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 for direct deposits, wire transfers, ACH payments, and setting up automatic bill pay. 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 has it listed in the account details section, usually under "Routing Information" or "Bank Details". You can also call your bank's customer service line and they will give it to you in under a minute. Credit unions work the same way — the number is on their website or a phone call away.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of your checks, before your account number.
- You can find it on your bank's website by logging in and looking for account details or routing information.
- Calling your bank's customer service line will get you the number when ready if you cannot locate it online.
- The routing number is specific to your bank or branch, not to you personally — many people at the same bank share the same routing number.
- You will need this number for direct deposits, wire transfers, and setting up bill pay or ACH transfers.
How to read it on a check
Look at the bottom of any check. You will see three groups of numbers separated by colons or special symbols. The first group on the left is your routing number. It is always nine digits. The second group is your account number, which is usually longer. The third group is the check number.
The routing number on a check is printed in a special magnetic ink that machines can read automatically. This is how banks sort and process checks — the routing number tells the system which bank to send the check to, and the account number tells that bank which account within the bank to deposit it to.
Finding it online through your bank
Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for a section called "Account Details", "Account Information", or "Routing Information". Most banks put this on the main account page or in a settings menu. The routing number is usually listed right next to your account number, sometimes labeled as "ABA Routing Number" or just "Routing Number".
If you cannot find it on the main account page, try the help or FAQ section — search for "routing number" and the bank will usually have a direct link. Some banks also list it in the documents section, where you can read account statements or verification letters that include the routing number.
Calling your bank directly
Pick up the phone and call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement. Tell them you need your routing number. They will ask you to verify your identity — usually your account number and the last four digits of your Social Security number — and then give you the number when ready. This takes less than five minutes.
You can also visit a branch in person and ask a teller. They will write it down for you on the spot. This is useful if you need it urgently or if you are not comfortable with online banking.
Why the routing number matters for payments
When you set up direct deposit for a paycheck, your employer needs your routing number and account number to send the money to the right place. If you give them the wrong routing number, the deposit goes to the wrong bank and gets sent back — which can delay your paycheck by several days.
The same applies to ACH transfers (electronic transfers between bank accounts), wire transfers, and automatic bill pay. The routing number is how the payment system knows which bank to pull the money from or send it to. Without it, the transaction cannot happen.
Routing numbers are not the same across all branches
Some large banks have different routing numbers for different regions or branches. If you opened your account at a branch in one state and later moved, your routing number might be different from someone who opened their account at a branch in another state, even though you both bank at the same institution.
This is why it is important to use the routing number for the specific branch or region where your account is held. If you are unsure, use the number from your checks or from your bank's website — both will be correct for your account. If you moved or your bank merged with another bank, call customer service to confirm your current routing number.
What to do if you cannot find your routing number
If you have lost your checks, do not have online access, and cannot reach your bank by phone, you can search for your routing number using the Federal Reserve's routing number database. Go to the Federal Reserve's website and use their search tool — you enter your bank name and state, and it returns the routing number. This works for any bank in the United States.
You can also ask your bank to send you a verification letter that includes your routing number and account number. Some banks charge a small fee for this, but it is usually free. The letter is useful if you need proof of your account details for a third party.
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 within that bank. Both appear on your checks — the routing number is the first set of nine digits on the bottom left, and your account number comes after it. You need both for most transactions.
Can I use someone else's routing number if we bank at the same place?
Yes, if you both have accounts at the same bank branch or region. The routing number is the same for all customers at that branch. However, you must use your own account number. Using someone else's account number will send the money to their account, not yours.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
Your routing number may change after a merger. Check your most recent statement or log into your online banking to see your current routing number. If you are unsure, call customer service — they will confirm whether your routing number has changed and give you the correct one to use going forward.
Do I need my routing number for online bill pay?
Not always. If you are paying a bill through your bank's bill pay system, the bank already knows your routing number because it is your bank. You only need to enter the payee's information. However, if you are setting up a transfer to another bank account, you will need that other bank's routing number.
Is it safe to share my routing number?
Yes. Your routing number is not sensitive information — it is printed on every check you write and is publicly available through the Federal Reserve database. You need to share it with your employer for direct deposit and with anyone you are sending money to via ACH or wire transfer. Never share your account number or PIN, but the routing number alone cannot be used to access your account.