Your routing number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, or you can call your bank's customer service line and ask

A routing number is a nine-digit code that tells the banking system which bank holds your account. When someone sends you money electronically — through direct deposit, a wire transfer, or an ACH payment — they need your routing number so the money goes to the right bank, not to a different bank with a similar name.

The fastest way to find it is to look at a check from your savings account. The routing number is always the first set of nine digits on the bottom left of the check, before your account number. If you do not have checks, you can call your bank's main customer service number (the one on the back of your debit card works), tell them you need your routing number for your savings account, and they will give it to you in under a minute.

Key Takeaways

  • Your routing number appears on the bottom left of any check from your savings account, printed as the first nine digits before your account number.
  • If you do not have checks, call your bank's customer service line — the number is usually on your debit card or bank statement — and ask for your routing number.
  • Your bank's website often lists the routing number in the FAQ or customer service section, though calling is faster if you are unsure which number is correct.
  • Different banks sometimes have different routing numbers for different regions, so confirm you have the number for the branch or location where your account is held.

Finding the number on a check

If you have a checkbook, this is the quickest method. Open any check and look at the bottom of the page. You will see three groups of numbers separated by colons or special symbols. The first group — always nine digits — is your routing number. Write it down exactly as it appears, because even one wrong digit will send money to the wrong place.

The second group of numbers (usually longer) is your account number. The third group is the check number itself. If your checks are very old or from a different bank, do not assume the routing number is still correct — banks merge and change routing numbers. Call your current bank to confirm.

Calling your bank directly

Pick up the phone and call the customer service number on the back of your debit card, on a recent bank statement, or on your bank's website. Tell the representative you need the routing number for your savings account. They will ask you to verify your identity — usually by providing your account number or the last four digits of your Social Security number — and then read you the nine-digit routing number.

Write down the number and read it back to confirm. This takes about two minutes and removes any doubt about whether you have the right number. If you are setting up a direct deposit at work or paying a bill online, the person helping you can also tell you whether the number you have is correct once you enter it.

Looking it up online

Many banks publish their routing numbers on their websites. Log into your online banking account, go to the settings or account information section, and look for "routing number" or "bank details." Some banks list it right on the main page under frequently asked questions.

If you use a smaller bank or credit union, the routing number may be harder to find online. In that case, calling is more reliable. Online searches for "[your bank name] routing number" will often return results, but make sure you are reading the number from your actual bank's official website, not from a third-party site that may have outdated information.

Understanding why banks have multiple routing numbers

Some large banks use different routing numbers depending on which state or region your branch is in, or which type of transaction you are making. This is why it matters to confirm you have the right one. If you opened your account in one state and moved to another, or if you are sending money to someone in a different state, double-check with your bank that the routing number you have is correct for that transaction.

Credit unions often have a single routing number for the entire network, but it is still worth confirming. When in doubt, call your bank rather than guess — a wrong routing number means your money goes somewhere else, and getting it back takes time.

What to do if you cannot find your routing number

If you do not have checks, cannot reach your bank by phone, or cannot find the number online, you have a few options. First, check any recent bank statements — many banks print the routing number at the top or bottom of the statement. Second, visit a branch in person with your ID and ask for the routing number; they can write it down for you on the spot.

Third, if you are trying to set up direct deposit or a bill payment, the system you are using often has a search tool where you type in your bank name and it shows you the routing number. These tools are usually reliable for large banks, though smaller institutions may not appear. If the tool does not find your bank, call customer service for the company asking for the routing number — they deal with this question every day and can help you locate it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my routing number the same for checking and savings accounts?

Usually yes — most banks use the same routing number for all account types at the same branch. However, some larger banks assign different routing numbers by region or transaction type. If you are unsure, call your bank and specify that you need the routing number for your savings account, not your checking account.

Can I use someone else's routing number if we bank at the same place?

Yes. The routing number identifies the bank, not the individual account. As long as you both use the same bank and branch, the routing number is the same. The account number is what directs the money to the right person once it reaches the bank.

What happens if I give someone the wrong routing number?

The money will be sent to the wrong bank. The sending bank will eventually catch the error and return the funds, but this can take one to three weeks. To avoid this, always double-check the routing number before you give it out, especially for large transfers or direct deposits.

Do I need a routing number to receive money in person at my bank?

No. You only need a routing number for electronic transfers — direct deposit, wire transfers, ACH payments, and bill payments. If someone is handing you cash or a check to deposit in person, you do not need to provide a routing number.

Is my routing number private information I should keep secret?

Your routing number alone is not sensitive — it is public information that identifies your bank. However, do not share it with anyone you do not trust, because combined with your account number, it can be used to set up unauthorized transfers. Only provide it to employers, bill payment services, or people you are expecting money from.