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. It is a nine-digit code that tells the banking system which institution to send money to. If you do not have checks or cannot read the number clearly, your bank's website has it listed in the account or settings section, usually under "Banking Information" or "Account Details".
You can also call your bank's customer service line — the number is on your debit card or bank statement — and ask for the routing number. They will give it to you in under a minute. Some banks also display it in their mobile app under account information.
The routing number is specific to your bank and the location where your account was opened, so it does not change unless you move your account to a different branch or switch banks entirely.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears in the bottom left corner of your checks as the first nine-digit code.
- Your bank's website, mobile app, and account statements all display the routing number under account or banking information sections.
- Calling your bank's customer service number gets you the routing number when ready without logging in.
- The routing number belongs to your bank and branch location, not to your individual account.
- You need the routing number to set up direct deposit, wire transfers, and automatic bill payments.
Finding it on your checks
If you have a checkbook, the routing number is the easiest place to look. Open a check and look at the bottom of the page. You will see three groups of numbers separated by colons or special symbols. The first group of nine digits is your routing number.
The second group is your account number, and the third is the check number itself. The routing number is always nine digits long and always comes first. If the numbers are faded or hard to read, you can still use one of the other methods below.
Checking your bank's website or app
Log into your bank's website or mobile app using your username and password. Look for a section labeled "Account Information," "Account Details," "Banking Information," or "Settings." The routing number is usually displayed prominently on the main account page or in a dropdown menu.
Some banks put it under a "Wire Transfer Information" or "Direct Deposit Setup" section because those are the most common reasons people need it. If you cannot find it on the main account page, try searching the help section or FAQ for "routing number" — most banks have a dedicated page that lists it.
Calling your bank directly
Pick up the phone and call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your most recent bank statement. Tell the representative you need your routing number. They will ask you to verify your identity — usually your account number and the last four digits of your Social Security number — and then give you the nine-digit code.
This method works even if you do not have online access or cannot find the number anywhere else. The call usually takes less than five minutes. Write down the number as the representative reads it to you so you have it correct.
Understanding routing numbers for different account types
If you have multiple accounts at the same bank — a checking account and a savings account, for example — they share the same routing number. The routing number identifies the bank and branch, not the individual account. Your account number is what distinguishes one account from another.
If you have accounts at different banks, each bank has its own routing number. If you moved your account to a different branch of the same bank, the routing number may change depending on the bank's structure. Call your bank to confirm if you are unsure.
What to do if you cannot find your routing number
If none of the above methods work, contact your bank's customer service by phone, email, or in person at a branch. Bring a photo ID and your account information. The bank can print out a document with your routing number and account number, which you can use for wire transfers, direct deposit forms, or bill payment setup.
Some banks also send this information in welcome packets when you open an account. Check any paperwork that came with your account opening. If you have old statements from when you opened the account, the routing number may be printed there as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the routing number the same as the account number?
No. The routing number identifies your bank and branch — it is the same for all customers at that location. Your account number is unique to you and identifies which specific account the money should go to. You need both numbers for transfers and bill payments.
Can I use someone else's routing number if they bank at the same place?
Yes. If you and a friend both have accounts at the same bank branch, you share the same routing number. You would use their routing number plus your own account number to send money to your account, or their routing number plus their account number to send money to theirs.
Does the routing number change if I move to a different state?
Only if you move your account to a different bank or a branch in a different region. If you keep your account open and straightforward relocate, the routing number stays the same. If you open a new account at a local branch in your new state, that branch may have a different routing number.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
After a merger, your routing number may change. Your bank will notify you of the change and usually gives you a grace period where both numbers work. Check your bank's website or call customer service to confirm your current routing number after any merger or acquisition.
Can I find a routing number for a bank I do not have an account with?
Yes. The Federal Reserve maintains a public database of routing numbers by bank name and state. You can search it online, or call the bank directly and ask for the routing number for a specific branch. This is useful if you need to send money to someone at a bank where you do not have an account.