Your routing number is a nine-digit code printed on the bottom left of your checks
The routing number is the first set of nine digits at the bottom left corner of any check from your account. It identifies which bank or credit union holds your account. You need it when you set up direct deposit, arrange automatic bill payments, or send money via wire transfer.
The routing number stays the same for every check from the same account. It does not change if you move, close and reopen an account, or update your address with the bank. It is tied to the specific branch or institution, not to you personally.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number is the nine-digit code on the bottom left of your checks, before your account number.
- You can find it on your bank's website, by calling customer service, or through your online banking portal without needing a check.
- Different branches of the same bank may have different routing numbers, so verify you have the right one for your specific location.
- The routing number is public information — sharing it is safe, but never share it alongside your full account number and PIN together.
Where to find your routing number without a check
If you do not have a check in front of you, log into your online banking account. Most banks display the routing number in the account details section, often labeled "Account Information" or "Bank Details." The location varies by bank, but it is usually one or two clicks from your account summary.
You can also call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card. Have your account number ready, and they will read the routing number to you over the phone. This takes about two minutes.
Your bank's website often has a routing number lookup tool. Search "[Your Bank Name] routing number" and you will usually find a page where you can enter your state or branch location to confirm the number. This is useful if you are setting up a payment for someone else and want to verify you have the correct routing number for their bank.
Why different branches sometimes have different routing numbers
Large banks with many branches may assign different routing numbers to different locations or regions. This is less common than it used to be, but it still happens. If you opened your account at one branch and later moved, your routing number may not match the branch nearest your new home.
The safest approach is to use the routing number from your checks or your online banking portal, since both reflect the actual routing number tied to your specific account. Do not assume that the routing number for a different branch of the same bank is the same as yours.
How routing numbers work with account numbers
Your routing number and account number work together but serve different purposes. The routing number tells the banking system which institution to send money to. Your account number tells that institution which account within the bank should receive it. Both are needed for direct deposit, wire transfers, and automatic payments.
The routing number appears first on your check (the leftmost nine digits at the bottom). Your account number comes next, followed by the check number on the far right. When you give someone your banking information for a transfer, you will need to provide both numbers.
What information is safe to share
Your routing number is public information. Sharing it alone does not put your account at risk. Banks, employers, and billing services need it to send you money or set up automatic payments, and there is no security reason to keep it secret.
However, never share your routing number together with your full account number and PIN at the same time, especially over email or text. If someone asks for all three pieces of information together, that is a sign of a scam. Legitimate businesses will ask for these separately or through find channels.
Routing numbers for wire transfers and ACH payments
When you send money via wire transfer or ACH (automated clearing house) payment, you will need the recipient's routing number and account number. Wire transfers usually process within one business day, while ACH payments take two to three business days.
Some banks use different routing numbers for wire transfers than for ACH payments. If you are setting up a wire transfer, ask your bank whether you should use the routing number from your check or a different one. They will tell you which is correct for that type of transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use someone else's routing number to send them money?
Yes. If you know their routing number and account number, you can set up a direct deposit or ACH payment to their account. You do not need their permission to have their routing number — it is public information. However, you should always confirm the account number is correct before sending money.
What if I cannot find my routing number anywhere?
Call your bank's customer service line. They can confirm your routing number in under five minutes. Have your account number or debit card ready. If you are trying to set up a payment and your bank's website does not show the routing number clearly, customer service is the fastest way forward.
Do I need a different routing number if I move to another state?
Not necessarily. Your routing number is tied to your bank and branch, not your home address. If you move but keep the same account at the same bank, your routing number stays the same. If you switch banks, you will have a new routing number for the new account.
Is my routing number the same as my bank's main routing number?
Not always. Large banks may have multiple routing numbers for different regions or branches. Always use the routing number from your checks or online banking portal, since that is the one tied to your specific account. Using a different branch's routing number could delay your payment.
What happens if I give someone the wrong routing number?
The payment will likely be rejected or sent to the wrong account. If money goes to the wrong account, contact your bank when ready. They can file a trace to recover the funds, but the process takes time. Always double-check the routing number before confirming a transfer.