Your routing number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, or you can find it through your bank's website or customer service line
A routing number is a nine-digit code that tells the banking system which bank holds your account. You need it for direct deposits, wire transfers, ACH payments, and setting up automatic bill pay. The fastest way to find yours depends on what you have access to right now.
If you have a checkbook, look at the bottom left corner of any check. The first nine digits are your routing number. If you don't have checks or prefer not to use them, your bank's website or a phone call to customer service will get you the answer in under five minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of any check you have, printed before your account number.
- You can find your routing number on your bank's website by logging into your account or searching their routing number lookup tool.
- Calling your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card will get you your routing number when ready.
- The routing number is specific to your bank and branch, so different banks have different numbers even if you use the same account type.
- You may need different routing numbers for wire transfers versus ACH payments, so confirm which type of transaction you're making before you use it.
Finding your routing number on a check
Open your checkbook and pull out any check. At the bottom of the check, you'll see three groups of numbers separated by vertical lines. The first group of nine digits is your routing number. The second group is your account number. The third is the check number.
This method works only if you have physical checks. If your bank stopped issuing them or you've never ordered them, move to one of the other methods below.
Looking it up on your bank's website
Log into your bank's online account portal using your username and password. Most banks display your routing number on the main account page or in a section labeled "Account Details," "Account Information," or "Routing and Account Numbers."
If you don't see it there, look for a "Help" or "FAQs" section, or search the site for "routing number." Many banks also have a dedicated routing number lookup tool where you can enter your branch location or account type and get the number when ready. This tool is usually available even if you're not logged in.
Calling your bank directly
The phone number on the back of your debit card connects you to customer service. Tell them you need your routing number. They'll confirm your identity with a few security questions and give you the number over the phone. This usually takes less than five minutes.
If you don't have your debit card handy, search online for your bank's main customer service number. When you call, have your account number ready—it's on your statements or in your online account—so the representative can pull up your account faster.
Using 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'll need to enter your bank's name and the state where your branch is located.
This method works if you want to verify a routing number you already have or if your bank's website is down. It's slower than checking your checks or calling, but it's reliable and free.
Understanding wire transfer versus ACH routing numbers
Some banks use different routing numbers depending on the type of transaction. The routing number on your checks is usually for ACH payments and direct deposits. Wire transfers sometimes use a different routing number.
Before you use a routing number for a wire transfer, confirm with your bank that it's the correct one for that transaction type. Ask your bank directly or check their website for a wire transfer routing number section. Using the wrong number won't send your money to the wrong place—the bank will catch it and ask you to correct it—but it can delay the transfer by a day or more.
What to do if you can't find your routing number
If you've tried the methods above and still don't have your routing number, call your bank's customer service line. This is the most reliable fallback. Have your account number and a form of ID ready.
If you're trying to set up a direct deposit or payment and your employer or payee is asking for your routing number, you can also ask them for help. Some payroll departments and payment processors have tools that look up routing numbers for you, or they can walk you through the process of finding it yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same at every branch of my bank?
Not always. Large banks with many branches sometimes assign different routing numbers to different locations. If you opened your account at one branch and later visit another, the routing number might be different. Check your checks or your online account to see which routing number is tied to your specific account.
Can I use someone else's routing number if they bank at the same place I do?
No. Even if you both use the same bank, your routing number is tied to your specific account and branch. Using someone else's routing number will send the money to their account, not yours. Always use the routing number printed on your own checks or listed in your own account.
What if the routing number on my check is different from the one on my bank's website?
This can happen if your bank merged with another bank, changed its routing number, or if you have accounts at different branches. Use the routing number from your bank's website or call customer service to confirm which one is current for your account. The number on an old check may no longer be valid.
Do I need my routing number to transfer money between my own accounts?
Not usually. If both accounts are at the same bank, you can transfer money between them through your online account or mobile app without entering a routing number. You only need a routing number when you're moving money to a different bank or setting up a payment from an outside source.
Is it safe to share my routing number?
Yes. Your routing number is not sensitive information—it's printed on every check you write and is publicly available through the Federal Reserve database. You need to share it with employers for direct deposit and with billers for automatic payments. Never share your full account number or PIN, but your routing number alone cannot be used to access your account or withdraw money.