Your savings account uses the same routing number as your checking account

The routing number for a savings account is not different from the routing number for a checking account at the same bank. Both accounts at the same institution share one routing number. That number identifies your bank to the financial system — it tells other banks where to send money that belongs to you.

When you give someone your routing number and account number together, you are giving them the information they need to send money into your account. The routing number says "this bank," and the account number says "this specific account within that bank." Your savings account and checking account are both at the same bank, so they both use that one routing number.

Key Takeaways

  • Your savings account routing number is the same as your checking account routing number — it identifies your bank, not the type of account.
  • You can find your routing number on the bottom left of any check, in your online banking portal, or by calling your bank's customer service line.
  • The routing number is nine digits and stays the same for every account you hold at that bank.
  • You need both your routing number and your account number when setting up direct deposit, wire transfers, or automatic payments.

Where to find your routing number

The easiest place to find your routing number is on a check from your checking account. Look at the bottom left corner of the check. You will see three groups of numbers. The first group, on the far left, is your routing number. It is always nine digits long.

If you do not have a check, log into your online banking portal or mobile app. Most banks display your routing number in the account details section, sometimes labeled "Bank Information" or "Account Information." You can also call your bank's customer service number — it is usually on the back of your debit card — and ask for your routing number. They will give it to you over the phone.

Why you need it for your savings account

You will need your routing number and account number together when you set up direct deposit — when your employer sends your paycheck straight into your account instead of giving you a paper check. You will also need both numbers if you want to set up an automatic transfer from another bank into your savings account, or if someone outside your bank wants to send you money electronically.

Some banks also ask for your routing number when you set up automatic bill payments from your savings account, though many will let you just enter your account number. When in doubt, provide both numbers. Having the routing number makes the transaction faster and more certain to reach the right place.

The difference between routing number and account number

Your account number is unique to that one account — your savings account has a different account number than your checking account, even though they are at the same bank. Your routing number is the same for both because it identifies the bank itself, not the individual account.

Think of it this way: the routing number is like the address of the bank building. The account number is like the mailbox inside that building. When you give someone both pieces of information, they know exactly where to send your money.

What happens if you give the wrong routing number

If you provide an incorrect routing number, the money usually does not reach your account. Instead, it may go to a different bank, or the sending bank may reject the transaction and return the money to the sender. This can take several days or even weeks.

If you are setting up direct deposit or an automatic transfer and you are not sure about your routing number, double-check it before you submit the form. Call your bank or log into your account to confirm the nine-digit number. A few seconds of checking now saves you the trouble of tracking down a missing payment later.

Routing numbers for different types of banks

Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo each have one routing number that covers all their branches nationwide. If you have an account at a Chase branch in California and another in New York, both accounts use the same routing number.

Credit unions and smaller regional banks may have different routing numbers depending on which branch you opened your account at, though many have moved to a single routing number for all branches. Online banks that have no physical branches have one routing number for all their customers. If you are unsure, your bank's website or a phone call to customer service will give you the exact number for your account.

Keeping your routing number safe

Your routing number is not secret information — it is printed on every check you write, and you have to share it with employers, landlords, and others who need to send you money. You do not need to protect it the way you protect your PIN or password.

However, never share your full account number with someone you do not trust, and never give out both your routing number and account number to a stranger who calls or emails you. Legitimate companies you do business with will ask for these numbers when you initiate the transaction, not the other way around.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my routing number to receive money from anyone?

Yes. Anyone who has your routing number and account number can send you money electronically, whether it is your employer, a friend, a government agency, or a business that owes you a refund. That is the whole point of having these numbers — they let money reach your account from outside your bank.

Does my routing number change if I move to a different branch?

No. Your routing number stays the same even if you move to a different city or state. It identifies your bank, not your branch. Your account number also stays the same. You do not need to update direct deposit or automatic payments just because you changed branches.

What if my bank merged with another bank?

After a merger, your routing number may change. Your bank will notify you and provide your new routing number. You will need to update any automatic payments or direct deposit arrangements with your new number. Your bank's website or customer service can tell you whether your routing number changed.

Is the routing number the same for wire transfers and ACH transfers?

Yes, you use the same routing number for both. ACH transfers are the electronic transfers used for direct deposit and automatic bill payments. Wire transfers are faster but more expensive. Both use your routing number to identify your bank.