The fastest way to find your routing number
Your routing number is printed on the bottom left of every check you have from that bank. If you have a checkbook, open it and look at the first check. You will see nine digits in the bottom left corner — that is your routing number. It comes before your account number, which is longer.
If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app. Most banks display your routing number in the account details or settings section. Some call it "bank routing number" or "ABA number" — these are the same thing. You can also call your bank's customer service line, which you will find on the back of your debit card or on their website.
The routing number belongs to your bank, not to you personally. If you have accounts at the same bank, they all share the same routing number. If you move to a different bank, you get a different routing number.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of any check from your bank account, before your account number.
- You can find it by logging into your bank's website or app and looking in the account details or settings section.
- Calling your bank's customer service number will get you the routing number in one call if you cannot locate it online.
- The routing number is the same for all accounts you hold at that bank, even if you have multiple accounts.
Where banks display routing numbers online
Most major banks put your routing number in one of three places on their website or app. The most common location is under "Account Details," "Account Information," or "Account Summary" — usually found by clicking on the account name or an information icon. Some banks label it "Bank Details" or "Routing Information."
If you cannot find it in account details, check the "Settings" or "Preferences" section. A few banks hide it under "Wire Transfer Information" because routing numbers are used for wire transfers. If you are still stuck, look for a "Help" or "FAQ" section and search for "routing number" — the bank's own search will point you to the right page.
Mobile apps usually show the same information as the website, though sometimes in a slightly different location. If you have trouble on the app, try the website version instead.
What to do if you cannot find it online
Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Tell them you need your routing number. They will give it to you over the phone. This takes less than a minute. Have your account number ready, though most banks will ask for it just to confirm who you are.
You can also visit a branch in person and ask a teller. Bring your ID and debit card. They will write it down for you or print a small slip with your account details on it.
Email support is slower — it may take a day or two for a response — but it works if you prefer not to call. Send a message through your bank's website contact form or to their customer service email address.
Why you need your routing number
Your routing number tells the banking system which bank to send money to. When you set up direct deposit for a paycheck, your employer uses your routing number and account number together to deposit money into your account. When you send a wire transfer or pay a bill through your bank, the routing number directs the payment to the right place.
It is safe to share your routing number. It is printed on every check you write, so anyone who has ever received a check from you already has it. Your routing number alone cannot be used to take money from your account — someone would also need your account number and other information.
Routing numbers for different types of accounts
The routing number is the same whether you have a checking account, savings account, or money market account at the same bank. All accounts at one bank use that bank's single routing number.
If you have accounts at two different banks, each bank has its own routing number. For example, if you have a checking account at Bank A and a savings account at Bank B, you will have two different routing numbers. Make sure you use the correct one for the bank where each account is held.
Credit unions also have routing numbers, sometimes called "transit numbers." The process for finding them is the same — check your statements, log into your account online, or call the credit union.
What to do if your bank merged or changed names
If your bank was bought by another bank or changed its name, your routing number may have changed. The safest way to confirm is to check a recent statement or log into your account online. The routing number shown there is the current one you should use.
If you have old checks from before the merger, do not use the routing number printed on them. Call your bank or check online to get the updated number. Using an old routing number can delay payments or cause them to fail.
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 at that bank (usually 10 to 12 digits, in the middle). Both appear on your checks in order: routing number, then account number.
Can someone take money from my account if they have my routing number?
No. A routing number alone is not enough. Someone would also need your account number and other information, and even then, most banks have protections against unauthorized transfers. Your routing number is safe to share.
What if I have multiple accounts at the same bank?
All your accounts at that bank share the same routing number. The routing number identifies the bank; your account number identifies which account within that bank. You need both pieces of information to direct money to the right place.
Do I need a routing number to use my debit card?
No. You only need a routing number for direct deposit, wire transfers, bill payments, and other transfers between banks. Swiping or inserting your debit card at a store does not require a routing number.
What if my bank does not show the routing number online?
Call the customer service number on your debit card or bank statement. They will give you the routing number over the phone in less than a minute. You can also visit a branch in person or email customer service.