Where to find your routing number in seconds
Your routing number is printed on the bottom left of every check you have from that account. If you have a checkbook, open it and look at the first check — the nine-digit number on the far left, before your account number, is your routing number. That is the fastest way to find it.
If you do not have checks or cannot locate them, your bank's website has your routing number listed in the account details section, usually under "Account Information" or "Routing & Account Numbers". You can also call your bank's customer service line — the number is on the back of your debit card — and ask them to read it to you. They will verify your identity first.
Some banks display the routing number in their mobile app under account settings. Others print it on statements. The method depends on your bank, but all three routes — checks, website, or a phone call — will get you the correct number in under five minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of any check from your account, before your account number.
- Your bank's website shows your routing number in the account details or account information section.
- Calling your bank's customer service number (on your debit card) will get you the routing number over the phone after identity verification.
- The routing number is always nine digits and identifies your specific bank branch, not your account itself.
- Different branches of the same bank may have different routing numbers, so use the one for the branch where your account is held.
Why banks have routing numbers
A routing number tells the financial system which bank and which branch holds your account. When you set up a direct deposit, make an electronic transfer, or arrange an automatic payment, the routing number directs the money to the right place. Without it, the system would not know whether to send funds to your bank or to a different institution.
The routing number is not secret — it is printed on every check you write. It is also publicly available because it has to be. What matters for security is your account number, which is different. Your routing number alone cannot be used to withdraw money or access your account. You need both the routing number and the account number together, plus authorization from you, for any transaction to go through.
The difference between routing number and account number
Your routing number identifies your bank and branch. Your account number identifies your specific account at that branch. On a check, the routing number comes first (nine digits on the far left), then your account number (usually ten to twelve digits in the middle). Both appear at the bottom of the check in magnetic ink.
When you give someone your routing number alone, they cannot do anything with it. They need your account number too. For direct deposits and automatic payments, you will need to provide both numbers. For wire transfers, you may also need your bank's name and address. Always verify you are giving this information to a trusted source — your employer for direct deposit, your utility company for automatic bill pay, or a financial institution you initiated contact with.
Finding the routing number for a different bank
If you need the routing number for a bank where you do not have an account — for example, to send someone money or to verify information — you can search for it online. The Federal Reserve maintains a database of all routing numbers by bank and state. You can search by bank name and state, and the system will return the routing number for that branch.
Be cautious of third-party websites that claim to have routing number databases. Some are legitimate, but others may be outdated or incorrect. The safest approach is to call the bank directly or visit their official website. If you are sending money to someone at a specific bank, ask them which branch their account is at, then look up that branch's routing number through the bank's official site or the Federal Reserve database.
What to do if you cannot find your routing number
Call your bank's customer service line. The number is on the back of your debit card, on your bank statements, or on the bank's official website. Have your account number ready — they will ask for it to verify your identity. Once verified, they will give you your routing number when ready. This takes about five minutes.
If you are setting up direct deposit for your paycheck and need the routing number urgently, contact your employer's payroll department and ask if they can look it up for you while you are on the phone. Many payroll systems have routing number databases built in. If that does not work, the phone call to your bank is the fastest remaining option.
Routing numbers for online banks and credit unions
Online banks and credit unions have routing numbers just like traditional banks do. If you bank with an online institution, log into your account on their website and look for account information or account details. The routing number will be listed there. If you cannot find it, call their customer service number — online banks typically have phone support available during business hours.
Credit unions often have multiple routing numbers depending on which branch or service you are using. If you are a credit union member, ask which routing number applies to your specific account. Some credit unions use the same routing number for all members; others vary by branch. Your credit union's website or a call to their member services line will clarify which one is yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone steal money from my account if they have my routing number?
No. A routing number alone cannot be used to withdraw money or transfer funds. Someone would need both your routing number and your account number, plus authorization from you or your bank. Your routing number is printed on every check you write, so it is not considered sensitive information on its own.
Do I need a routing number to receive a wire transfer?
Yes. The sender will need your routing number, account number, and your bank's name and address to send you a wire transfer. Ask your bank for all four pieces of information if you are expecting a wire. Verify the sender is using the correct routing number for your specific branch, since some banks have multiple routing numbers.
What if my bank has multiple routing numbers?
Some large banks have different routing numbers for different regions or services. Use the routing number for the specific branch where your account is held. Your checks will have the correct routing number printed on them. If you are unsure, call your bank and confirm which routing number applies to your account.
Is the routing number the same for checking and savings accounts at the same bank?
Usually yes, but not always. Most banks use the same routing number for all account types at a given branch. However, some banks assign different routing numbers for different services. When you set up a transfer or direct deposit, use the routing number for the account type you are using. Your bank can confirm if there is a difference.
Can I find someone else's routing number?
Yes, if you know which bank and branch they use. You can search the Federal Reserve's routing number database or call the bank directly. Routing numbers are public information. However, you would still need their account number and their authorization to move their money, so knowing the routing number alone does not give you access to their account.