Your routing number is on your checks, your bank's website, and your bank directly
Your routing number is a nine-digit code that tells the banking system which institution holds your account. You need it when you set up direct deposit, arrange wire transfers, or authorize automatic payments. The fastest way to find it is to look at a check from your account — the routing number is printed at the bottom left, before your account number.
If you don't have checks or prefer not to use them, your bank's website almost always displays your routing number in the account details section. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for it directly. They will confirm your identity and read it to you over the phone.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears at the bottom left of any check you have, printed as a nine-digit code before your account number.
- Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details, account information, or a section labeled routing and transit numbers.
- Call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement to have them read your routing number to you.
- The routing number is specific to your bank and branch, not to you personally — all customers at the same branch share the same routing number.
Finding your routing number on a paper check
Look at the bottom of any check from your account. 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.
The second group is your account number, which is unique to you. The third group is the check number. If you have not written checks in a while, you can order a new box from your bank — they arrive in a few days — or use one of the other methods below.
Finding your routing number on your bank's website
Log into your online banking account and look for a section called Account Details, Account Information, or Routing Information. Most banks put this on the main dashboard or under a Settings menu. The routing number is usually listed next to your account number.
If you cannot find it on the main account page, try the Help or FAQ section of your bank's website and search for "routing number." Banks often have a dedicated page that lists routing numbers for all their branches. You may need to select your specific branch from a dropdown menu.
Calling your bank to get your routing number
Find the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on a recent bank statement. Call and tell them you need your routing number. They will ask you to confirm your identity — usually your full name, account number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number or a PIN you set up.
Once they confirm who you are, they will read your routing number to you. Write it down or ask them to spell it out digit by digit so you have it correct. This method takes five minutes and requires no login or paperwork.
Understanding what your routing number tells you
Your routing number identifies your bank and the specific branch where your account is held. It does not identify you personally — every customer at the same branch has the same routing number. The first four digits identify the Federal Reserve district and the bank itself. The remaining five digits identify your specific branch.
If you move your account to a different branch of the same bank, your routing number may change. If you switch to a different bank entirely, you will definitely have a new routing number. This is why you need to update your routing number with your employer or service providers if you change banks.
Using your routing number safely
Your routing number is public information — it has to be, because people outside your bank need it to send you money. Sharing your routing number alone does not put your account at risk. However, never share your routing number along with your account number and other identifying information to someone who contacts you unexpectedly.
If someone calls or emails claiming to be from your bank and asks for your routing number, hang up or delete the message. Your actual bank already has this information. Legitimate requests for your routing number come from you — you provide it when you set up direct deposit or authorize a payment.
What to do if you cannot find your routing number
If your bank's website is down or you cannot log in, call customer service. If you have moved and your mail is delayed, ask your bank to mail you a new set of checks or a statement that shows your routing number. If you opened your account online and never received checks, your bank's website is your fastest option.
Some online banks do not issue checks at all. If your bank is online-only, log into your account and look for Account Details or Routing Information. If you still cannot find it, email customer service or use the chat feature on their website. They can send you the information within a few hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my account number?
No. Your routing number identifies your bank and branch — it is the same for all customers there. Your account number is unique to you. Both appear at the bottom of your checks, with the routing number on the left and your account number in the middle.
Do I need a different routing number for each type of account?
No. If you have a checking account and a savings account at the same branch, they share the same routing number. The account number is what distinguishes between them. If your accounts are at different branches, the routing numbers may differ.
Can my routing number change?
Yes, if your bank merges with another bank or if you move your account to a different branch. If this happens, your bank will notify you and provide your new routing number. Update it with your employer and any services that use it for automatic payments.
What if I give someone my routing number by mistake?
Your routing number alone is not enough to access your account or move money. Someone would also need your account number and additional identifying information. If you are concerned, contact your bank and let them know. They can monitor your account for unusual activity.
Do credit unions have routing numbers?
Yes. Credit unions use routing numbers the same way banks do. You can find your credit union's routing number on your checks, on their website, or by calling their member service line. The process is identical to finding a bank routing number.