Your routing and account number are printed on the bottom left of every check you receive

The bottom of a check contains three sets of numbers, printed in a special magnetic ink. From left to right, you'll see your routing number (nine digits), then your account number (usually ten to twelve digits), then the check number. These numbers identify your bank and your specific account, which is why you need them for direct deposits, wire transfers, and online bill payments.

You don't need to memorize them or write them down every time. Most banks let you find this information online, by phone, or on paper statements. But if you have a check in front of you right now, the fastest way is to look at the bottom.

Key Takeaways

  • Your routing number and account number are printed together on the bottom left of any check, separated by a colon or special symbol.
  • The routing number (nine digits) identifies your specific bank branch; the account number identifies your account within that bank.
  • You can also find both numbers on your bank's website, by calling customer service, or on paper statements if you don't have a check.
  • Never share your account number with someone you don't trust, but sharing your routing number alone is generally safe.

Reading the numbers on the bottom of a check

Look at the very bottom of the check, on the left side. You'll see three groups of numbers printed in a darker ink or a slightly raised font. The first group is your routing number — always nine digits. It tells the banking system which bank and which branch holds your account.

The second group is your account number. This is longer, usually between ten and twelve digits, though it varies by bank. This number identifies your specific account within that bank. Between the routing number and account number, you'll see a colon (:) or a special symbol that separates them.

The third group on the bottom is the check number, which is much shorter and appears on the right side of the bottom line. This is just for your records and tracking.

Why banks print numbers in that special ink

The numbers on the bottom of your check are printed in MICR ink (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition). This ink is magnetic, which means machines at the bank can read it automatically when they process checks. This is why the numbers look slightly different from the rest of the text on the check — they have to be readable by both humans and machines.

Because of this, you should never write over or alter these numbers. If they become smudged or hard to read, the check may not process correctly. If you need a replacement check, order a new one from your bank rather than trying to fix a damaged one.

Finding your numbers without a check

If you don't have a check in front of you, your bank can give you both numbers in seconds. Log into your online banking account and look for a section called "Account Information," "Account Details," or "Routing Number." Most banks display both numbers right there.

You can also call your bank's customer service number (usually on the back of your debit card) and ask for your routing number and account number. Have your account number or card number ready so they can verify who you are. If you receive paper statements in the mail, both numbers are usually printed on the top or bottom of the first page.

Some banks also print this information on your debit card or savings passbook, though not all do. Your bank's website is the fastest and most reliable source if you're not sure where else to look.

The difference between routing number and account number

Your routing number is shared by many customers at your bank — sometimes thousands of people. It identifies the bank itself and the specific branch where your account is held. If you move to a different branch of the same bank, your routing number may change.

Your account number is unique to you. No one else at your bank has the same account number. This is the number that tells the bank which account to deposit money into or withdraw money from. When you set up direct deposit at work or a bill payment online, you need both numbers because the routing number tells the system which bank to contact, and the account number tells that bank which account is yours.

When you need to share these numbers

You'll need to provide both your routing number and account number when you set up direct deposit for paychecks, arrange automatic bill payments, or request a wire transfer. You may also need them to link your bank account to a payment app or investment account.

It's safe to share your routing number — it's not secret and appears on every check you write. Your account number is more sensitive because it identifies your specific account. Only share it with people or organizations you trust, such as your employer's payroll department or your utility company. Never share your account number in response to an unsolicited email or phone call, even if the caller claims to be from your bank.

What to do if you can't find the numbers on your check

If the numbers on the bottom of your check are faded, smudged, or missing, don't try to guess or fill them in. Contact your bank and ask them to provide the numbers directly. They can verify your identity and give you the correct routing and account numbers in writing or over the phone.

If you ordered checks from your bank and they arrived with incorrect numbers, contact the bank when ready. Do not use those checks. The bank will reorder them at no cost to you. If you ordered checks from a third-party printer, contact that printer and your bank together to make sure the correct numbers are printed on the replacement checks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my routing number change if I move to a different state?

Not necessarily. Your routing number is tied to the specific branch where your account is held, not your home address. If you move but keep the same bank account at the same branch, your routing number stays the same. If you close that account and open a new one at a different bank, you'll have a new routing number.

Can someone steal money from my account if they have my routing number?

A routing number alone is not enough to access your account. Someone would also need your account number, and even then, they would need to set up a transfer or payment through a bank or payment system. Your bank has fraud protections in place. If you're concerned, contact your bank when ready and they can monitor your account for suspicious activity.

Why do I need both numbers for direct deposit if they're both on my check?

Your employer needs both numbers to make sure the deposit goes to the right bank (routing number) and the right account within that bank (account number). Using only one would be like sending a letter with a city but no street address — it might reach the right place, but it might not.

What if my check has a different routing number than my bank's main office?

This is normal. Your routing number identifies the specific branch where your account is held, not the bank's headquarters. Different branches of the same bank may have different routing numbers. The number on your check is the correct one to use.