The fastest way: check your checks or online banking
Your routing number and account number are printed on the bottom left of every check you have. The routing number is the first nine digits, the account number follows it. If you have online banking set up, both numbers appear in your account settings — usually under a tab labeled "Account Details," "Account Information," or "Linked Accounts."
If you do not have checks or online access, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card. A representative can read both numbers to you over the phone in under a minute. Have your card and a form of ID ready.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number and account number are printed at the bottom left of any check you own, in that order.
- Online banking shows both numbers in your account settings, usually under "Account Details" or "Account Information."
- If you have neither checks nor online access, call the number on your debit card and ask customer service to provide both numbers.
- The routing number identifies your bank; the account number identifies your specific account within that bank.
- You need both numbers to set up direct deposit, wire transfers, or automatic bill payments.
Finding your routing number if you only know your bank
If you know which bank you use but do not have a check or online access, the bank's website has a routing number lookup tool. Search "[Your Bank Name] routing number" and you will find a page where you enter your state or branch location. The routing number depends on which branch holds your account, so you may need to know your branch location.
Some banks have one routing number for the entire state; others have different numbers for different branches. If the lookup tool asks for your branch and you do not know it, call the bank's main customer service line and tell them your address. They will give you the correct routing number in seconds.
What to do if you cannot find your account number online
Account numbers are not published on bank websites the way routing numbers are — they are specific to your account and only you should have access to them. If you cannot see your account number in online banking, call customer service. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and a recent address ready to verify your identity.
Some banks will mail you a statement with your account number if you request it. This takes three to five business days. If you need the number when ready, phone is faster.
Understanding what each number does
The routing number tells the banking system which bank to send money to. It is the same for everyone at your bank (or at your specific branch, depending on the bank). You can share your routing number freely — it is not sensitive information.
The account number identifies your specific account within that bank. It is unique to you and should be treated like a password. You need both numbers together for direct deposit, wire transfers, and automatic bill payments. One without the other is useless.
Where these numbers appear on a check
At the bottom of a check, you will see a series of numbers separated by colons or special symbols. The first group of nine digits is the routing number. The second group is your account number. The third group is the check number itself.
The order is always: routing number, account number, check number. If you are looking at a check and the first number has nine digits, you have found your routing number.
Routing numbers for common banks
| Bank | How to Find Your Routing Number |
|---|---|
| Chase | Visit chase.com/routing-number or call 1-800-935-9935 |
| Bank of America | Visit bankofamerica.com/routing-number or call 1-800-432-1000 |
| Wells Fargo | Visit wellsfargo.com/routing-number or call 1-800-869-3557 |
| Citibank | Visit citibank.com/routing-number or call 1-800-627-1900 |
| Credit unions | Call your credit union's main line or check your member materials |
Routing numbers vary by branch location and state, so the number you need depends on where your account is held. The lookup tools above will ask for your state or branch to give you the correct number.
If your bank is not listed here, search the bank's name plus "routing number" to find their lookup page or customer service number. Every bank publishes this information because it is not sensitive.
What to do if you have multiple accounts at the same bank
Each account has its own account number, even if they are at the same bank and branch. The routing number stays the same. If you have a checking account and a savings account at Chase, for example, both use the same routing number but each has a different account number.
When you set up direct deposit or a bill payment, make sure you are using the account number for the specific account you want the money to go to. Using the wrong account number will send the payment to the wrong place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use someone else's routing number if we bank at the same place?
Yes. The routing number is the same for everyone at your bank or branch, so you can use anyone's routing number from that bank. What matters is that you use the correct account number for where the money should go.
Is it safe to give my routing and account number to someone?
Your routing number is public information and safe to share. Your account number should only go to people you trust with your money — your employer for direct deposit, your landlord for rent payments, or a company you are paying a bill to. Never give your account number to someone who calls you unsolicited.
What if my bank does not have a routing number lookup tool?
Smaller banks and credit unions may not have online lookup tools. Call your bank's main customer service number and ask for your routing number. They will provide it when ready. Have your account number or Social Security number ready.
Do I need both numbers to set up direct deposit?
Yes. Your employer needs both your routing number and your account number to deposit your paycheck into the correct account at the correct bank. If you provide only one, the deposit will fail.
What if the numbers on my check do not match what my bank tells me?
Call your bank when ready. Mismatched numbers can mean the check is from a closed account, a different branch, or an older version of your account. Your bank can tell you which numbers are current and correct.