The fastest way: check a check or your bank's website

Your routing number and account number are printed on the bottom left of any check you have from that account. The routing number is the first nine digits, the account number follows. If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or app — both numbers appear in the account details or settings section, usually labeled "Account Information" or "Routing & Account Details".

If your bank's website does not show them in an obvious place, look for a section called "Wire Transfer Information" or "Direct Deposit Setup". Banks often hide these numbers there because they are needed for those specific transactions.

Key Takeaways

  • Your routing number and account number are printed on the bottom left of any check, in order: routing number first (nine digits), then account number.
  • Both numbers appear in your bank's website or app under account details, settings, or wire transfer information.
  • Calling your bank's customer service line gets you both numbers in under five minutes if you cannot find them online.
  • The routing number is the same for all accounts at your bank; the account number is unique to each individual account you hold.
  • Never share your routing number and account number together with someone you do not trust, as this combination can be used to withdraw money from your account.

Call your bank if you cannot locate them online

Have your account number or the phone number associated with your account ready. Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Tell them you need your routing number and account number. They will verify your identity and read both numbers to you over the phone.

This takes about five minutes. Write down both numbers as they read them to you, because they will not repeat them a second time. Ask them to spell out the routing number if you are unsure you heard it correctly.

What the numbers mean and why they matter

The routing number identifies your bank or credit union. It is the same for every account you hold at that institution. If you have two checking accounts at the same bank, they share the same routing number but have different account numbers.

The account number is unique to that specific account. It identifies which of your accounts money should go into or come out of. Together, the routing number and account number tell the financial system exactly where to send or pull money.

You need both numbers for direct deposit, wire transfers, ACH payments (automatic transfers between banks), and setting up bill pay. Some services ask for only one; most ask for both.

Where to find them if you bank online only

Banks without physical branches still print routing and account numbers in the same places. Log into your online banking portal and look for "Account Details", "Account Summary", or "Manage Accounts". Both numbers should appear there.

If your bank's website does not display them prominently, check under settings or preferences. Some online banks require you to navigate to a "read Statements" or "Account Information" section. If you still cannot find them, call the customer service number listed on your bank's website — online-only banks typically have phone support available during business hours.

Verify the numbers before you use them

If you are setting up direct deposit or a wire transfer, double-check both numbers before submitting. A single digit wrong in either number can send money to the wrong account or cause the transaction to fail.

The safest way to verify is to enter the numbers, then call your bank and read them back to a representative. They can confirm whether the routing number matches your bank and whether the account number is correct. This takes two minutes and prevents costly mistakes.

Protect these numbers from fraud

Your routing number alone is not sensitive — it is public information that identifies your bank. Your account number alone is also not enough to drain your account; someone would need both numbers together.

However, do not share your routing number and account number together with anyone you do not trust. This combination is all someone needs to set up unauthorized ACH withdrawals or wire transfers from your account. If you must provide them to a business or service, verify first that the request is legitimate by calling the organization directly using a phone number from their official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone steal money with just my routing number?

No. A routing number alone identifies your bank but not your specific account. Someone would need both your routing number and account number together to withdraw money. Even then, most banks have fraud protections that catch unauthorized ACH transfers.

Are the routing and account numbers the same on my debit card?

No. Your debit card has a card number printed on the front, which is different from both your routing and account numbers. The routing and account numbers appear only on checks and in your online banking portal.

What if I have multiple accounts at the same bank?

All your accounts at the same bank share the same routing number. Each account has its own unique account number. When you set up direct deposit or a transfer, you specify which account by using that account's specific account number.

Do I need my routing number for a wire transfer?

Yes. Wire transfers require both your routing number and account number. Some banks also ask for your full name and address to match the account holder. Have all this information ready before you initiate a wire.

What if my bank merged with another bank?

Your routing number may change after a merger. Check your most recent statement or log into your online banking to confirm your current routing number. If you have standing orders or automatic payments set up with the old routing number, contact your bank to update them.