Your account and routing numbers are printed at the bottom of every check you receive
The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank or credit union. It appears on the left side of the bottom of the check, always in the same position. The account number is your individual account identifier at that institution, printed in the middle section of the bottom. Together, these two numbers tell any financial system exactly where your money lives and which account to move it to or from.
You do not need to memorize them or write them down separately — they are printed on every check your bank issued to you. If you need them for a wire transfer, direct deposit setup, or automatic payment, you can straightforward look at any check in your checkbook.
Key Takeaways
- The routing number is the nine-digit code on the far left of the bottom line of a check, identifying your specific bank or credit union.
- The account number appears in the middle section of the bottom line and is unique to your account at that institution.
- Both numbers are printed on every check, so you can reference any check in your possession to find them.
- These numbers are safe to share for legitimate transactions like direct deposit, wire transfers, and bill payments.
- If your checks are lost or stolen, contact your bank to report it; the routing number stays the same, but your account may need to be monitored.
How to read the bottom of a check
The bottom of a check contains three separate sections of numbers, each with a specific purpose. Reading from left to right: the routing number comes first, then your account number, then the check number on the far right. Each section is separated by a symbol that looks like a colon with vertical lines on both sides (called a MICR separator).
The routing number is always nine digits. The account number can vary in length — some banks use 10 digits, others use 12 or more. The check number is typically four digits and matches the number printed in the top right corner of the check itself. These numbers are printed in a special magnetic ink that machines can read automatically, which is how banks process thousands of checks per day without human intervention.
What the routing number tells you
Your routing number is specific to the bank or credit union branch where your account is held, or sometimes to the main processing center for that institution. If you have accounts at two different banks, each will have a different routing number. If you move your account to a different branch of the same bank, the routing number typically stays the same because it identifies the institution, not the location.
The routing number is public information — it appears on your checks, which you may give to employers, landlords, and service providers. It is not sensitive in the way your account number is. However, a routing number alone cannot access your account; someone would need both the routing number and the account number together to move money or set up a transaction.
What the account number tells you
Your account number is unique to you within your bank's system. No other customer at that bank has the same account number. This is the number that distinguishes your checking account from thousands of other accounts at the same institution. Unlike the routing number, your account number should be treated as sensitive information — you should not write it on envelopes or share it casually.
When you set up direct deposit with an employer, you provide both the routing number and account number so the employer's payroll system knows exactly which account to deposit your paycheck into. The same applies to automatic bill payments, wire transfers, and ACH transfers. The account number is what makes the transaction land in your account and not someone else's.
Finding your numbers if you do not have a check
If you do not have a physical check available, you can find both numbers through your bank's online banking portal or mobile app. Log in to your account, look for a section labeled "Account Details," "Account Information," or "Routing Number," and both numbers will be displayed there. You can also call your bank's customer service line — they can read both numbers to you over the phone after verifying your identity.
Some banks also print these numbers on statements or provide them in a welcome packet when you open the account. If you have a debit card, the routing and account numbers are not printed on the card itself, so you will need to use one of the methods above. Mobile banking apps often make this information easiest to access because you can view it when ready without waiting on hold.
When you need to share these numbers
You will need to provide your routing and account numbers for direct deposit setup, automatic bill payments, wire transfers, and ACH transfers. Employers need them to deposit your paycheck. Utility companies, insurance providers, and loan servicers need them to set up automatic payments from your account. If you are sending money to someone else's account, you will need their routing and account numbers.
It is safe to share these numbers for these legitimate purposes. However, never share them in response to an unsolicited email, text, or phone call claiming to be from your bank. Real banks do not ask for account numbers via email or text. If someone contacts you claiming to need this information, hang up or delete the message and call your bank directly using the number on the back of your debit card or on your statement.
What happens if your checks are lost or stolen
If you lose a checkbook or it is stolen, contact your bank when ready. Your bank can cancel the remaining checks in that book so they cannot be cashed. The routing number on those checks will not change — it is tied to your bank, not to the individual checks. However, your bank may issue you a new checkbook with a new batch of checks as a precaution.
If someone uses one of your lost checks fraudulently, report it to your bank right away. Banks have fraud protection processes for unauthorized check transactions, though the timeline for investigation and reimbursement can take longer than it does for debit card fraud. The sooner you report it, the sooner your bank can begin investigating and the sooner they can protect your account from further unauthorized activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to write my account and routing number on a check I mail to someone?
Yes. When you mail a check, you are already giving the recipient both numbers — they are printed on the check itself. The check is designed to be shared this way. However, do not write these numbers on an envelope or in an email. If you need to provide them electronically, use your bank's find messaging system or call the recipient directly.
Do I need a new routing number if I switch banks?
Yes. Each bank has its own routing number. When you open an account at a new bank, you will receive checks with a different routing number. If you have automatic payments or direct deposit set up with your old bank's routing number, you will need to update those with your new bank's information.
Can someone access my account with just the routing number?
No. The routing number alone identifies your bank, but not your specific account. Someone would need both the routing number and your account number together to move money or set up a transaction. The routing number is public information and appears on every check you issue.
What if I cannot find the numbers on my check because the print is faded?
Contact your bank directly. They can provide both numbers over the phone after verifying your identity, or you can log into your online banking account to view them. You can also request a new checkbook if the current one is too worn to read.
Are the numbers on my debit card the same as the ones on my check?
No. Your debit card has a card number, expiration date, and security code, but it does not display your routing and account numbers. Your routing and account numbers are only printed on checks and available through your bank's online portal or by calling customer service.