The quickest place to look

Your bank routing number is printed on the bottom left of every check you have from that bank. It is a nine-digit code that comes before your account number. If you have checks in front of you right now, open the box and look at the bottom of any check — the first set of nine numbers is your routing number.

If you do not have checks or cannot find them, your bank's website has your routing number listed in the account information section, usually under a heading like "Routing Number" or "Bank Details." You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask — they will give it to you in under a minute.

Some banks print the routing number on your debit card or in your online banking portal, though not all do. The check is the most reliable place because every bank prints it there.

Key Takeaways

  • Your routing number appears on the bottom left of any check from your bank, as the first nine-digit number.
  • Your bank's website lists the routing number in the account or banking details section, usually without logging in.
  • You can call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card and ask for your routing number by name.
  • Different banks have different routing numbers, so you need the one for the specific branch or bank where you hold your account.

Finding it on your bank's website

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

If you cannot find it in your account, try the bank's main website (not your personal account). Many banks have a public page that lists routing numbers by branch location. Search for "[Your Bank Name] routing number" and you will usually find a page or a searchable tool that lets you enter your branch location and see the number.

Some banks use different routing numbers for different branches or for different types of transactions (like wire transfers versus ACH transfers). If you are setting up a specific type of payment, ask your bank which routing number to use for that purpose.

Calling your bank directly

The customer service number is on the back of your debit card or on your bank statements. Call and tell them you need your routing number. Have your account number or Social Security number ready so they can pull up your account, though many banks will give you the routing number without verifying your identity since it is not secret information.

This is the fastest option if you are in a hurry or do not have access to checks or a computer. The call usually takes less than five minutes.

What to do if you have multiple accounts

If you have more than one account at the same bank — for example, a checking account and a savings account — they share the same routing number. The routing number identifies the bank and branch, not the individual account. Your account number is what distinguishes one account from another.

If you bank at more than one institution, each bank has its own routing number. You need to find the routing number for the specific bank where the account is held.

Understanding what the routing number is used for

Banks use your routing number to send money to or from your account through the banking system. When you set up direct deposit at work, you give your employer your routing number and account number so they know which bank and which account to deposit your paycheck into. When you pay a bill by check, the routing number tells the banking system which bank to pull the money from.

The routing number is not secret — it is printed on every check you write. You can safely share it with employers, bill payment services, and other organizations that need to move money in or out of your account. You should never share your full account number with people you do not trust, but the routing number alone cannot be used to access your money.

Routing numbers for wire transfers and ACH payments

Most of the time, you use the same routing number for all transactions. However, some banks use a different routing number specifically for wire transfers. If you are sending money by wire, ask your bank whether you should use your regular routing number or a different one.

ACH transfers (the system used for direct deposit and bill payments) almost always use your regular routing number. Wire transfers sometimes use a different one, which is why it is worth asking before you send a large amount of money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the routing number the same for all branches of my bank?

Not always. Large banks often have different routing numbers for different regions or branches. If you opened your account at a specific branch, use that branch's routing number. Your bank's website will let you search by branch location to find the correct one.

Can someone access my account if they have my routing number?

No. Your routing number identifies the bank, but not your specific account. Someone would need both your routing number and your account number to move money, and even then most banks require additional verification. The routing number is safe to share.

What if I cannot find my routing number anywhere?

Call your bank's customer service line — the number is on your debit card, on your statements, or on the bank's website. They will give you the routing number for your account in minutes. You can also visit a branch in person and ask.

Do I need a different routing number for online bill pay?

No. Online bill pay uses your regular routing number and account number. You do not need to look up a separate number for that service.