The fastest way to find your routing number
Your bank's routing number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, if you have them. Look at the first set of nine digits before the account number. That nine-digit code is your routing number, and it is the same for every account you hold at that bank.
If you do not have checks or cannot find them, call your bank's 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 in under a minute. You can also log into your online banking account — many banks display the routing number in the account details or settings section.
Write down the number or take a screenshot. You will need it when you set up direct deposit, transfer money between banks, or pay bills through your bank's bill pay service.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number is the nine-digit code on the bottom left of your checks, before your account number.
- If you do not have checks, call your bank's customer service line or log into online banking to find it in your account details.
- The routing number is the same for all your accounts at that bank, even if you have multiple accounts.
- You need your routing number to set up direct deposit, transfer money between banks, or use bill pay.
- Different banks have different routing numbers, so if you switch banks, you will need the new routing number.
Finding the routing number on your checks
The bottom of every check has three sets of numbers printed in a special magnetic ink. The first set, on the far left, is your routing number. It is always nine digits long. The second set is your account number, which is longer and unique to your account. The third set, on the right, is the check number.
The routing number tells the banking system which bank to pull the money from. Even though you may have multiple accounts at the same bank, they all share the same routing number. The account number is what tells the bank which specific account to use.
Using your bank's website or app
Log into your online banking account on your computer or phone. Look for a section called "Account Details," "Account Information," or "Settings." Many banks display your routing number right there alongside your account number.
If you cannot find it in those sections, try looking under "Direct Deposit Information" or "Wire Transfer Details" — banks often show the routing number in these areas because people need it for those transactions. If you still cannot locate it, the contact information for customer service is usually at the bottom of the page or in the app menu.
Calling your bank directly
Pick up the phone and call the customer service number on the back of your debit card, on your bank statement, or on the bank's website. When someone answers, say you need your routing number. Have your account number or the last four digits of your Social Security number ready — they may ask for it to confirm your identity.
Customer service representatives handle this request dozens of times a day. The call usually takes less than two minutes. Write down the number they give you, or ask them to spell it out slowly so you can verify each digit.
Finding a routing number for a bank you do not use
If you need the routing number for a bank where you do not have an account — for example, because someone is sending you money and you need to give them your information — you can find it on the bank's website. Most banks have a "Routing Number" or "Wire Transfer Information" page that lists it publicly.
You can also search online for "[Bank Name] routing number" and the correct number will appear. Make sure you are looking at the official bank website and not a third-party site, because routing numbers vary by location and branch. Some large banks have multiple routing numbers depending on which state or region the account is in.
Understanding routing numbers by location
Large banks often have different routing numbers for different regions or states. If you move or open an account at a different branch, your routing number may change. This is why it is important to double-check the routing number each time you need it, rather than assuming it stays the same forever.
If you are unsure whether your routing number has changed, call your bank or check your online account. The routing number printed on your most recent box of checks is always current for that account.
What to do if you cannot find your routing number
If you have tried checking your checks, logging into online banking, and calling customer service and still cannot locate it, ask your bank for a written confirmation. Some banks will email or mail you a document that lists both your routing number and account number together. This document is also useful to keep on file for your records.
You can also visit a branch in person with your ID and ask a teller to write down your routing number. They can confirm it is correct and may be able to print it on a small card for you to carry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the routing number the same for all my accounts at one bank?
Yes. All accounts you hold at the same bank share the same routing number. The account number is what distinguishes between your different accounts. So if you have a checking account and a savings account at the same bank, both use the same routing number.
Can I use someone else's routing number to send them money?
Yes. If someone gives you their bank's routing number and their account number, you can use that information to send them money through a transfer or bill pay. You do not need their permission to use their routing number — it is public information. You do need their correct account number to make sure the money goes to the right place.
What if I have the wrong routing number?
If you use an incorrect routing number, the transfer or direct deposit may be rejected, or it may go to the wrong bank. The sending bank will usually catch the error and send the money back. Contact the bank that sent the money and ask them to resubmit it with the correct routing number.
Do I need my routing number to use my debit card?
No. You only need your routing number when you are setting up direct deposit, transferring money between banks, paying bills through bill pay, or receiving a wire transfer. You do not need it to swipe your card or use an ATM.
Where is the routing number on a mobile check deposit?
If you are depositing a check through your bank's mobile app, you do not need to enter the routing number. The app reads the check image and extracts the information automatically. The routing number is still printed on the check in the usual place if you need to reference it later.