The fastest way to find your routing number
Your bank's routing number is printed on the bottom left of every check you have. If you have a checkbook, open it and look at the first check. The routing number is the first set of nine digits at the bottom of the check, before your account number.
If you do not have checks or cannot find them, log into your online banking account. Most banks display your routing number in the account details or settings section — usually under "Account Information" or "Bank Details". The exact location varies by bank, but it is typically one or two clicks away from your main account view.
You can also call your bank's customer service number (on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement) and ask for your routing number. A representative will give it to you over the phone in under a minute.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of any check you have, as the first nine digits.
- Online banking accounts almost always show your routing number in the account details or settings section.
- Calling your bank's customer service line is the fastest option if you cannot find it online or on a check.
- Your routing number is specific to your bank's location, not to you personally — all customers at the same branch have the same routing number.
- The routing number is public information and safe to share when you need to receive money or set up direct deposit.
Where to look in your online banking account
Log into your bank's website or mobile app using your username and password. Once you are logged in, look for a section labeled "Account Details," "Account Information," "My Accounts," or "Settings." Some banks put it under "Profile" or "Preferences."
When you find that section, you should see a list of your accounts. Click on the account you need the routing number for (usually your checking account). The routing number will be displayed alongside your account number, often labeled as "Routing Number," "ABA Number," or "Bank Routing Number." Write it down or take a screenshot.
If you cannot find it after checking these common locations, your bank's website usually has a search function or a help section. You can also search "[Your Bank Name] routing number" in a search engine — your bank's official website will appear at the top of the results with the routing number listed.
Understanding what your routing number is used for
Your routing number tells the banking system which bank to send money to. When you set up direct deposit for a paycheck, receive a wire transfer, or arrange automatic bill payments, the other party needs your routing number so the money goes to the right bank.
The routing number is tied to your bank's location, not to you as an individual. This means every customer at your bank's main branch has the same routing number. Because it is not secret information — it is printed on every check — it is safe to share when you need to receive money.
You do not need your routing number to send money out of your account or to make purchases. You only need it when someone else is sending money to you or when you are setting up a transfer into your account.
What to do if your bank has multiple routing numbers
Some large banks have more than one routing number. This happens when a bank operates multiple processing centers or has acquired other banks and kept their routing numbers active. If your bank falls into this category, you need the routing number for your specific branch or account type, not just any routing number the bank uses.
The routing number shown in your online account or on your checks is always the correct one for your account. Use that number. If you are unsure whether your bank has multiple routing numbers, ask the customer service representative when you call — they will confirm which one belongs to your account.
Routing number vs. account number: what is the difference
Your routing number identifies your bank. Your account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Think of it like an address: the routing number is the city and bank name, and the account number is your house number on that street.
Both numbers appear at the bottom of your checks in this order: routing number first (nine digits), then account number (usually ten to twelve digits). When you set up direct deposit or receive a wire transfer, you will need to provide both numbers so the money reaches the right account at the right bank.
If you recently switched banks
When you open an account at a new bank, you get a new routing number even if you kept the same bank name. This is because routing numbers are tied to specific bank locations and processing centers, not to the bank's brand overall.
If you had automatic payments or direct deposits set up at your old bank, you will need to update them with your new routing number and account number. Contact each company or organization that sends you money (your employer, government benefits, insurance company) and provide your new banking information. Do the same for any automatic payments you set up (utilities, loan payments, subscriptions).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my bank's swift code?
No. Your routing number is used for transfers within the United States. A SWIFT code is used for international wire transfers. If you need to receive money from outside the US, ask your bank for your SWIFT code — it is different from your routing number.
Can I use any routing number my bank has, or does it have to be the specific one for my branch?
Use the routing number shown in your online account or on your checks. That is the correct one for your account. If your bank has multiple routing numbers, using the wrong one may cause delays or failed transfers. When in doubt, call your bank and confirm.
What if I give someone the wrong routing number?
The money will likely be rejected and returned to the sender, or it may go to the wrong bank. Either way, the transfer will not reach your account. If this happens, contact the person or organization that sent the money and provide the correct routing number so they can try again.
Do I need to memorize my routing number?
No. Write it down, take a screenshot, or save it in a note on your phone. You will need it when setting up direct deposit or receiving transfers, but you do not need to memorize it. Keep it somewhere you can find it quickly.
Is it safe to share my routing number?
Yes. Your routing number is public information — it is printed on every check. You cannot withdraw money or access your account with just a routing number. You would also need your account number and other verification. Share it freely when you need to receive money.