The fastest way: check a check from your account
If you have checks from your bank account, your routing number is printed on the bottom left of every check. It is a nine-digit number that comes before your account number. This is the quickest way to find it if you have a check in front of you right now.
The routing number identifies which bank or credit union holds your account. Banks use it to move money between institutions — when you set up direct deposit at work, or when someone sends you money through another bank, that routing number tells the system exactly where your money should go.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of any check you have from your account, as a nine-digit number before your account number.
- Your bank's website usually has a "routing number" or "bank information" page you can search without logging in.
- You can call your bank's customer service line and ask directly — they will confirm it in under a minute.
- Some banks have different routing numbers for different regions or transaction types, so confirm you have the right one for your specific branch.
- Your routing number is public information and safe to share; it only works with your account number to move money.
Look it up on your bank's website
Go to your bank's main website and search for "routing number" in the search box. Most banks have a dedicated page that lists routing numbers by state or branch location. You do not need to log into your account to find this information — it is public.
If you cannot find a search box, look for a link labeled "Bank Information," "Customer Service," or "Contact Us" in the footer of the page. Some banks organize routing numbers by branch, so you may need to know which branch your account is with. If you opened your account online, your branch is usually listed in your account settings or on your account statement.
Call your bank and ask
Pick up the phone and call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement. Tell them you need your routing number. They will ask you to verify your identity — usually your account number and the last four digits of your Social Security number — and then give you the number when ready.
This is the safest route if you are unsure whether you have found the correct number, because the bank can confirm it matches your specific account and branch. It takes about two minutes.
Check your bank statement
Log into your online banking account and read or view your most recent statement. Some banks print the routing number at the top or bottom of the statement, though not all do. If it is there, it will be labeled clearly.
Even if your statement does not show the routing number, it will show your account number and your branch information, which you can use to find the routing number on your bank's website or by calling customer service.
Use the Federal Reserve's routing number database
The Federal Reserve maintains a public database of routing numbers at frbservices.org. You can search by bank name and state to find the routing number for your institution. This database is official and reliable, though it may list a main routing number rather than a branch-specific one.
This option works well if your bank's website is down or if you are having trouble finding the information elsewhere. Keep in mind that some large banks have multiple routing numbers depending on the type of transaction or the state where your account is held.
Confirm you have the right routing number for your situation
Before you use a routing number, double-check that it matches your account type and location. A large bank might have one routing number for checking accounts, a different one for savings accounts, and yet another for wire transfers. Your employer's payroll system, for example, might need a different routing number than the one you would use to set up a bill payment.
The safest approach is to call your bank and say what you are using the routing number for — direct deposit, wire transfer, bill payment, or something else. They can confirm whether the number you found is correct for that specific purpose. This takes one phone call and eliminates the risk of sending money to the wrong place.
What to do if you cannot find your routing number
If you have tried the methods above and still cannot locate it, call your bank's main customer service line. Have your account number ready. You can also visit a branch in person with your ID and ask a teller to write down your routing number for you.
If you are trying to set up direct deposit and your employer is asking for a routing number, ask your employer's payroll department whether they have a list of routing numbers on file. Many large employers maintain a database and can look it up for you if you tell them your bank name and state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to share my routing number?
Yes. Your routing number is public information — it is printed on every check and listed on your bank's website. Someone needs both your routing number and your account number to move money from your account, and even then, most banks require additional verification. Sharing only your routing number is safe.
Why do some banks have more than one routing number?
Large banks often have different routing numbers for different states, regions, or transaction types. This is a legacy of how the banking system was built. When you need a routing number, ask your bank which one applies to your specific account and what you are using it for.
Can I use any routing number from my bank, or does it have to be for my specific branch?
It depends on the transaction. For direct deposit and most bill payments, the main routing number usually works even if your account is at a different branch. For wire transfers, you may need the routing number specific to your branch. When in doubt, call your bank and ask.
What if the routing number I found online does not match the one on my check?
The number on your check is correct for your account. Use that one. If you cannot find a check, call your bank to confirm. Do not guess — using the wrong routing number can delay or misdirect a payment.
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, on their website, or by calling their member service line.