Your routing number is on the bottom left of your checks, in your online banking portal, or by calling your bank
The routing number is a nine-digit code that tells the banking system which bank holds your account. You need it when you set up direct deposit, arrange automatic bill payments, or send money to someone else's account. The fastest way to find it 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 do not have checks or prefer not to use them, log into your bank's website or mobile app — most banks display the routing number in the account details or settings section. If you cannot find it online, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of any check you have, before your account number.
- Most online banking portals show your routing number in the account information or settings area without requiring a phone call.
- If you bank at a large national bank, the routing number is the same for all customers at your branch location.
- Some banks have different routing numbers for different regions or branches, so confirm you have the correct one for your specific location.
- You will need this number to set up direct deposit, automatic payments, or transfers between banks.
Finding it on a physical check
Open your checkbook and look at the bottom of any check. You will see three sets of numbers separated by vertical lines. The first set, on the far left, is your routing number. It is always nine digits long.
The middle set is your account number, which is unique to you. The third set, on the right, is the check number. Write down only the routing number — the nine digits on the far left — when you need it for a form or online setup.
Finding it in your online banking account
Log into your bank's website or open the mobile app. Look for a section labeled "Account Details," "Account Information," or "Settings." Most banks display your routing number prominently in this area, sometimes alongside your account number.
If you cannot find it in the obvious places, try searching the help section or FAQ for "routing number." You can also look for a link that says "read account information" or "View account statements" — some banks include the routing number on digital statements. If the app or website does not show it, move to the phone call option.
Calling your bank directly
Find the customer service number on the back of your debit card, on your bank statement, or on the bank's website. Call and tell the representative you need your routing number. Have your account number or the phone number associated with your account ready so they can verify who you are.
The representative will give you the nine-digit number over the phone. Write it down carefully, because a single wrong digit will cause a direct deposit or transfer to fail. If you are setting this up for direct deposit at work, ask the representative to confirm the routing number is correct for your specific branch location, since some banks use different numbers for different regions.
Understanding why routing numbers vary by location
Large banks often have different routing numbers for different states or regions. This is because the banking system originally organized routing numbers by geography, and that structure remains even though most transactions happen electronically now.
If you bank at a small local bank or credit union, you likely have only one routing number. If you bank at a national chain like Bank of America, Chase, or Wells Fargo, your routing number depends on which state your account was opened in or which branch you use. When you call customer service or look online, make sure the routing number you find matches your account location.
What to do if you cannot locate your routing number
If you do not have checks, cannot access online banking, and do not want to call, you can sometimes find your routing number through your bank's website without logging in. Go to the main website, look for a section called "Routing Numbers" or "Bank Information," and search for your state or branch. Many banks publish this information publicly.
If that does not work, calling remains the most reliable option. Customer service can confirm the correct routing number in under a minute. You can also visit a branch in person with your ID and ask a teller to write it down for you.
Common mistakes when using your routing number
The most common error is confusing your routing number with your account number. Your routing number identifies the bank; your account number identifies you within that bank. Both are nine digits, but they go in different places on a check and serve different purposes. When a form asks for your routing number, do not enter your account number instead.
Another mistake is using an outdated routing number after a bank merger. If your bank was acquired by another bank, your routing number may have changed. If you set up direct deposit years ago and have not worked there since, ask your employer to update your banking information before your next paycheck, because the old routing number may no longer work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my bank's main routing number?
Not always. Your routing number is specific to your branch location or region, while your bank's main routing number might be different. Always use the routing number associated with your account, not the bank's general customer service number. If you are unsure, call and ask the representative which routing number to use for direct deposit or transfers.
Can I use someone else's routing number to send them money?
Yes. The routing number tells the system which bank to send money to; the account number tells it which account within that bank. You need both pieces of information to transfer money to someone else, but the routing number itself is not secret — it is printed on every check.
What happens if I use the wrong routing number?
The transfer or direct deposit will usually fail and bounce back to you within one to three business days. Your employer or the person sending the money will be notified that the account information was incorrect. You will then need to provide the correct routing number and resubmit.
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 checks, in online banking, or by calling member services. The process is identical to finding a bank routing number.
Can my routing number change?
It can if your bank merges with another bank or restructures its branches. If you have not used your routing number in several years, confirm it is still current before setting up direct deposit or automatic payments. A quick call to customer service takes less than a minute and prevents delays.