Your routing number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, or you can call your bank's customer service line and ask for it directly.
The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies which bank or credit union holds your account. It tells the financial system where to send money when someone pays you or when you set up automatic transfers. You do not need to hunt for it — your bank makes it straightforward to find, and there are several ways to locate it depending on what you have on hand right now.
If you have a checkbook, the routing number is always the first set of nine digits printed along the bottom of any check. It appears to the left of your account number. If you do not have checks or prefer not to look them up, your bank's website, mobile app, or a phone call to customer service will get you the number in under a minute.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears as the first nine digits on the bottom left of any check you have.
- You can find your routing number by logging into your bank's website or mobile app and looking in the account details section.
- Calling your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card will get you the routing number when ready.
- Different branches of the same bank sometimes use different routing numbers, so confirm you have the one for your specific branch.
- Your routing number is not sensitive information — it is safe to share it with employers, payroll services, or anyone setting up a transfer to your account.
Finding it on a physical check
Open any check from your checkbook and look at the bottom of the page. You will see a series of numbers printed in magnetic ink. The first nine digits are your routing number. The next set of digits (usually 10 to 12 numbers) is your account number. The last few digits are the check number itself.
The routing number is always in the same position on every check from your account, so if you have lost one check, any other check will have the same routing number. If you have not ordered checks yet or your checkbook is empty, move to one of the other methods below.
Looking it up on your bank's website or app
Log into your bank's online banking portal or mobile app using your username and password. Navigate to the account details, account information, or account summary section — the exact name varies by bank, but it is usually straightforward to find on the main dashboard or in a menu labeled "Accounts" or "My Accounts."
Your routing number will be displayed alongside your account number. Some banks label it "routing number," while others call it "ABA number" or "transit number" — these terms mean the same thing. If you cannot find it in the obvious places, use the search function within the app or website and type "routing number."
Calling your bank directly
The fastest way if you are in a hurry is to call the customer service number on the back of your debit card. Tell the representative you need your routing number. They will verify your identity with a few security questions and give you the number over the phone. This usually takes less than five minutes.
You can also call the main customer service line listed on your bank's website. Have your account number or Social Security number ready so the representative can pull up your account quickly. Write down the routing number they give you so you have it for future reference.
Confirming you have the right routing number for your branch
Large banks with many branches sometimes use different routing numbers for different locations or regions. If you opened your account at a specific branch, confirm that the routing number you found matches that branch. This matters most when setting up direct deposit or automatic transfers.
If you are unsure whether your branch has its own routing number, call the branch directly or ask during your next visit. The staff can tell you when ready whether the number you have is correct for your location. Having the wrong routing number will not cause money to be lost — it will straightforward be rejected or delayed — but confirming it upfront saves time.
What to do if you cannot find your routing number
If you have tried the methods above and still cannot locate it, contact your bank's customer service by phone, email, or in person at a branch. Bring a form of identification. The bank is required to provide this information to account holders, and there is no charge for it.
If you are setting up direct deposit for a job and need the routing number when ready, tell your employer or payroll department that you are waiting for it. Most employers can hold the direct deposit setup for a few days while you track it down. Do not guess or use a number you are not certain about — an incorrect routing number will cause the deposit to fail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same for all my accounts at the same bank?
Usually yes, but not always. If you have multiple accounts at the same bank branch, they typically share one routing number. However, if you have accounts at different branches of the same bank, they may have different routing numbers. Check each account separately to be sure.
Can I share my routing number with anyone?
Yes. Your routing number is not sensitive information — it is printed on every check you write and is publicly available. You can safely share it with employers, payroll services, creditors, or anyone else who needs to send money to your account. Do not share your full account number or PIN.
What happens if I give someone the wrong routing number?
The transfer will be rejected or sent to the wrong bank. The money will not be lost — it will either bounce back to the sender or be held by the receiving bank until the error is caught. Contact your bank when ready if you realize you provided an incorrect routing number.
Do credit unions have routing numbers?
Yes. Credit unions use routing numbers the same way banks do. You can find your credit union's routing number on your checks, through your credit union's website or app, or by calling their customer service line.
Is the routing number the same as the SWIFT code?
No. A routing number is used for domestic transfers within the United States. A SWIFT code is used for international wire transfers. If you are sending money outside the US, you will need a SWIFT code instead. Your bank can provide both if you ask.