Your routing number is on your checks, your bank's website, and the Federal Reserve's database — you do not need to call anyone
Your routing number is a nine-digit code that tells the banking system which bank holds your account. It is printed on the bottom left of every check you have. If you do not have checks or cannot find them, your bank's website has it in the account details section, usually under "Account Information" or "Routing & Account Numbers". You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for it — they will give it to you in under a minute.
The routing number stays the same for your bank and branch, even if you move to a different state or open a new account at the same bank. It is not secret information. You will need it to set up direct deposit, arrange wire transfers, or authorize automatic payments.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of your checks, before your account number.
- You can find it on your bank's website under account details or by calling customer service.
- The Federal Reserve's routing number database is searchable online if you know your bank name and state.
- The routing number is the same for all accounts at your bank branch and does not change when you move money or close accounts.
- Wire transfers and direct deposit both require your routing number, but it is not sensitive information like a password.
Check the bottom left corner of your checks
If you have a checkbook, open it and look at the bottom of any check. You will see three sets of numbers printed in a special magnetic ink format. The first set, on the far left, is your routing number. It is always nine digits. The middle set is your account number. The third set on the right is the check number.
The routing number is printed the same way on every check in your book, so you only need to look at one. If your checks are old or faded, the number may be hard to read — in that case, move to one of the other methods below.
Log into your bank's website or app
Most banks display your routing number in the account details section of their website or mobile app. Log in and look for a tab or menu labeled "Account Information," "Account Details," "Routing & Account Numbers," or "Wire Transfer Information." Some banks put it under "Settings" or "Profile."
If you cannot find it on your own, use the search function (usually a magnifying glass icon) and type "routing number." The bank's website will take you to the right page. You do not need to call — the information is always available to account holders online.
Call your bank's customer service line
Every bank has a customer service number on the back of your debit card or on their website. Call and tell them you need your routing number. Have your account number or the phone number associated with your account ready — they will ask you to verify your identity before giving out any information.
Customer service can give you the routing number in under a minute. If you are setting up direct deposit or a wire transfer and need the number right away, this is the fastest route if you do not have checks or online access.
Use the Federal Reserve's routing number search
The Federal Reserve maintains a public database of all routing numbers in the United States. You can search it at frbservices.org under "Fedwire Participant Search." Enter your bank's name and the state where your branch is located. The database will return your bank's routing number.
This method works if you know your bank's name and state but do not have checks or online access. It is also useful if you are trying to verify a routing number someone else gave you — you can check it against the Federal Reserve's official list to make sure it is correct.
Understand what your routing number is used for
Your routing number tells the banking system where to send money when you receive a direct deposit, set up an automatic payment, or receive a wire transfer. Employers use it to deposit your paycheck. Utilities use it to pull automatic payments from your account. When you send money to someone else's bank account, you give them your routing number so their bank knows where to send it.
The routing number is not sensitive information — it is printed on every check you write and is publicly searchable. You do not need to protect it the way you would protect your PIN or password. However, you should always verify that you are giving the correct routing number to the right person, because a wrong number can send money to the wrong bank or delay a payment.
What to do if your bank has multiple routing numbers
Large banks sometimes have different routing numbers for different regions or for different types of transactions (like wire transfers versus ACH transfers). If you see multiple numbers listed on your bank's website, use the one labeled for your branch location or for the type of transaction you are doing.
If you are unsure which one to use, call your bank and describe what you are trying to do — direct deposit, wire transfer, automatic payment, or something else. They will tell you which routing number to provide. Using the wrong one will not harm your account; the transaction will either be rejected or delayed, and you will be asked to resubmit with the correct 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. Both appear on your checks — the routing number is the first set of nine digits on the bottom left, and your account number is the second set. You need both for direct deposit and wire transfers.
Can I use someone else's routing number to send them money?
Yes. When you send money to another person's account, you give their bank's routing number and their account number. The routing number tells your bank where to send the money. You do not need their permission to know their routing number — it is public information printed on their checks.
What if I give the wrong routing number?
The transaction will usually be rejected or delayed. Your bank or the receiving bank will catch the error and ask you to resubmit with the correct number. Money will not be sent to the wrong place — the banking system will not process a transfer to a routing number that does not match the account number you provided.
Do I need a different routing number if I move to another state?
No. Your routing number is tied to your bank branch, not your home address. If you move but keep your account at the same bank branch, your routing number stays the same. If you close your account and open one at a different bank, you will have a new routing number.
Can I find my routing number on my debit card?
No. Your debit card shows your card number and expiration date, but not your routing number. Your routing number appears on your checks, your bank's website, or by calling customer service. However, the back of your debit card usually has your bank's customer service number, which you can call to ask for your routing number.