Your bank can tell you your routing number in less than a minute
The fastest way is to call your bank's customer service line — the number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Tell them you need your routing number, and they will give it to you over the phone. You do not need to be calling about a problem; this is a routine request and takes under a minute.
If you prefer not to call, your routing number appears on the bottom left of every check you have from that bank. It is a nine-digit code printed before your account number. If you do not have checks, you can find it on your bank's website, usually in the settings or account information section, or by logging into your online banking portal.
Your routing number is specific to the bank branch or the bank itself, depending on the bank's structure. Some large banks use the same routing number for all branches nationwide; others assign different routing numbers to different regions. The number does not change unless you switch banks.
Key Takeaways
- Call your bank's customer service line — the number is on your debit card or the bank's website — and ask for your routing number.
- Check the bottom left corner of any check from your account; the nine-digit code before your account number is your routing number.
- Log into your online banking portal or visit your bank's website and look in account information or settings for the routing number.
- Your routing number stays the same as long as you keep the account at that bank, even if you move to a different branch.
Finding it on a check
The routing number is always printed on the bottom left of a check, in the first position of the three groups of numbers at the bottom. The format is always nine digits with no letters or dashes. It comes before your account number, which is the longer string of digits in the middle.
If you have not ordered checks yet or do not have any on hand, you do not need to order them just to get the routing number. Your bank can provide it by phone or online in seconds.
Looking it up online
Log into your online banking account on your bank's website or mobile app. Most banks display the routing number in the account details or account information section. This is often under a tab labeled "Account Details," "Account Information," or "Settings."
If you cannot find it in your account portal, visit your bank's main website and look for a section on wire transfers, direct deposit, or ACH transfers. Banks usually list routing numbers there because those are the transactions that require it. Some banks also have a dedicated page where you can search for routing numbers by branch location.
Calling your bank directly
The customer service number is on the back of your debit card, on your bank statements, or on the bank's website. When you call, you can straightforward say: "I need my routing number for a wire transfer" or "I need my routing number for direct deposit." You do not need to explain why you need it.
Have your account number ready, though most banks will ask for it only to confirm they are giving you the right number. If you are calling about an account that is not in your name, the account holder will need to be on the call or you will need written authorization.
Understanding what routing numbers are used for
Banks use routing numbers to identify where money should go when you send it electronically. When you set up direct deposit for a paycheck, provide banking details for a bill payment, or send a wire transfer, you give the routing number so the sending bank knows which institution to send the money to. The routing number plus your account number together tell the system exactly where the funds belong.
Different types of transfers may require different routing numbers from the same bank. Some banks have one routing number for ACH transfers (like direct deposit or bill payments) and a different one for wire transfers. When you request your routing number, confirm which type of transfer you are making so the bank gives you the correct one.
What to do if you cannot find it
If your bank's website does not list the routing number and you cannot reach customer service by phone, try searching "[Your Bank Name] routing number" online. The bank's official website should appear in the results. You can also visit your bank in person at any branch and ask a teller for the routing number.
If you are switching banks and need the routing number for your old bank, you can still call that bank's customer service even if you no longer have an active account there. Banks keep routing number information public because it is necessary for people to receive payments.
Routing numbers for different types of accounts
Your routing number is the same whether you have a checking account, savings account, or money market account at that bank. The routing number identifies the bank; your account number identifies which specific account within that bank. If you have multiple accounts at the same bank, they all share the same routing number but have different account numbers.
If you have accounts at different banks, each bank has its own routing number. Make sure you are using the correct routing number for the bank where the receiving account is located, not the bank you are sending from.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my bank's code or SWIFT code?
No. Your routing number is a nine-digit code used for domestic transfers within the United States. A SWIFT code is used for international wire transfers and is different. If you are sending money outside the US, ask your bank for the SWIFT code, not the routing number.
Can I use the same routing number for wire transfers and direct deposit?
Most of the time, yes — but some banks have different routing numbers for different transfer types. When you get your routing number, tell the bank what you are using it for so they can confirm it is the right one for that specific transaction.
What if my bank has multiple branches — do they all have the same routing number?
Large national banks usually have one routing number for the entire bank, regardless of branch. Regional or smaller banks may assign different routing numbers to different branches or regions. Your bank can confirm which routing number applies to your specific branch.
Do I need to memorize my routing number?
No. You only need it when you are setting up a new transfer or providing banking details to someone else. You can look it up each time you need it, or save it in a find note if you use it frequently.
Will my routing number change if I move to a different branch?
Usually not. If you stay with the same bank, your routing number stays the same even if you move or switch to a different branch. The routing number identifies the bank, not the branch location. Your bank can confirm if a branch change affects your routing number.