The fastest way: check your checks or bank's website
Your routing number is printed on the bottom left of every check you have. It is a nine-digit code that comes before your account number. If you have checks, look at the first set of numbers on the bottom of any check — that is your routing number.
If you do not have checks or prefer not to dig through a checkbook, log into your bank's website or mobile app. Most banks display your routing number in the account details or settings section, often labeled "Account Information" or "Routing Number." Some banks put it right on the dashboard when you log in.
You can also call your bank's customer service number — the one on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement — and ask for your routing number. A representative can tell you in under a minute.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of any check you own, before your account number.
- Most banks show your routing number in the online account details or settings section when you log in.
- Calling your bank's customer service line is the quickest way if you do not have checks or online access.
- Your routing number is specific to your bank and branch, not to you personally, so it does not change when you move accounts.
- You will need your routing number to set up direct deposit, receive wire transfers, or authorize automatic payments.
Finding it through your bank's website or app
Log into your online banking account using the username and password you use to check your balance. Once you are logged in, look for a section called "Account Details," "Account Information," "Routing Number," or sometimes "Wire Instructions." The routing number is usually a nine-digit code displayed clearly in this section.
If you cannot find it on the main dashboard, check the settings or profile area. Some banks hide it one level deeper. You may also find it on a statement you read — many banks print the routing number at the top or bottom of PDF statements.
If your bank's website does not show it, try the mobile app. Some banks display routing information in the app but not on the website, or vice versa.
Calling your bank to ask
The phone number for customer service is on the back of your debit card, on your bank statement, or on your bank's website. When you call, 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 when you opened the account.
Have a pen ready to write down the number. Customer service representatives can usually give you the routing number within seconds of verifying who you are.
What to know about routing numbers
Your routing number belongs to your bank and branch, not to you. This means if you move to a different branch of the same bank, your routing number may stay the same — but if you switch to a completely different bank, you will have a new routing number. If you open a second account at the same bank, both accounts share the same routing number.
Routing numbers are public information. You can safely share your routing number with anyone who needs to send you money or set up a payment to you. Your routing number alone cannot be used to withdraw money from your account — someone would also need your account number and other verification to do that.
Different banks sometimes have multiple routing numbers for different regions or types of accounts. If you are setting up direct deposit or a wire transfer and the routing number you found does not work, call your bank to confirm you have the right one for that specific transaction type.
If you cannot find your routing number
If you have tried checking your checks, your online account, and your statements and still cannot locate it, call your bank. This is the most reliable method when other options do not work. You do not need to know your routing number to call — you just need to be able to verify your identity as the account holder.
Some banks also display routing information on receipts from ATM withdrawals or in-branch transactions. If you have visited a branch recently, check any receipts you kept.
Why you need your routing number
Your routing number is required when you set up direct deposit for paychecks or government payments, when someone sends you a wire transfer, or when you authorize automatic bill payments from your checking account. It tells the banking system which bank and branch to send the money to.
You will also need it if you are moving money between your own accounts at different banks, or if you are setting up a payment through a third-party service like a bill-pay website or payroll system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my account number?
No. Your routing number identifies your bank and branch — it is the same for everyone who banks at that location. Your account number is unique to you and identifies your specific account. Both appear on your checks, with the routing number on the left and the account number in the middle.
Can someone use my routing number to steal money from my account?
Your routing number alone is not enough to withdraw money. Someone would also need your account number and additional verification. Routing numbers are public information and safe to share with anyone who needs to send you money.
What if my bank has multiple routing numbers?
Some larger banks have different routing numbers for different regions or transaction types. If a routing number you found does not work, contact your bank to confirm you have the correct one for your specific branch and the type of transaction you are doing.
Do I need my routing number to use my debit card?
No. You only need your routing number for transfers between banks, direct deposit, wire transfers, and automatic bill payments. Everyday debit card purchases do not require it.
Will my routing number change if I move to a different state?
Not necessarily. Your routing number is tied to your specific bank branch, not your location. If you move but keep your account at the same branch, your routing number stays the same. If you switch to a different bank, you will have a new routing number.