Your routing number is on the bottom left of every check you have
The fastest way to find your routing number is to look at a check from your account. The nine-digit number on the bottom left corner, before your account number, is your routing number. If you have checks in front of you right now, that is your answer.
If you do not have checks or cannot locate them, your bank's website or a phone call to customer service will get you the number in under a minute. Your routing number does not change unless you switch banks, so you only need to find it once.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of any check you own, printed as a nine-digit code before your account number.
- You can find your routing number on your bank's website by searching for "routing number" or looking in the customer service section.
- Calling your bank's customer service line and providing your account number will get you the routing number within minutes.
- Your routing number is specific to your bank and branch, so it stays the same as long as you keep the account open at that bank.
- Some banks display the routing number in your online banking portal under account details or settings.
Check your bank's website first
Most banks publish their routing number on their website without requiring you to log in. Go to your bank's main website and search for "routing number" using the browser search function (Ctrl+F on Windows, Command+F on Mac). You will usually land on a page that lists routing numbers by state or branch location.
If the search does not work, look for a "Customer Service" or "Help" section and click through to banking information. Some banks organize it under "Account Information" or "Wire Transfer Instructions." The routing number is often listed alongside wire transfer details because it is required for both.
Write down the routing number you find, then verify it matches your branch location. Banks with multiple branches sometimes have different routing numbers by region, so confirm you have the one for your branch, not just any branch of that bank.
Log into your online banking account
If you use your bank's app or website to check your balance, your routing number may be visible in your account settings. Log in and look for a section called "Account Details," "Account Information," or "My Accounts." Some banks display the routing number right next to your account number; others require you to click into a specific account to see it.
Not every bank shows the routing number in the online portal, so if you do not see it after checking account details, move to the next method. Do not spend more than two minutes looking—calling customer service is faster at that point.
Call your bank's customer service line
The phone number for customer service is on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. When you call, have your account number ready. Tell the representative you need your routing number, and they will provide it in seconds. This is the most reliable method if you are unsure which branch location you use or if you have moved since opening the account.
Customer service lines are usually open during business hours and sometimes 24/7, depending on the bank. If you call outside business hours, you may reach an automated system that can direct you to the website or tell you to call back during regular hours.
Use the Federal Reserve's routing number database
The Federal Reserve maintains a public database of all routing numbers used by U.S. banks. Go to the Federal Reserve's website and use their routing number search tool. You will need to enter your bank's name and state. The tool will return a list of routing numbers for that bank, organized by location.
This method works if your bank's website is down or if you are switching banks and need to verify a routing number before you open an account. It is also useful if you have an older check and want to confirm the routing number is still current.
What to do if you have an old or closed account
If you are looking for the routing number from a bank account you closed years ago, the number may no longer be valid. Banks merge, change names, or close branches, which can change routing numbers. If you need the old routing number for tax records or to trace a historical transaction, contact the bank directly and explain the situation. They can tell you whether the routing number is still active or what it changed to.
If you are trying to set up a direct deposit or wire transfer and you no longer have access to that bank, you will need to use your current bank's routing number instead. The old routing number will not work for new transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my account number?
No. Your routing number identifies your bank or branch; your account number identifies your specific account at that bank. On a check, the routing number is the first nine digits on the bottom left, and your account number follows it. Both are needed for wire transfers and direct deposits.
Do I need a different routing number for each account I have?
No. All accounts you hold at the same bank branch share the same routing number. If you have a checking account and a savings account at the same branch, they use the same routing number but different account numbers.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
Your routing number may have changed when the merger happened. Check your most recent statement or contact the bank to confirm your current routing number. Using an old routing number after a merger can cause transfers to fail or be delayed.
Can someone use my routing number to steal money from my account?
Your routing number alone is not enough to access your account. A person would also need your account number and other information. However, do not share your full account number and routing number together with people you do not trust. For legitimate transactions like direct deposit, your employer or the organization requesting the information is safe to give it to.
Why do some banks have multiple routing numbers?
Large banks with many branches sometimes assign different routing numbers to different regions or processing centers. This helps the bank sort and process transactions faster. If you have moved or your branch closed, your routing number may have changed even though you still bank with the same company.