The fastest way to find your routing number
Your bank's routing number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, if you have them. If you don't have checks or can't find them, log into your online banking account — most banks display the routing number in the account details or settings section. You can also call your bank's customer service line (the number is on your debit card or bank statement) and ask directly; they will give it to you in under a minute.
If you need the number right now and can't access any of those, the Federal Reserve maintains a searchable database at frbservices.org where you can look up routing numbers by bank name and state. The American Bankers Association also runs a routing number lookup tool at aba.com.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of your checks, before your account number.
- Online banking accounts usually show the routing number in account settings or account details pages.
- Calling your bank's customer service number gets you the answer in under a minute.
- The Federal Reserve's routing number database and the American Bankers Association both offer free lookup tools if you don't have access to your bank account or checks.
- Routing numbers are nine digits and are specific to the bank and branch, not to you personally.
Finding it on your checks
If you have a checkbook, the routing number is the first nine-digit number printed at the bottom of the check, to the left of your account number. The account number comes next, followed by the check number on the far right. The routing number is always nine digits and never changes for that bank and branch.
Not all checks display the routing number in the same position — some banks print it in slightly different places — but it is always one of the three number sequences at the bottom. If you are unsure which one is the routing number, the account number is usually longer (10 to 12 digits), so the nine-digit number before it is the routing number.
Looking it up in your online banking account
Log into your bank's website or mobile app and navigate to the account details or account information section. This is often labeled "Account Summary," "My Accounts," "Account Settings," or "Account Details." The routing number is usually displayed alongside your account number.
Some banks hide this information one level deeper — you may need to click on a specific account, then look for a link that says "View Account Details," "Routing Information," or "Bank Information." If you cannot find it after checking the main account pages, use the search function in your app or website and search for "routing number."
Calling your bank directly
The customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your most recent bank statement will connect you to someone who can give you the routing number when ready. Have your account number ready, though most banks will ask for it only to confirm they are speaking with the account holder.
You do not need to explain why you need it — banks give out routing numbers routinely for direct deposits, wire transfers, and other legitimate purposes. The call usually takes less than two minutes.
Using the Federal Reserve's routing number database
Go to frbservices.org/routing-numbers and enter your bank's name and the state where your branch is located. The database will return the routing number for that bank and branch. This tool is maintained by the Federal Reserve and is free to use.
You will need to know which state your branch is in. If you have multiple accounts at branches in different states, each branch may have a different routing number, so make sure you are looking up the correct location.
Using the American Bankers Association lookup tool
The American Bankers Association runs a routing number search at aba.com/routing-number-lookup. Enter your bank's name and state, and the tool will display the routing number. This database is also free and covers banks across the United States.
Both the Federal Reserve and ABA databases are reliable and kept current, so either one will work. If one tool does not return a result, try the other — occasionally a smaller or regional bank may appear in one database but not the other.
What to do if you cannot find your routing number
If you have tried the above methods and still cannot locate it, call your bank directly. This is the most reliable option when other routes do not work. Have your account number and a form of identification ready, and the bank will provide the routing number without delay.
If you are looking for the routing number for a bank that has closed or merged, contact the bank that now holds your account — they can tell you whether your routing number has changed and what the current number is. If the bank no longer exists, the Federal Reserve database may still have the old routing number listed for reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my account number?
No. Your routing number identifies your bank and branch; your account number identifies your specific account at that bank. Both appear on your checks, but they are different nine-digit and 10–12-digit numbers respectively. You need both for direct deposits and wire transfers.
Can my routing number change?
It can if your bank merges with another bank or if you move your account to a different branch. If your bank merges, the new bank will notify you and provide an updated routing number. If you switch branches, ask the new branch for its routing number — it may be different from your old one.
Do I need a routing number to use my debit card?
No. You need a routing number only for direct deposits, wire transfers, ACH payments, and setting up automatic bill pay. Swiping or inserting your debit card at a store or ATM does not require a routing number.
What if my bank has multiple routing numbers?
Large banks often have different routing numbers for different regions or branches. Make sure you are using the routing number for the specific branch where your account is held. Your checks will show the correct routing number for your branch.
Is it safe to share my routing number?
Yes. Your routing number is not sensitive information — it is printed on every check you write and is publicly available in the Federal Reserve database. You need to share it for direct deposits and wire transfers. Never share your full account number or PIN, but the routing number alone cannot be used to access your account.