Where to find your routing number in seconds
Your routing number is printed on the bottom left of every check you have from that bank account. If you have a checkbook in front of you right now, look at the first nine digits on the bottom of any check — that's your routing number. It's the same for every check from that account.
If you don't have checks or can't find them, your bank's website has a routing number lookup tool. Log into your online banking account, go to the settings or account information section, and search for "routing number." Most banks display it plainly. You can also call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card and ask — they'll give it to you in under a minute.
The Federal Reserve also maintains a public routing number database at frbservices.org. You can search by bank name and state, and it will return the routing number for any branch location.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears as the first nine digits on the bottom left of any check from your account.
- You can find it by logging into your bank's website, calling customer service, or searching the Federal Reserve's public database.
- Your routing number is the same across all accounts at the same bank branch, but different banks and different branches of the same bank may have different routing numbers.
- You need your routing number and account number together when setting up direct deposit, wire transfers, or automatic bill payments.
Why banks use routing numbers
Routing numbers exist so money gets to the right bank. When you set up direct deposit at work or arrange a wire transfer, the sending bank needs to know which bank to send the money to. The routing number is the address that tells the financial system where your account lives.
The routing number is not secret — it's printed on every check you write. It identifies your bank and branch, but it doesn't give anyone access to your money. You need both the routing number and your account number to move money, and you need authorization from you or your employer to actually complete the transfer.
Routing numbers versus account numbers
These are two different things, and you need both. Your routing number identifies the bank. Your account number identifies your specific account at that bank. Think of it like an address: the routing number is the street address of the bank building, and the account number is your apartment number inside.
Your account number is usually 10 to 12 digits and appears on the bottom of your checks as well — it comes after the routing number. You can also find your account number in your online banking portal, on your debit card statement, or by calling customer service.
What to do if you have multiple accounts at the same bank
If you have a checking account and a savings account at the same bank branch, they share the same routing number but have different account numbers. The routing number stays the same; only the account number changes. This matters when you're setting up transfers between your own accounts or receiving deposits — you need to specify which account the money should go to.
If you have accounts at different branches of the same bank, check whether they share a routing number. Large banks often use one routing number for the entire state or region, but some use different numbers by branch. Your bank's website will show you the correct routing number for each account.
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-only institution, you won't have a physical branch to visit, but you can find the routing number the same way: log into your account online, call customer service, or search the Federal Reserve database by the bank's legal name.
Credit unions often have multiple routing numbers depending on which credit union you belong to. If you're a member of a smaller credit union, search for "[Your Credit Union Name] routing number" on their website. The number may also appear on your debit card or in your account settings.
What happens if you use the wrong routing number
If you give someone the wrong routing number, the money will go to the wrong bank. The sending bank will eventually catch the error and return the funds to the sender, but this can take several business days. Your money won't be lost, but the transfer will fail and you'll have to start over with the correct number.
This is why it's worth double-checking before you submit a direct deposit form at work or authorize a wire transfer. Copy the routing number directly from your check, your bank's website, or the Federal Reserve database rather than typing it from memory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a routing number to use my debit card?
No. You only need a routing number when money is being sent to your account — for direct deposit, wire transfers, or bill payments. Swiping your debit card or using it at an ATM does not require a routing number.
Is my routing number the same at every branch of my bank?
Usually, yes. Most large banks use one routing number for all branches in a state or region. But some banks assign different routing numbers to different branches. Check your bank's website or call to confirm if you have accounts at multiple locations.
Can someone steal money if they have my routing number?
Not with just the routing number alone. They would also need your account number, and even then they would need authorization to move money. Your routing number is printed on every check you write, so it's not considered confidential information.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
Your routing number may change after a merger. Your bank will notify you and update your account information. Check your bank's website or call customer service to confirm your current routing number if you're unsure after a merger.