number for each branch or location.

This method works well if you have switched banks and forgotten which one you used, or if you are trying to find the routing number for a bank you do not currently have an account with. It is slower than checking your checks or calling, but it requires no account access and no phone call.

What to do if you cannot find it

If you have tried your checks, your online account, and calling the bank and still do not have the number, the problem is usually that you are looking at the wrong account or the wrong bank. Confirm which bank actually holds your account — sometimes people have accounts at multiple banks and mix them up. Then try one of the methods above again with the correct bank.

If you genuinely cannot locate it after confirming the right bank, call customer service again and ask them to confirm the routing number in writing. Some banks will email it to you or provide it in a letter. This is rare, but it removes any doubt about whether you have the correct number.

Routing number versus SWIFT code and other identifiers

Your routing number is used only for domestic transfers within the United States. If you are sending money to or receiving money from outside the US, you will need a SWIFT code (also called a BIC code) instead. SWIFT codes are eight or eleven characters long and are specific to international transfers. Your bank can provide this if you ask for it.

For wire transfers within the US, you need the routing number. For ACH transfers (direct deposit, bill pay, transfers between banks), you also need the routing number. For international transfers, you need the SWIFT code. Do not mix them up — using the wrong code will cause the transfer to fail or be delayed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my routing number the same as my account number?

No. Your routing number identifies your bank or branch — all customers at that location share the same routing number. Your account number identifies your specific account at that bank. Both appear on the bottom of your checks, but in different positions: routing number first (nine digits), then account number (usually ten to twelve digits).

Does my routing number change if I move to a different state?

Only if you move your account to a different bank or branch. If you keep the same account at the same bank, your routing number stays the same even if you move across the country. If you close your account and open a new one at a different bank, you will have a new routing number.

Can I use someone else's routing number to send them money?

Yes, if you are sending money via ACH or wire transfer. You need their routing number and account number. The routing number is not sensitive information — it is printed on every check and is publicly available. You cannot access or withdraw from someone's account using only the routing number and account number; you also need authorization from the account holder.

What if my bank merged with another bank?

Your routing number may have changed. Check your most recent statement or log into your account online to see the current routing number. If you have old checks from before the merger, do not use the routing number from those checks — call your bank or check your account to confirm the current one.

Is it safe to share my routing number?

Yes. Your routing number is not sensitive information and is safe to share. It is printed on every check you write and is publicly available through the Federal Reserve database. Someone cannot withdraw money from your account using only the routing number — they would also need your account number and authorization from you or the bank.