A routing number tells the banking system which bank holds the account you're sending money to
A bank transit routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies a specific bank or credit union in the United States. When you send money from your account to someone else's, the routing number is how the banking system knows which institution to send it to. Without it, a transfer between banks would have no way to reach the right place.
The routing number is also called an ABA number, after the American Bankers Association, which created the system in 1910. It appears on the bottom left of every check you write. If you look at a check, you'll see three groups of numbers at the bottom: the routing number (nine digits), your account number, and the check number.
The routing number is not secret. Banks publish them openly because they need to be known for transfers to work. Knowing someone's routing number and account number does not let anyone withdraw money from the account—only deposit to it or receive a wire transfer to it.
Key Takeaways
- A routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies which bank or credit union holds an account, used by the banking system to direct transfers to the correct institution.
- The routing number appears on the bottom left of checks and is also called an ABA number after the American Bankers Association.
- Routing numbers are public information and are required for direct deposits, wire transfers, and ACH transfers between accounts at different banks.
- Each bank branch may have its own routing number, or a single routing number may serve multiple branches, depending on how the bank structures its operations.
How the routing number moves money between banks
When you set up a direct deposit or send an ACH transfer (a bank-to-bank transfer that takes one to three business days), you provide both a routing number and an account number. The routing number tells the Federal Reserve or the ACH network which bank to send the money to. The account number tells that bank which account within the bank should receive it.
The routing number is also used for wire transfers, which move money the same day or next business day. When you wire money, you give your bank the recipient's routing number and account number, and your bank sends the instruction through the wire network to the recipient's bank.
Without the routing number, the system would not know whether you meant Bank of America in New York or Bank of America in California, or whether you meant Bank of America at all. The routing number removes that ambiguity.
Routing numbers are specific to banks, not to you
Your routing number belongs to your bank, not to you personally. If you have accounts at two different banks, you have two different routing numbers. If you have multiple accounts at the same bank, they share the same routing number (though some large banks assign different routing numbers to different branches or divisions).
When you close an account and move to a different bank, your routing number changes because you now have an account at a different institution. Your account number also changes. Both pieces of information are tied to the bank, not to you.
Some banks use a single routing number for all their branches nationwide. Others assign a different routing number to each branch or region. There is no standard rule—it depends on how the bank set up its operations with the Federal Reserve.
Where to find your routing number
The easiest place to find your routing number is on a check. Look at the bottom left of the check. The first nine-digit number you see is the routing number. The next set of numbers is your account number.
You can also find your routing number on your bank's website, usually in the "Help" or "Customer Service" section under "Routing Number" or "Bank Information." Call your bank's customer service line and ask—they will give it to you when ready. Some banks print it on statements or in online banking under account details.
If you need to find the routing number for a bank you don't have an account with (for example, to set up a direct deposit to that bank), the Federal Reserve publishes a searchable database of all routing numbers. You can search by bank name and state.
Routing numbers for wire transfers versus ACH transfers
Most banks have one routing number that works for both wire transfers and ACH transfers. However, some large banks maintain separate routing numbers for wire transfers and ACH transfers. Before you send money, confirm with your bank which routing number to use for the type of transfer you're making.
If you use the wrong routing number, the transfer may be rejected, delayed, or sent to the wrong bank. Your bank can tell you in seconds which routing number applies to your transfer. It's worth the phone call to get it right.
What a routing number does not do
A routing number does not identify you or give anyone access to your money. Sharing your routing number and account number is safe—in fact, you have to share them for direct deposits and transfers to work. Someone who knows your routing number and account number can deposit money to your account or receive a wire transfer, but they cannot withdraw money without your authorization.
A routing number is not the same as a SWIFT code. SWIFT codes are used for international wire transfers and identify banks outside the United States. If you're sending money to another country, you'll need the recipient's SWIFT code, not their routing number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same routing number for all my transfers?
Yes, if your bank uses a single routing number for all transaction types. However, some banks maintain separate routing numbers for wire transfers and ACH transfers. Contact your bank to confirm which routing number to use for each type of transfer you plan to make.
What happens if I use the wrong routing number?
The transfer may be rejected by the receiving bank, delayed while the banks sort out the error, or sent to the wrong institution. If money goes to the wrong bank, you'll need to contact your bank to trace it and request a reversal. This can take several business days.
Do I need a routing number to receive money?
Yes. Anyone sending you money via direct deposit, ACH transfer, or wire transfer will need your routing number and account number. You'll provide both when you set up direct deposit with an employer or when you give someone your banking details for a transfer.
Is my routing number the same as my bank's main routing number?
Usually yes, but not always. Some banks assign different routing numbers to different branches or divisions. Check a recent check or contact your bank to confirm the routing number for your specific account, especially if your bank is large or operates across multiple states.