Your bank's routing number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, or you can find it on your bank's website or by calling customer service.
The routing number is a nine-digit code that tells the banking system which institution holds your account. When money moves between banks—whether you're setting up direct deposit, sending a wire transfer, or paying a bill through your bank—that routing number is how the sending bank knows where to send it. Every bank has its own routing number, and some large banks have multiple ones depending on which branch or region processes the transaction.
You have three reliable ways to find it, and the fastest depends on what you have in front of you right now.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left corner of any check you have from that account, printed before your account number.
- Your bank's website has a routing number lookup tool, usually under "Customer Service" or "FAQs," and works even if you don't have checks.
- Calling your bank's customer service line gets you the routing number in under a minute, and they can confirm it's correct for your specific branch.
- If you have multiple accounts at the same bank, they all share the same routing number unless the bank specifies otherwise.
- The routing number is not secret—it's safe to share with employers, bill payment services, and anyone who needs to send you money.
Check the bottom left corner of a check
If you have a checkbook, the routing number is the first set of nine digits printed along the bottom of any check. It appears before your account number and before the check number on the right. The digits are printed in a special magnetic ink that banking machines can read, but you can read them too.
This is the fastest method if you have checks available. You don't need to call anyone or log in to anything—just look at one check and you have the number.
Use your bank's website routing number lookup
Every major bank has a routing number finder on its website. Go to your bank's main site, look for a link labeled "Routing Number," "Find Routing Number," or "Customer Service," and enter your state or the branch location. Some banks let you search by branch address; others ask which state your account is in.
This method works whether or not you have checks. You'll need to know which state your account is registered in, but that's usually the state where you opened it. The lookup tool returns the routing number in seconds. Write it down or screenshot it before you close the page.
If you can't find the lookup tool, search "[Your Bank Name] routing number" in a search engine—the bank's official page usually appears first. Do not use a third-party routing number database unless you're certain it's current; banks occasionally change routing numbers when they merge or reorganize.
Call your bank's customer service line
Your bank's customer service number is on the back of your debit card, on your monthly statement, or on the bank's website. Tell them you need the routing number for your account. They'll confirm which account you're asking about, give you the nine-digit number, and can tell you whether it's the same for all your accounts at that bank.
This is the most reliable method if you're uncertain whether you have the right number. Customer service can also confirm the routing number is correct for the specific branch where your account is held, which matters if your bank has multiple routing numbers in your state.
Understand why banks have multiple routing numbers
Large banks often have more than one routing number. A single bank might have one routing number for accounts opened in New York, another for California, and another for wire transfers processed through a central hub. This happens because of how the banking system was built—routing numbers originally identified the physical location where checks were processed, and that structure is still in place.
For most transactions—direct deposit, bill pay, ACH transfers—your bank will accept any of its routing numbers. But for wire transfers, some banks require the specific routing number for that transaction type. When in doubt, use the routing number from your checks or from the bank's website lookup tool, because those are almost always correct for your account.
What to do if you can't find your routing number
If your bank's website lookup tool isn't working or you can't reach customer service, you have two options. First, check your most recent bank statement—many banks print the routing number on the statement itself, usually near the account number at the top. Second, ask the person or organization requesting the routing number whether they have a lookup tool. Employers, payroll services, and bill payment platforms often have their own routing number finders.
If you're setting up direct deposit and the employer's system rejects the routing number you entered, call your bank when ready rather than guessing. A wrong routing number means your paycheck goes to the wrong account, and recovering it takes days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to give my routing number to someone?
Yes. Your routing number is not confidential—it's printed on every check you write. Someone with only your routing number cannot access your account or move money without your account number as well. You need both pieces of information for any transaction.
Do I need a different routing number for each account I have?
No. If you have a checking account and a savings account at the same bank, they almost always share the same routing number. The account number is what distinguishes between them. Call your bank if you're unsure, but assume they're the same unless the bank tells you otherwise.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
After a merger, your routing number may stay the same or change depending on how the banks consolidated their systems. If you have old checks, don't use them—the routing number may no longer be valid. Look up your current routing number on the new bank's website or call customer service.
Can I use any routing number from my bank, or does it have to be a specific one?
For most transactions like direct deposit and bill pay, any of your bank's routing numbers will work. For wire transfers, some banks require the specific routing number for wire processing. When you're setting up a wire transfer, ask your bank which routing number to use.
What's the difference between a routing number and a SWIFT code?
A routing number is used for domestic transfers within the United States. A SWIFT code is used for international transfers. If you're sending money to another country, you'll need the recipient's SWIFT code, not a routing number. Your bank can provide your own SWIFT code if you need it.