Your routing number is printed on the bottom left of every check you write
The routing number is the nine-digit code that identifies your bank to the financial system. On a physical check, it appears in the bottom left corner, before your account number. It looks like this: the first set of numbers on the MICR line (the line of numbers and symbols at the very bottom of the check).
If you have checks from your account, you can find it right now without logging in anywhere or calling anyone. Open a check, look at the bottom left, and the first nine digits you see are your routing number. That same number works for all transactions tied to your account—direct deposits, wire transfers, ACH payments—because it identifies the bank itself, not your individual account.
Not all banks print routing numbers the same way, but the position is always the bottom left. Some banks print it larger and clearer than others, but it will be there.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of any check from your account, before your account number.
- The routing number is nine digits and identifies your bank, not your specific account.
- You can find it online through your bank's website, by calling customer service, or by asking a teller in person.
- Different banks sometimes use different routing numbers for different regions or transaction types, so confirm you have the right one for your specific need.
Finding your routing number online through your bank's website
Most banks display your routing number in the account details section of their website or mobile app. Log in, navigate to your checking account, and look for a section labeled "Account Information," "Account Details," or "Routing and Account Numbers." The routing number will be listed there alongside your account number.
Some banks make this harder to find than others. If you cannot locate it in the obvious place, try searching the site for "routing number" using your browser's search function (Ctrl+F on Windows, Cmd+F on Mac). Many banks also include routing number information in their FAQ or help section.
The number you see online should match the one on your checks. If it does not, contact your bank—you may have been given the wrong account or there may be a display error.
Calling your bank's customer service line
You can call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Tell the representative you need your routing number. They will ask you to verify your identity (usually your account number and Social Security number or date of birth) and then provide it when ready.
This is the fastest route if you do not have checks and cannot access your online account. Customer service lines are typically available during business hours, though many banks offer 24/7 support. The call usually takes less than five minutes.
Asking a teller in person at a branch
Walk into any branch of your bank with your ID and ask for your routing number. A teller can tell you in seconds. This works even if you do not have your account number memorized—your ID is enough for them to pull up your account and provide the routing number.
This is useful if you are already at the bank for another reason, but it is slower than checking online or calling if you need the number urgently.
Understanding when you might need a different routing number
Some large banks maintain multiple routing numbers for different regions or transaction types. For example, a bank with branches across the country might use one routing number for wire transfers and a different one for ACH transactions (like direct deposit or bill payments). The routing number on your checks is usually the correct one for most purposes, but not always.
If you are setting up a direct deposit or wire transfer, ask your employer or the receiving institution which routing number they need. They will tell you, and you can confirm it matches what your bank provided. If there is a mismatch, contact your bank to ask which routing number applies to your specific transaction type.
Credit unions and smaller regional banks typically use only one routing number, so this is less of a concern for them. But it is worth checking if you bank with a large national institution and a transaction is rejected.
What to do if you cannot find your routing number
If you have lost your checks, cannot access your online account, and cannot reach customer service, you can search for your routing number using the American Bankers Association routing number database. Visit the ABA's website and enter your bank name and state. The database will return the routing number for that bank.
This works for most banks, but some smaller institutions or credit unions may not appear in the public database. If your bank is not listed, call the main branch number (which you can find through a web search) and ask for the routing number directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my account number?
No. Your routing number identifies your bank (nine digits, on the left). Your account number identifies your specific account (usually 10 to 12 digits, in the middle). Both appear on your checks, but they serve different purposes. You need both for most transactions.
Can I use the routing number from an old check?
Yes, as long as the account is still open at the same bank. Routing numbers do not change when you close an account or move money. If you switched banks, you will need the routing number for your new bank, not the old one.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
After a merger, your routing number may change. Contact your bank to confirm. They will tell you whether your routing number is still valid or if you need a new one for future transactions. If it changed, update any recurring payments (like bill pay or direct deposit) with the new number.
Do I need a routing number for online banking or paying bills through my bank's website?
No. You only need a routing number when you are sending money to another bank or institution, or when someone outside your bank needs to send money to you (like an employer setting up direct deposit). For transactions within your own bank's system, you only need your account number or login credentials.
Can someone use my routing number to steal money from my account?
A routing number alone is not enough to access your account. Someone would also need your account number and typically additional verification (like your name, address, or Social Security number). Routing numbers are public information—they appear on every check you write—so treat them as you would your bank's address. Protect your account number and personal information instead.