Your routing number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, or you can find it on your bank's website or by calling customer service

The routing number is a nine-digit code that tells the banking system which bank holds your account. You need it when you set up direct deposit, arrange automatic bill payments, or send money to someone else's account. It is not secret — your bank prints it on every check you write, and you can look it up in seconds online.

The fastest way to find it depends on what you have access to right now. If you have a checkbook, look at the bottom left corner of any check. The first nine digits are your routing number. If you do not have checks or prefer not to use them, your bank's website or a phone call to customer service will give you the number in under a minute.

Key Takeaways

  • Your routing number appears as the first nine digits on the bottom left of any check you have.
  • You can find your routing number on your bank's website by logging into your account or searching for "routing number" in their help section.
  • Calling your bank's customer service line and providing your account number will get you the routing number over the phone.
  • The routing number is specific to your bank and branch, not to you personally, so it is safe to share when needed for direct deposit or wire transfers.

Finding it on a check

If you have a checkbook, this is the quickest method. Open any check and look at the bottom of the page. You will see three groups of numbers printed in a special magnetic ink. The first group, on the far left, is your routing number. It is always nine digits long.

This works because checks are designed to be read by machines at the bank, so the routing number is always in the same place. You do not need to worry about which check you use — the routing number is the same on every check from your account.

Finding it on your bank's website

Log into your online banking account and look for a section called "Account Details," "Account Information," or "Routing Number." Most banks put this information on the main dashboard or in a menu labeled "Settings" or "Help." The routing number is usually listed right next to your account number.

If you cannot find it in those places, use the search function in your browser (usually Ctrl+F on a computer or the search icon on a phone) and type "routing number." This will highlight the number on the page if it is there. If your bank's website does not show it, move to the phone method.

Calling your bank to ask

Pick up the phone and call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Tell the representative you need your routing number. They will ask for your account number or the phone number associated with your account to verify who you are, then give you the number right away.

This method takes about five minutes and works even if you are not at home or do not have your checkbook. Keep a pen and paper ready so you can write down the number when they give it to you.

Understanding what the routing number tells you

The routing number identifies your specific bank and often your specific branch. Different banks have different routing numbers, and some large banks have multiple routing numbers for different regions or divisions. This is why you cannot use any routing number — it has to be the one for your bank.

The routing number is not private information. It is printed on every check you write, so anyone who receives a check from you already knows it. You can safely share your routing number with your employer, your landlord, or anyone else who needs to send money to your account. The routing number alone cannot be used to take money out of your account — someone would also need your account number and other information.

When you need your routing number

You will need your routing number when you set up direct deposit for your paycheck, arrange for automatic bill payments, or transfer money between banks. You might also need it if you are receiving a wire transfer or setting up a payment through a third-party service like a bill payment website or a money transfer app.

Keep your routing number in a safe place where you can find it quickly. Many people write it down and keep it with their important documents, or save it in a notes app on their phone. You may need it more than once, so having it written down saves time.

What to do if you cannot find your routing number

If you have tried the methods above and still cannot find it, call your bank's main customer service line. Have your account number ready. The representative can give you the routing number and can also tell you if your bank has more than one routing number — some large banks do, and you need the one that matches your specific account or branch.

If you are no longer a customer at your bank and need a routing number for an old account, you can still call that bank's customer service line. They can look up the routing number using your former account number, even if the account is closed.

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 appear on your checks — the routing number is the first nine digits on the bottom left, and your account number comes after it. You need both for most banking transactions.

Can someone use my routing number to steal money from my account?

No. A routing number alone is not enough to take money out of your account. Someone would also need your account number, and even then, they would need authorization or access to your account. Your routing number is safe to share whenever you need to receive money or set up a direct deposit.

Do I need a different routing number for each account I have?

Usually no. If you have multiple accounts at the same bank and branch, they typically share the same routing number. The account number is what distinguishes one account from another. However, if you have accounts at different banks, each bank has its own routing number.

What if my bank merged with another bank?

Your routing number may change after a merger. If you are unsure whether your routing number is still correct, call your bank or check their website. If it has changed, you will need to update any automatic payments or direct deposits you have set up with the new routing number.

Can I use someone else's routing number to send them money?

Yes. If you are sending money to someone else's account, you need their routing number and their account number. Their routing number tells the banking system which bank to send the money to, and their account number tells that bank which account to deposit it into.