Where to find both numbers on your check
Your routing number and account number are printed at the bottom of every check you receive. The routing number comes first, then your account number, then the check number. All three are printed in MICR ink — a special magnetic ink that machines can read — and they appear in a specific order from left to right.
The routing number is always nine digits. Your account number can be anywhere from 8 to 12 digits, depending on your bank. The check number is usually the shortest, typically 4 to 5 digits, and it matches the number printed in the upper right corner of the check.
If you're looking at a check right now, look at the very bottom. You'll see three groups of numbers separated by vertical lines. The first group is your routing number. The second group is your account number. The third is the check number.
Key Takeaways
- The routing number is the first nine-digit group at the bottom of your check, printed in magnetic ink between two vertical lines.
- Your account number is the second group of digits, usually 8 to 12 digits long, and identifies your specific account at that bank.
- The check number appears both at the bottom (in magnetic ink) and in the upper right corner of the check in regular print.
- You need both numbers together when setting up direct deposit, making wire transfers, or authorizing automatic payments.
Understanding what the routing number tells you
The routing number identifies your bank or credit union, not you personally. It tells the Federal Reserve and other banks which financial institution holds your account. Every bank has its own routing number, and some large banks have multiple routing numbers depending on which branch or region processes the transaction.
The routing number stays the same for every check you order from that account. If you switch banks, your new checks will have a different routing number. If you stay with the same bank but move to a different branch, your routing number usually does not change — the number is tied to the bank's processing center, not the physical location where you opened the account.
Understanding what the account number tells you
Your account number is unique to you at that specific bank. It identifies which account the money should go into or come out of. Two people at the same bank will have completely different account numbers. Your account number does not change unless you close the account and open a new one.
The account number is what prevents your paycheck from going into someone else's account at the same bank. When you give someone your routing number and account number together, you are giving them the complete address for your money.
Why the order matters when you use these numbers
When you set up direct deposit with your employer, you will enter the routing number first, then the account number. The order is always the same: routing number, then account number. If you reverse them, the deposit will fail or go to the wrong account.
The same order applies when you authorize automatic bill payments, set up transfers between banks, or provide information for a wire transfer. Some forms will label the fields clearly. Others will just have blank lines. If the form does not label them, look at the bottom of your check and enter them in the order they appear: routing first, account second.
How to verify you have the right numbers
If you are unsure whether you copied the numbers correctly, log into your online banking portal. Most banks display both your routing number and account number in the account settings or in a section labeled "Account Information" or "Bank Details." You can also call your bank's customer service line — the number is usually on the back of your debit card or on your bank statements — and ask them to confirm both numbers over the phone.
Write down the numbers exactly as they appear on your check or in your online account. Do not add spaces or dashes unless the form you are filling out specifically asks for them. Copy the numbers digit by digit, because a single wrong number will cause the transaction to fail.
What happens if you give out these numbers
Sharing your routing number and account number is necessary for legitimate transactions like direct deposit and bill payments. However, you should only share them with organizations you trust and that you initiated contact with. Do not give these numbers to someone who calls you unexpectedly or emails you asking for them.
If you believe someone has your account number and routing number without your permission, contact your bank when ready. They can monitor your account for unauthorized activity and, if needed, close the account and issue you a new one with a new account number. Your routing number cannot be changed — it belongs to your bank — but a new account number will prevent further unauthorized use of that specific account.
Reading the numbers on older or damaged checks
If your check is faded, torn, or the magnetic ink is smudged, the numbers may be hard to read. In that case, do not guess. Call your bank or log into your online account to get the correct numbers. A single misread digit will cause the transaction to fail, and you may not know it failed right away.
If you have already submitted the numbers to an employer or service provider and the transaction failed, contact them and ask them to re-submit with the correct information. Most systems will retry automatically after a few days, but you can usually request an when ready retry once you have corrected the numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my bank's main routing number?
Not always. Large banks have multiple routing numbers for different regions or processing centers. The routing number on your check is the correct one to use for your account. If you look up your bank's routing number online and it does not match your check, use the number on your check instead.
Can someone access my account with just the routing number?
No. The routing number alone only identifies your bank. Someone would need both your routing number and your account number to transfer money or set up payments. Sharing your routing number by itself is generally safe, but always provide both numbers only to trusted organizations.
What if my check does not have the magnetic ink numbers at the bottom?
Some specialty checks or very old checks may not have the MICR numbers printed. In that case, contact your bank directly and ask them to provide your routing number and account number. Do not attempt to use the check for direct deposit or automatic payments without these numbers.
Do I need the check number for direct deposit?
No. Direct deposit requires only the routing number and account number. The check number is used to track individual checks you write, not for electronic deposits or transfers. You can ignore the check number when setting up direct deposit.
Will my account number change if I order new checks?
No. Your account number stays the same for the life of the account, even if you order new checks multiple times. The routing number also stays the same. Every check from your account will have the same routing and account numbers printed on it.