Your routing number is a nine-digit code that tells the banking system which bank holds your account
When money moves between banks—whether you're setting up direct deposit, sending a wire transfer, or paying a bill through your bank's website—the routing number is what directs that money to the right place. It's not unique to you; it's unique to your bank or credit union. Thousands of customers at the same institution share the same routing number.
The routing number is also called a routing transit number or RTN. You'll see it printed on the bottom left of your checks, but you don't need a check to find it. Your bank's website, your mobile app, and a phone call to customer service can all give you the number in seconds.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number identifies your bank, not your individual account—it's the same for all customers at that bank.
- The nine-digit routing number appears on the bottom left of your checks, but you can also find it through your bank's website or by calling customer service.
- Different branches of the same bank may have different routing numbers, so confirm you have the right one before sending money.
- You need both your routing number and your account number together for transfers, direct deposits, and bill payments to reach the correct account.
Where the routing number appears on a check
If you have a checkbook, the routing number is printed on the bottom left edge of every check. It's the first set of nine digits you see when you look at the bottom of the page. The format is always nine digits with no letters or special characters.
The middle set of numbers on that same line is your account number, which is unique to you. The rightmost number is the check number. So the order from left to right is: routing number, account number, check number.
How to find your routing number without a check
Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details or account information. Most banks display the routing number alongside your account number in a section labeled "Account Details," "Account Information," or "Direct Deposit Information." Some banks put it under settings or profile.
If you can't find it online, call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement. Have your account number ready, and they'll give you the routing number in under a minute. You can also visit a branch in person and ask a teller.
The Federal Reserve also maintains a searchable database of routing numbers at frbservices.org. You can search by bank name and state to confirm you have the correct number, which is useful if you're sending money to someone else's account and want to double-check.
Why different branches sometimes have different routing numbers
Large banks with many branches sometimes assign different routing numbers to different regions or processing centers. Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase all have multiple routing numbers depending on which state your account is held in or which processing center handles it.
This matters because using the wrong routing number can delay a transfer or send money to the wrong place. If you're setting up direct deposit or a wire transfer, always use the routing number your bank gives you, not one you find for a different branch or state.
What happens if you use the wrong routing number
If you provide an incorrect routing number, the transfer may be rejected outright—the receiving bank's system won't recognize the code and will bounce the payment back. This usually takes one to three business days.
In rare cases, money sent with a wrong routing number can end up in another bank's system. If this happens, the sending bank can file a trace to recover the funds, but it takes time and paperwork. The safest approach is to confirm the routing number with your bank before you initiate any transfer.
Routing numbers for wire transfers and ACH payments
The same routing number works for most types of transfers: direct deposit, bill payments, ACH transfers (which move money between accounts over one to three business days), and wire transfers (which move money the same day or next day).
Wire transfers sometimes require additional information beyond the routing number—your bank may ask for a SWIFT code if money is going to an international account, or a specific wire routing number if your bank uses a different number for wires. Always ask your bank which routing number to use for the specific type of transfer you're making.
Routing numbers for credit unions
Credit unions also have routing numbers, and they work the same way as bank routing numbers. You can find your credit union's routing number on your checks, through your credit union's website or app, or by calling the main number on your membership card.
Some credit unions are part of shared branching networks or CO-OP networks, which means you can use ATMs and services at other credit unions. Your routing number stays the same regardless of which network location you visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my account number?
No. Your routing number identifies your bank; your account number identifies your specific account at that bank. Both are printed on your checks, with the routing number on the left and the account number in the middle. You need both numbers together for transfers and direct deposits.
Can I use someone else's routing number to send them money?
Yes. You use the recipient's routing number and their account number to send them money. You don't need their routing number to be the same as yours—in fact, it usually won't be if they bank at a different institution. Your bank uses the recipient's routing number to figure out which bank to send the money to.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
Your routing number may change after a merger, but your bank will notify you and update it in your account. Check your bank's website or call customer service to confirm your current routing number. If you have automatic payments or direct deposits set up, you may need to update them with the new number.
Do I need a routing number to receive a wire transfer?
The person sending you the wire transfer needs your routing number and account number. You don't need to do anything except provide those two pieces of information. Make sure you give them the correct routing number for your bank, especially if your bank has multiple routing numbers by state or region.
Can I find someone else's routing number if I know their bank?
Yes. The Federal Reserve's routing number database is public, so you can search by bank name and state to find a routing number. However, if you're sending money to someone, ask them directly for their routing number rather than looking it up—it's faster and ensures you have the right one for their specific account location.