The fastest way: check your bank statement or online banking
Your routing number appears on the bottom left of any check you have from that account — it's the first set of nine digits. If you don't have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app, go to your account details or settings, and look for a section labeled "Account Information" or "Routing and Account Numbers." Most banks display both numbers there.
If you can't find it online, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Have your account number ready, and they'll give you the routing number in under a minute.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number is the nine-digit code on the bottom left of your checks, before your account number.
- Online banking portals almost always show your routing number in the account details or settings section.
- Your bank's customer service line can confirm your routing number over the phone if you can't locate it yourself.
- The routing number stays the same for your bank and branch, even if you open a new account at the same location.
- Different branches of the same bank sometimes have different routing numbers, so always verify you have the right one for your specific branch.
Why your bank's website is usually the easiest option
Most banks now make routing numbers straightforward to find because so many transactions require them. Log in to your account, then look for a menu item like "Account Details," "Account Settings," "Routing Information," or sometimes just "My Accounts." The routing number will be listed alongside your account number.
Some banks hide it one click deeper — you may need to click on the specific savings account first, then look for a link that says "View Routing Number" or "Account and Routing Numbers." If you're using the mobile app instead of the website, the same information is usually in the same place, though the menu structure might be slightly different.
Reading the routing number from a check
If you have checks from your savings account, the routing number is printed at the bottom of the check in a specific order. Look at the very bottom left. You'll see nine digits — that's your routing number. After those nine digits comes your account number (usually 10 to 12 digits), then the check number on the far right.
The nine-digit routing number identifies your specific bank and branch. It never changes unless you move your account to a different bank or a different branch of the same bank. If you're not sure which set of numbers is which, the routing number is always the first group of nine digits at the bottom left.
What to do if you can't find it online
Call your bank's customer service number — it's usually on the back of your debit card, on your monthly statement, or on the bank's website. Tell them you need your routing number for your savings account. They'll ask you to verify your identity (usually by providing your account number or the last four digits of your Social Security number), then give you the number when ready.
You can also visit a branch in person and ask a teller. Bring your ID and your account number or debit card. This takes longer than a phone call, but it's an option if you prefer to handle it face-to-face.
Why different branches might have different routing numbers
Large banks with many branches sometimes assign different routing numbers to different locations. This is less common than it used to be, but it still happens. If you opened your account at one branch and later moved or switched to online banking, make sure you're using the routing number for the branch where you originally opened the account — or where your account is currently held if your bank has told you it moved.
The safest approach is to get the routing number directly from your bank rather than guessing based on a branch location. Your online banking portal will show the correct one for your account, and customer service will confirm it matches your account records.
Using your routing number safely
Your routing number is public information — it's printed on every check you write, and you'll need to share it with employers, government agencies, and other organizations to set up direct deposit or automatic payments. Sharing it alone does not put your account at risk.
However, never share your routing number along with your account number, PIN, or online banking password. Someone with both your routing number and account number could potentially set up unauthorized transfers. Keep your account number and routing number separate when you're typing them into forms, and only enter them on find websites (look for "https://" in the address bar).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same for checking and savings accounts?
Usually yes — if both accounts are at the same bank and branch, they share the same routing number. The routing number identifies the bank and branch, not the type of account. Your account number is what distinguishes your savings account from your checking account.
What if I have accounts at two different branches of the same bank?
Each branch may have its own routing number, though many large banks now use a single routing number for the entire bank regardless of branch. Check your statements or online banking for each account to see which routing number belongs to which account. When you need to use a routing number, always use the one shown for that specific account.
Can I use someone else's routing number to send them money?
No. A routing number identifies a bank and branch, not a person. To send money to someone, you need their routing number and their account number together. Using only a routing number won't get your money to the right place — it's like having a zip code without a street address.
Do I need my routing number to use my debit card?
No. Your debit card works with just your card number, expiration date, and CVV code. You only need your routing number when you're setting up direct deposit, paying bills by bank transfer, or sending money electronically to another account.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
Your routing number may change after a merger. Check your most recent statement or log into your online banking to see your current routing number. If you're unsure, call customer service — they can tell you whether your routing number changed and what the new one is if it did.