The routing number is the nine-digit code on the left side of the bottom line; your account number is the longer code in the middle
Every check has three sets of numbers printed along the bottom in magnetic ink. The routing number — nine digits — identifies which bank or credit union issued the check. The account number — usually 10 to 12 digits — identifies your specific account at that bank. A third number on the right is the check number itself. You need both the routing and account number when you set up direct deposit, authorize automatic payments, or receive a wire transfer.
The routing number always comes first on the left. The account number always comes in the middle. This order is standardized across all U.S. banks, so once you know where to look on one check, you can find them on any other check from the same account.
Key Takeaways
- The routing number (nine digits) appears first on the left of the bottom line and identifies your bank.
- The account number (10 to 12 digits) appears in the middle of the bottom line and identifies your specific account.
- Both numbers are printed in magnetic ink and are machine-readable, which is why they look slightly different from the printed text above them.
- You can also find both numbers on your bank statement, on your bank's website, or by calling your bank's customer service line.
How to read the numbers on the bottom of a check
Look at the bottom edge of any check. You will see a row of numbers printed in a special font that looks slightly raised or embossed. These are MICR numbers — Magnetic Ink Character Recognition — and they are designed to be read by machines at banks and payment processors.
From left to right, the layout is always: routing number, account number, check number. The routing number is always nine digits with no letters. The account number varies in length but is typically 10 to 12 digits. The check number on the far right is usually four to five digits and matches the number printed in the top right corner of the check.
If the numbers are hard to read because the check is old, worn, or printed faintly, do not guess. Call your bank or check your statement instead — both will show the correct numbers.
What each number is used for
The routing number tells the banking system which financial institution holds the account. When you receive a direct deposit, the employer's bank uses your routing number to send the money to the correct bank. When you authorize an automatic bill payment, the biller's system uses the routing number to debit your account through the correct clearing house. The routing number is the same for all accounts at your bank, so every check from your bank will have the same routing number.
The account number tells the banking system which specific account within that bank should receive or send the money. Your bank may have multiple accounts — checking, savings, money market — and each one has a different account number. When you set up direct deposit or a recurring payment, you must provide both numbers so the system knows which bank and which account to use.
The check number is for your own record-keeping. It helps you track which check you wrote and when. Banks do not require the check number to process a payment, but it is useful if you need to stop payment on a specific check or dispute a transaction.
Where else to find your routing and account number
You do not need a check to find these numbers. Your bank statement — whether printed or online — displays both the routing number and account number at the top or in an account information section. Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for "account details" or "account information." Most banks also print these numbers on the back of your debit card or in the welcome materials you received when you opened the account.
If you cannot locate them, call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your statement. Have your account number or Social Security number ready to verify your identity. The representative can read both numbers to you over the phone or email them to you securely.
Why you should never share these numbers carelessly
Your routing number is public information — it is printed on every check you write and is not sensitive on its own. However, your account number is personal. Together, the routing and account number can be used to set up unauthorized automatic withdrawals, direct deposits to the wrong account, or fraudulent wire transfers.
Share these numbers only with people and organizations you trust: your employer for direct deposit, your bank for authorized transfers, or a business you are paying intentionally. Do not post them on social media, include them in emails to unknown recipients, or give them to someone who calls you unsolicited. Legitimate businesses will never ask for these numbers by phone or email unless you initiated the contact.
If you believe someone has your account number and may use it fraudulently, contact your bank when ready. Banks can monitor accounts for suspicious activity and can reverse unauthorized transfers in many cases, though the speed of reversal depends on the type of transaction and how quickly you report it.
Common mistakes when providing routing and account numbers
The most common error is transposing digits — writing a 5 as an 8 or reversing the order of two numbers. If even one digit is wrong, the transaction will either fail or go to the wrong account. Always double-check both numbers before submitting them, and compare them against your check or statement rather than relying on memory.
Another mistake is confusing the routing number with the bank's main phone number or branch code. The routing number is always nine digits and appears only on checks and statements. If someone asks for a "bank code" or "branch number," that is different from the routing number — ask them to clarify what they need.
Some people also provide the check number by accident when asked for the account number. The check number is the shortest of the three and appears on the far right of the bottom line. It changes with each check, so it is not the account number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone withdraw money from my account if they only have my routing number?
No. A routing number alone cannot be used to withdraw money — a thief would also need your account number. However, the routing number is public information printed on every check, so it is not sensitive. The account number is what you should protect.
Is the routing number the same for all my accounts at the same bank?
Yes. The routing number identifies the bank itself, not a specific account. All your checking, savings, and money market accounts at the same bank share the same routing number. The account number is what distinguishes one account from another.
What if the numbers on my check are smudged or unclear?
Do not guess or try to fill in missing digits. Contact your bank directly — they can confirm the correct numbers from their records. You can also find them on your bank statement or by logging into your online banking portal.
Do I need the check number for direct deposit or bill payments?
No. Direct deposit and automatic bill payments require only the routing number and account number. The check number is for your personal record-keeping and is not used by the banking system for these transactions.
Why do the routing and account numbers look different from the other text on the check?
They are printed in magnetic ink using a special font designed to be read by bank machines. This MICR technology allows checks to be processed quickly and automatically, even if the rest of the check is damaged or faded.