Where to find your routing number right now

Your bank's routing number is printed on the bottom left of every check you have from that bank. It is a nine-digit code that looks like this: 021000021. If you have a checkbook, open it and look at the first check — the routing number is the first set of digits on the bottom of the page, before your account number.

If you do not have checks or cannot find them, your bank's website has this number listed publicly. Log into your online banking portal, go to the section labeled "Account Information" or "Routing and Account Numbers," and you will see it there. You can also call your bank's customer service line — the number is on the back of your debit card — and ask for your routing number. They will give it to you in seconds.

Some banks also print the routing number on the back of your debit card, though not all do. If you bank with a major national bank like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, or Citibank, you can also search for "[your bank name] routing number" online and find it on the bank's official website within seconds.

Key Takeaways

  • Your routing number appears on the bottom left of any check from your account, before your account number.
  • Log into your bank's website and look under Account Information or Routing and Account Numbers to find it without a check.
  • Call your bank's customer service line — listed on your debit card — and they will tell you the routing number when ready.
  • The routing number is specific to your bank and branch, not to you personally, so the same number works for all customers at that location.

Why banks use routing numbers

The routing number tells the financial system which bank to send money to. When you set up a direct deposit, make an electronic transfer, or pay a bill online, the routing number directs that money to the correct bank and branch. Without it, the system would not know where your account lives.

The routing number is not secret or sensitive information — it is printed on every check you write and is public on your bank's website. You can safely share it with employers, bill payment services, and other organizations that need to send money to your account. The routing number alone cannot be used to withdraw money or access your account; someone would also need your account number and other identifying information.

The difference between routing number and account number

Your routing number identifies your bank. Your account number identifies your specific account at that bank. Together, they tell the financial system exactly where to send or pull money from.

On a check, the routing number comes first (nine digits on the far left of the bottom), and your account number comes second (usually 10 to 12 digits in the middle). If you are setting up direct deposit or a wire transfer, you will need both numbers. The routing number alone is not enough — the system needs to know which account at that bank to use.

Finding the routing number for a specific branch

If your bank has multiple branches, the routing number may vary by location. Most banks use the same routing number across all branches in a state or region, but some larger banks assign different routing numbers to different branches.

To find the routing number for a specific branch, call that branch directly or visit the bank's website and search for "routing number by branch" or "branch locator." Enter your branch location and the website will show you the correct routing number. If you are unsure whether your branch has its own routing number, ask a teller or call customer service — they can confirm in one call.

What to do if you cannot find your routing number

If you have lost your checks, do not have online banking set up, and cannot reach your bank by phone, you can search the Federal Reserve's routing number database online. Go to the Federal Reserve's website, use their routing number search tool, enter your bank name and state, and the database will return the routing number for that bank.

You can also visit your bank in person with a photo ID and ask a teller for the routing number. They will write it down for you on the spot. This is the slowest option but works if all other routes are closed.

Using your routing number safely

Share your routing number freely with employers, payroll services, bill payment companies, and anyone else who needs to deposit money into your account. The routing number is public information and cannot be used to withdraw money or commit fraud on its own.

However, do not share your full account number with people you do not trust, and never share your PIN, password, or online banking credentials. If someone asks for your routing number and account number together and you do not recognize them, verify who they are before providing the information. Legitimate organizations like your employer or your bank will never ask for your password or PIN.

Routing numbers for online banks and credit unions

Online banks and credit unions use routing numbers just like traditional banks. If you bank with an online-only institution like Ally, Charles Schwab, or Discover, log into your account online and look for the routing number in the Account Information section. If you are a credit union member, call your credit union or check their website — the routing number is listed the same way as at a traditional bank.

Credit unions often have routing numbers that differ from bank routing numbers, even if they are in the same city. Always use the routing number your credit union provides, not a bank's routing number, or the transfer will fail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the routing number the same for all accounts at my bank?

Yes, the routing number is the same for all customers at your bank and branch. It identifies the bank, not your individual account. Your account number is what makes your account unique.

Can someone steal money using just my routing number?

No. A routing number alone cannot be used to withdraw money or access your account. A person would need your account number, your name, and often additional verification to move money. The routing number is safe to share.

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 send you new checks with the updated routing number. If you are unsure whether your routing number has changed, call your bank or check their website.

Do I need a different routing number for wire transfers?

Usually no — the same routing number works for direct deposits, electronic transfers, and wire transfers. However, some banks use a different routing number specifically for wire transfers. Before sending a wire, ask your bank whether you should use your standard routing number or a wire transfer routing number.

Where do I find my routing number if I bank internationally?

International banks use different codes. If you have a U.S. bank account, use the routing number as described above. If you are sending money to an account outside the United States, you will need the recipient's SWIFT code or IBAN instead of a routing number. Ask your bank which code to use for the country you are sending to.