The fastest place to look is the bottom left corner of your checks
Your bank routing number is printed on the bottom left of every check you have. 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 first number on the bottom of any check — that is your routing number.
Not all banks print routing numbers in the same place on the check, but the bottom left is by far the most common location. The number will be surrounded by special symbols that look like colons or brackets, which help bank machines read it automatically.
If you do not have checks or cannot find the number on them, there are several other places to look that work just as well.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of your checks, before your account number, as a nine-digit code.
- Your bank's website has a routing number lookup tool, usually under "Customer Service" or "Contact Us," where you can search by state and bank name.
- Calling your bank's customer service line will give you the routing number in seconds, and the number is on the back of your debit card.
- The Federal Reserve maintains a public database of all routing numbers, searchable at frbservices.org, if you need to verify a number or find a routing number for a bank you do not use.
Look it up on your bank's website
Every bank publishes its routing number online. Go to your bank's main website and look for a link labeled "Routing Number," "Bank Information," "Customer Service," or "Contact Us." Most banks put this information in the footer of their homepage or in a help section.
Some banks have a routing number lookup tool where you type in your state and the bank name, and the tool returns the number. Others straightforward list it on a single page. Either way, you will find it within a minute or two of landing on the site.
If you bank at a large national bank like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, or Citibank, search "[Your Bank Name] routing number" in any search engine and the official page will appear at the top of the results.
Call your bank's customer service line
The phone number for customer service is on the back of your debit card, on your bank statements, or on the bank's website. When you call, tell the representative you need your routing number. They will give it to you when ready — this is one of the fastest ways to get the answer.
You do not need to be calling about a problem or have any special reason. Banks expect this question and answer it dozens of times a day. The call usually takes less than a minute.
Check the back of your debit card
Some banks print the routing number on the back of your debit card, though not all do. If your bank does, it will be listed near your account number or in a section labeled "Bank Information." This is less reliable than checks or the website, but it is worth looking if you have your card in front of you.
If the routing number is not on your card, that straightforward means your bank chose not to print it there — it does not mean you do not have one.
Use the Federal Reserve's public routing number database
The Federal Reserve maintains a free, public database of every bank routing number in the United States. You can search it at frbservices.org under the "Fedwire" section or by searching "routing number lookup Federal Reserve."
This tool is useful if you are trying to verify a routing number someone gave you, or if you need the routing number for a bank you do not personally use. You search by the bank's name and state, and the database returns the correct routing number. This is an official government source, so the information is always accurate.
What to do if you cannot find your routing number
If you have tried the methods above and still cannot locate your routing number, call your bank directly. This is the most reliable backup option. Have your account number ready when you call — the representative may ask for it to pull up your account, though many banks will give you the routing number without it.
If you are trying to set up a direct deposit or wire transfer and need the routing number urgently, calling is faster than waiting for a response to an email or message through your bank's app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my account number?
No. Your routing number identifies your bank or credit union. Your account number identifies your specific account at that bank. Both appear on your checks — the routing number is on the left, your account number is in the middle.
Do all accounts at the same bank have the same routing number?
Yes. Every checking account, savings account, and money market account at the same bank branch shares the same routing number. The routing number tells the system which bank to send the money to; your account number tells it which account within that bank.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
After a merger, your routing number may change. Your bank will notify you and update your checks automatically. If you are unsure whether your routing number is still correct, call your bank or check their website — they will have posted any changes.
Can I use someone else's routing number by mistake?
If you use the wrong routing number, the money will go to the wrong bank, not the wrong person. The receiving bank will eventually return it to you, but the process takes several days. Always double-check the routing number before you submit a direct deposit form or wire transfer.
Why do I need a routing number?
Banks use routing numbers to sort and deliver money to the correct institution. You need it for direct deposits (paychecks, tax refunds), wire transfers, setting up automatic bill payments, and transferring money between banks.