Your routing number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, or you can find it when ready by calling your bank or logging into your online account
Your routing number is a nine-digit code that tells the banking system which bank holds your account. You need it to set up direct deposit, pay bills electronically, or receive wire transfers. The fastest way to find it 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 do not have checks or prefer not to wait for mail, you can find it online in seconds through your bank's website or mobile app, or by calling your bank's customer service line.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears as the first nine digits on the bottom left of any check you have.
- You can find your routing number by logging into your bank's website or mobile app under account details or settings.
- Calling your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card will give you your routing number when ready.
- Different branches of the same bank may have different routing numbers, so use the one for the branch where your account is held.
- Your routing number is not secret — it is printed on every check and is safe to share for direct deposit or wire transfer purposes.
Check your paper checks first
If you have a checkbook, this is the quickest method. Pick up any check and look at the bottom left corner. You will see three groups of numbers separated by colons or vertical lines. The first group of nine digits is your routing number.
The format looks like this: routing number : account number : check number. Write down all nine digits of the routing number exactly as they appear. Do not include the colons or any other symbols.
If your checks are old or faded, the numbers may be hard to read. In that case, move to one of the other methods below rather than guessing.
Log into your bank's website or app
Most banks display your routing number in your online account dashboard. Open your bank's website or mobile app and sign in with your username and password. Look for a section labeled "Account Details," "Account Information," "Routing Number," or "Bank Information."
Some banks put this information under a "Settings" or "Profile" menu. If you cannot find it in the obvious places, use the search or help function within the app and search for "routing number." The app will usually take you directly to the page that shows it.
This method works at any time of day and takes about two minutes. You do not need to call anyone or wait for mail.
Call your bank's customer service line
The phone number for customer service is printed on the back of your debit card. Call that number and tell the representative you need your routing number. They will ask you to verify your identity — usually by providing your account number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, or answers to security questions you set up.
Once verified, they will give you your routing number over the phone. Write it down carefully and repeat it back to confirm you have it right. This method takes about five minutes and works during business hours.
If you do not have your debit card, you can search online for "[Your Bank Name] customer service phone number" and call the main line. They can still look up your routing number if you can verify your identity.
Use your bank's routing number lookup tool
Many banks have a public routing number lookup tool on their website. Go to your bank's main website and search for "routing number" or "find routing number." Some banks let you enter your account number or branch location and it will return your routing number.
This is useful if you know which branch your account is held at but do not have your checks or online login information. The tool is usually free and does not require you to sign in.
Understand that routing numbers vary by branch
A single bank may have multiple routing numbers depending on which branch holds your account or which region you opened it in. This is especially common with large national banks. If you opened your account at a specific branch location, that branch may have its own routing number.
When you find your routing number, make sure it matches the branch where your account is actually held. If you are unsure which branch that is, check your account statements or ask your bank. Using the wrong routing number can delay direct deposits or wire transfers.
What to do if you cannot find your routing number
If none of the above methods work, contact your bank directly. Call the number on your debit card, visit a branch in person, or use the chat or email support option on the bank's website. Explain that you need your routing number and cannot locate it through the usual methods.
The bank will look it up for you in their system. This usually takes less than five minutes. Have your account number or Social Security number ready so you can verify your identity quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my account number?
No. Your routing number identifies your bank; your account number identifies your specific account within that bank. On a check, the routing number is the first nine digits on the bottom left, and your account number comes after it. You need both for direct deposit and wire transfers.
Can I use someone else's routing number if we bank at the same place?
Only if you both have accounts at the exact same branch. Different branches of the same bank can have different routing numbers. If you use the wrong routing number, the transfer may go to the wrong account or be rejected. Always use the routing number for the specific branch where your account is held.
Is it safe to give out my routing number?
Yes. Your routing number is not secret and is printed on every check you write. It is safe to share for direct deposit, wire transfers, and bill payments. However, do not share your full account number or routing number together with someone you do not trust, as that combination can be used to access your account.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
After a merger, your routing number may change. Your bank will notify you of the change and may issue new checks with the updated routing number. Check your most recent account statement or contact your bank to confirm your current routing number if you think a merger has occurred.
Do I need my routing number for online bill pay?
Not always. If you are paying through your bank's bill pay service, the bank already knows your routing number. You only need it when you are setting up a payment through a third party (like a utility company or credit card issuer) and they ask for your bank information.