Where to find your routing number
Your routing number is printed on the bottom left of every check you have. It is a nine-digit code that tells the banking system which bank holds your account. Look at the very first set of numbers on the bottom of a check — that is your routing number.
If you do not have checks in front of you, you can find your routing number in three other places: your bank's website (usually under account information or settings), your bank's mobile app, or by calling your bank's customer service line. The number is the same for all accounts at your bank, so you only need to find it once.
Your bank may also print your routing number on statements, deposit slips, or other documents they send you. If you are unsure whether a number is your routing number or your account number, remember that the routing number is always nine digits and comes first on a check.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number is the nine-digit code printed on the bottom left of your checks, before your account number.
- You can also find your routing number on your bank's website, in your mobile app, or by calling customer service.
- The routing number is the same for all accounts at your bank, even if you have multiple accounts.
- Your routing number tells other banks and employers which financial institution to send money to when you set up direct deposit or transfers.
How to read the numbers on the bottom of a check
The bottom of a check has three groups of numbers separated by vertical lines. The first group (on the left) is your routing number. The second group (in the middle) is your account number. The third group (on the right) is the check number.
The routing number always has exactly nine digits. If you see a shorter or longer number in that first position, it is not your routing number. The account number can vary in length depending on your bank — it may be 8 digits, 10 digits, or longer.
If your checks are old or worn, the numbers may be hard to read. In that case, your bank can print you a new set of checks, or you can use one of the other methods below to find the number without needing a physical check.
Finding your routing number on your bank's website
Log into your bank's website using your username and password. Look for a section called "Account Information," "Account Details," "Settings," or "My Accounts." Your routing number is usually listed there alongside your account number.
Some banks put this information under a tab labeled "Transfers" or "Direct Deposit," since those are the most common reasons people need their routing number. If you cannot find it in the obvious places, use your bank's search function or help section to search for "routing number."
If your bank's website does not show your routing number online, call their customer service number (usually on the back of your debit card or on your statement) and ask them to tell you your routing number over the phone. They will verify your identity first.
Finding your routing number in your bank's mobile app
Open your bank's mobile app and log in. Tap on the account you want information about. Look for a menu option that says "Account Details," "Account Information," or "More Options." Your routing number should be displayed there.
Some apps show your routing number on the main account screen without needing to tap into a menu. If you do not see it right away, try tapping on the account name or looking for a gear icon (settings) within the app.
The mobile app method is often the fastest if you already have the app installed and logged in. You can take a screenshot of the routing number so you have it saved on your phone for future reference.
What to do if you cannot find your routing number
Call your bank's customer service number. This number is usually printed on the back of your debit card, on your monthly statement, or on your bank's website. Tell them you need your routing number for your checking account.
The bank will ask you to verify your identity by providing your account number, date of birth, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. Once they confirm who you are, they will give you your routing number when ready.
You can also visit a branch in person and ask a teller for your routing number. Bring a photo ID so they can verify your identity. This is a quick question and does not require an appointment.
Why you need your routing number
Your routing number is required when you set up direct deposit for your paycheck, receive a wire transfer, or arrange automatic payments from your account. It tells the sending bank exactly which financial institution and branch should receive the money.
Employers ask for your routing number and account number together when you fill out direct deposit forms. Government agencies use your routing number when they send tax refunds or benefit payments. Other banks use it when you transfer money between accounts at different institutions.
Your routing number is not secret information — it is printed on every check you write. Sharing your routing number alone does not put your account at risk. However, do not share your routing number along with your account number and other personal information to someone you do not trust.
Routing number versus account number
Your routing number identifies your bank. Your account number identifies your specific account within that bank. You need both pieces of information together to complete most banking transactions.
The routing number is the same for everyone who banks at your institution. If you have a friend at the same bank, you both have the same routing number. Your account number, by contrast, is unique to you — no one else has your account number.
On a check, the routing number comes first (nine digits on the left), and the account number comes second (usually longer, in the middle). When you set up direct deposit or transfers, you will be asked to enter both numbers in the correct order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same for all my accounts at the same bank?
Yes. Your routing number depends only on which bank you use, not on which account you have. If you have a checking account and a savings account at the same bank, both accounts share the same routing number. Your account numbers will be different for each account.
Can I use someone else's routing number if we bank at the same place?
Yes, you can. Since the routing number identifies the bank (not the individual), any routing number from your bank will direct money to your bank. However, you must always use your own account number so the money goes into your account, not someone else's.
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 old checks with a different routing number, they may still work, but it is safer to use checks with your current routing number.
Do I need my routing number to use my debit card?
No. Your debit card works with just your card number, expiration date, and CVV code. You only need your routing number for direct deposit, wire transfers, automatic bill payments, and other transactions that move money between bank accounts.
Is it safe to give my routing number to my employer?
Yes. Your employer needs your routing number and account number to set up direct deposit. This is a standard, safe practice. Make sure you also give them your correct account number so the deposit goes to the right account.