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 identifies which bank or credit union holds your account. It tells the payment system where to send money. You need it to set up direct deposit, make wire transfers, or authorize automatic payments. The fastest way to find it is to look at a check you have on hand — it is the first set of numbers on the bottom left, before your account number.
If you do not have checks or cannot read them clearly, your bank's website will show the routing number in the account details section, usually under a heading like "Account Information" or "Routing & Account Numbers". You can also call your bank's customer service line — the number is on the back of your debit card or on your monthly statement — and they will give you the number in under a minute.
Key Takeaways
- The routing number appears on the bottom left of a check, before your account number, and is always nine digits.
- Your bank's website shows the routing number in the account details or settings section, usually without logging in required.
- Calling your bank's customer service line will give you the routing number when ready, and you do not need to be the account holder to ask.
- The routing number is specific to your bank and branch, so different banks have different numbers even if you use the same payment system.
- Wire transfers, direct deposit setup, and automatic bill payments all require the routing number plus your account number.
Finding it on a check
Look at the bottom of any check. You will see three groups of numbers separated by colons or symbols. The first group on the left is your routing number — always nine digits. The second group is your account number. The third group is the check number itself.
The routing number stays the same for every check from your account. If you have multiple accounts at the same bank, they may have different routing numbers depending on which branch holds them, though many banks now use a single routing number for all accounts nationwide.
Finding it on your bank's website
Log into your online banking account and look for a section called "Account Information", "Account Details", "Routing & Account Numbers", or "Wire Transfer Information". Most banks put the routing number in plain view on the main account page or in a dropdown menu. You do not usually need to dig through settings.
If you cannot find it online, look at your monthly statement — many banks print the routing number at the top or bottom of the first page. The statement will also show your account number. Both numbers together are what you need for most payment setups.
Calling your bank directly
The customer service number is on the back of your debit card, on your monthly statement, or on your bank's website. When you call, tell them you need your routing number. They will ask for your account number or the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity, then give you the number when ready.
You do not have to be the account holder to call and ask — many banks will give out the routing number to anyone, since it is not sensitive information on its own. The account number is what actually matters for security.
Understanding routing numbers for different account types
If you have a checking account, savings account, and money market account at the same bank, they may all share one routing number. Some banks assign different routing numbers to different account types or branches, so it is worth confirming which number goes with which account before you set up a transfer or payment.
Credit unions use routing numbers the same way banks do. If you are a member of a credit union, the routing number works identically — you will find it on checks, on the website, or by calling the credit union's member services line.
What to do if you cannot find your routing number
If your bank has closed, merged with another bank, or you switched banks years ago and cannot remember which one you used, you can search the Federal Reserve's routing number database online. Enter your old bank's name and state, and the database will return all routing numbers associated with that institution. This is useful if you are trying to track down an old direct deposit or understand a payment that came from an account you no longer use.
If you are setting up a payment and the routing number you have is not working, double-check that you have the right bank name and branch. A single digit wrong will cause the payment to fail or go to the wrong account. Call your bank to confirm before trying again.
Routing number versus account number
The routing number identifies the bank. The account number identifies your specific account within that bank. You need both for most transactions. The routing number alone tells the system where to send money, but not which account to send it to. The account number alone tells the system which account, but not which bank.
When you give someone your information for a wire transfer or direct deposit, always provide both numbers. If you give only the routing number, the payment will not go through. If you give only the account number, the bank will not know where to look for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the routing number the same for all my accounts at one bank?
Usually yes, but not always. Most banks use a single routing number for all accounts nationwide. Some banks or credit unions assign different routing numbers by branch or account type. Check your statement or call the bank to confirm if you have multiple accounts.
Can I use someone else's routing number to send them money?
Yes. The routing number is public information — it identifies the bank, not the person. You need their routing number plus their account number to send them a transfer or set up a payment to them. Giving out your routing number alone is safe.
What if I have the wrong routing number and send money?
The payment will either fail before it goes through, or it will go to the wrong account at the right bank. If it fails, you will get an error message and can try again with the correct number. If it goes to the wrong account, contact your bank when ready — they can often recover the money, but the longer you wait the harder it becomes.
Do I need a routing number to use my debit card?
No. You only need a routing number for bank-to-bank transfers, wire transfers, direct deposit setup, and automatic bill payments. Swiping or inserting your debit card does not require it.
Where do I find the routing number for a wire transfer?
Use the same routing number you would use for any other transfer — the one on your check, on your bank's website, or from customer service. Some banks label it "ABA routing number" or "wire routing number", but it is the same nine-digit code.