Where the numbers sit on your check

Your routing number and account number are printed at the bottom left of every check you write. The routing number comes first — it is nine digits. Your account number follows it — usually 10 to 12 digits, though the length varies by bank. Both are printed in MICR ink, a magnetic ink that machines can read. They sit in a row at the bottom of the check, after the bank's logo and before the check number on the far right.

The order matters because machines read left to right. A check scanner or ATM reads the routing number first to identify which bank holds the account, then reads the account number to identify which specific account within that bank. If you are setting up a direct deposit or wire transfer, you will need to enter them in that same order: routing number first, then account number.

Not every number on your check is one of these two. The check number itself — usually printed twice, once at the bottom right and once in the upper right corner — is not your account number. The bank's identification number, printed above the routing number, is not your routing number. Only the nine-digit number at the bottom left is the routing number.

Key Takeaways

  • Your routing number (nine digits) and account number (10 to 12 digits) are printed together at the bottom left of your check in magnetic ink.
  • The routing number identifies your bank; the account number identifies your specific account within that bank.
  • You need both numbers to set up direct deposit, wire transfers, or automatic payments.
  • The check number printed on your check is not your account number and should not be used for banking transactions.
  • If your check does not have these numbers printed at the bottom, contact your bank — some specialty accounts may not print them on checks.

How to read the bottom of the check

Look at the very bottom of your check. You will see a series of numbers separated by vertical lines. The first group of nine digits is your routing number. The second group is your account number. Some checks print a third group — that is your check number, which is different from your account number.

The numbers are printed in a specific format so that bank machines can read them quickly. This format is called the MICR line (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition). The ink is darker and slightly raised compared to the rest of the printed text on the check. If you run your finger across the bottom of the check, you may feel a slight texture where the MICR numbers are printed.

If the numbers are hard to read on your check — faded, smudged, or printed too lightly — you can still find them. Call your bank's customer service line and give them your name and the account you are asking about. They will read both numbers to you over the phone. You can also log into your online banking account; most banks display your routing and account numbers in the account settings or in a section labeled "Account Information" or "Bank Details."

Why banks print them on checks

Banks print your routing and account numbers on every check because the numbers are essential to moving money. When you write a check, the person who receives it deposits it at their bank. That bank scans the MICR line at the bottom to read your routing number and account number automatically. The scanning machine tells the receiving bank which bank to contact and which account to pull the money from.

Without these numbers printed on the check, the deposit process would require manual data entry — someone would have to type in the numbers by hand. That would slow down processing and create more room for error. The MICR format lets machines read the numbers in milliseconds, which is why checks can still be processed quickly even though they are paper.

The same routing and account numbers appear on every check you order from your bank. They do not change unless you close the account or your bank merges with another bank. If your bank is acquired by a larger bank, your routing number may change, and your bank will send you new checks with the updated number.

Routing number versus account number: what each one does

Your routing number is specific to your bank and the location where you opened the account. It tells the banking system which institution holds your money. If you bank at Chase, your routing number is different from someone who banks at Bank of America, even if you both live in the same city. Some large banks have multiple routing numbers depending on which state or region you opened your account in.

Your account number is unique to you within your bank. It identifies your specific account — not your checking account in general, but this particular checking account at this particular bank. If you have multiple accounts at the same bank (a checking account and a savings account, for example), each one has its own account number. The routing number stays the same across all your accounts at that bank, but the account number changes for each account.

When you set up direct deposit at work, you give your employer both numbers. Your employer's payroll system uses the routing number to send the money to your bank, then uses the account number to deposit it into your specific account. If you gave only the routing number, the bank would know the money was coming to them but would not know which account to put it in. If you gave only the account number, the receiving bank would have no way to know which bank you meant.

What to do if you cannot find the numbers on your check

Some specialty accounts — business accounts, trust accounts, or accounts at very small banks — may not print routing and account numbers on checks. If your checks do not have these numbers at the bottom, contact your bank directly. They will provide both numbers over the phone or through your online banking portal.

If you have lost all your checks and need the numbers right away, log into your online banking account. Most banks display your routing number and account number in a section labeled "Account Details," "Bank Information," or "Account Settings." The location varies by bank, but it is usually accessible from your main account dashboard or in a menu under your account name.

If you do not have online banking set up, call your bank's customer service number — the one on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Have your account number or Social Security number ready so they can verify your identity. They will read both your routing number and account number to you. Write them down carefully, because you will need them for direct deposits, wire transfers, and other banking transactions.

Using these numbers safely

Your routing number is public information — it is printed on every check you write, and anyone who receives a check from you can see it. Your account number is more sensitive. While it is also printed on your checks, you should not share it with people you do not trust.

When you give your routing and account numbers to set up direct deposit or automatic payments, make sure you are giving them to a legitimate organization. Verify that you are on the correct website or speaking to the correct department before you provide the numbers. Scammers sometimes pose as banks or employers to collect account information.

If you suspect someone has your account number and you did not authorize them to have it, contact your bank when ready. Your bank can monitor the account for unauthorized transactions and, if necessary, close the account and issue you a new one with a new account number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my check number the same as my account number?

No. Your check number is printed in the upper right corner and at the bottom right of the check. Your account number is at the bottom left, part of the MICR line. The check number identifies that specific piece of paper; the account number identifies your account at the bank. Never use your check number for direct deposit or wire transfers.

Do all banks use the same routing number?

No. Each bank has its own routing number, and large banks may have multiple routing numbers depending on which state or region you opened your account in. You can find your specific routing number on your check or by calling your bank.

What if the numbers on my check are smudged or faded?

Call your bank's customer service line and provide your name and account information. They will read both your routing number and account number to you. You can also log into your online banking account to find both numbers in your account settings.

Can I use my routing number alone to receive money?

No. The routing number tells the sending bank which bank to contact, but the account number tells that bank which specific account to deposit the money into. You need both numbers for any electronic transfer, including direct deposit and wire transfers.

Do I need to memorize these numbers?

You do not need to memorize them, but you should keep them in a safe place. Write them down or save them in a find password manager. You will need them when you set up direct deposit, arrange wire transfers, or authorize automatic payments.