The fastest way to find your routing number
Your routing number is printed on the bottom left of every check you have from that bank. If you have a checkbook, open it and look at the first check. You will see nine digits in the bottom left corner — that is your routing number. It comes before your account number, which is longer.
If you do not have checks or cannot find them, log into your bank's website or mobile app. Most banks display your routing number in the account details or settings section. Some banks call it the "ABA number" or "transit number" — these are the same thing.
Your third option is to call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement. A representative can read your routing number to you in under a minute. This is the most reliable method if you are unsure whether you have found the right number.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears in the bottom left corner of any check from your bank account, before your account number.
- You can find it by logging into your bank's website or app and looking in the account details or settings section.
- Calling your bank's customer service line is the fastest way to confirm you have the correct number if you are uncertain.
- The routing number is the same for all customers of that bank in your region, so one correct number works for any transaction.
- Different branches of the same bank may have different routing numbers, so always use the one for your specific branch.
Why banks have routing numbers
A routing number tells the banking system which bank to send your money to. When you set up a direct deposit at work, transfer money between banks, or pay a bill by check, the routing number is how the system knows where your account lives. Without it, the money would not know where to go.
Each bank — and sometimes each branch of a bank — has its own routing number. This is why you cannot use the routing number from your friend's bank account, even if you both use the same bank. You need the routing number for the specific branch where your account is held.
Where to look on your check
At the bottom of a check, you will see three groups of numbers separated by vertical lines. The first group, on the far left, is your routing number. It is always nine digits long. The second group is your account number, which is usually longer. The third group is the check number.
The routing number is printed in a special magnetic ink that machines can read automatically. This is why it sits in that specific spot — it is designed to be read by check-processing equipment, not just by people.
Finding your routing number online
Log into your bank's website using your username and password. Look for a section called "Account Details," "Account Information," "Settings," or "My Accounts." Most banks list the routing number right next to your account number in this section.
If you use your bank's mobile app, the same information is usually available. Tap on your account name or an icon that looks like a gear or three horizontal lines to open settings. The routing number may be listed under "Account Information" or a similar heading.
Some banks hide this information one level deeper. If you cannot find it in the obvious places, try looking under "Wire Transfer Information" or "Direct Deposit Setup" — these sections often display the routing number because you need it for those transactions.
Calling your bank to confirm
Find the customer service number on the back of your debit card, on a recent bank statement, or on your bank's website. Call during business hours and tell the representative you need your routing number. Have your account number or the last four digits of your Social Security number ready — they will ask for one to verify your identity.
The representative will give you the nine-digit routing number and may ask which branch you use. If you are not sure which branch, tell them the city or zip code where you opened your account. They can confirm the correct routing number for that location.
When you need your routing number
You will need your routing number when you set up direct deposit for your paycheck, arrange automatic bill payments, or transfer money from another bank into your account. You may also need it if you are receiving a wire transfer or setting up a payment through a third-party service like PayPal or a bill-pay website.
Keep your routing number in a safe place where you can find it quickly. You do not need to memorize it, but having it written down or saved in your phone can save time when you need it. Your routing number is not secret — it is printed on every check you write — so there is no security risk in keeping it accessible.
Routing numbers for different banks
If you have accounts at more than one bank, each bank will have its own routing number. Write down the routing number for each bank separately and label them clearly so you do not mix them up. Using the wrong routing number will send your money to the wrong bank, which can delay the transaction by several days.
Some large banks have multiple routing numbers depending on which state you live in or which branch you use. If you move to a different state, check whether your bank's routing number has changed. Your bank's website or a quick phone call can confirm whether you need a new routing number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my account number?
No. Your routing number identifies your bank; your account number identifies your specific account at that bank. The routing number is nine digits and appears on the left side of the bottom of your check. Your account number is usually longer and appears in the middle.
Can I use someone else's routing number if we bank at the same place?
Yes, as long as you both use the same bank and the same branch. The routing number is the same for all customers at that branch. However, you should always use your own account number along with the routing number so the money goes to your account, not theirs.
What if my bank does not show the routing number online?
Call your bank's customer service line. They can provide your routing number in a few minutes. You can also visit a branch in person and ask a teller — they will write it down for you when ready.
Do I need a different routing number if I move to a new state?
It depends on your bank. Some banks use the same routing number nationwide. Others assign different routing numbers by state or region. Contact your bank to confirm whether your routing number changes when you move.
Is it safe to give someone my routing number?
Yes. Your routing number is not secret — it is printed on every check you write. You need to give it to your employer for direct deposit and to other people or businesses when you ask them to send you money. Your account number is what protects your account, and you should keep that private.