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 tells the banking system which bank holds your account. It appears on the bottom left of every check you write, before your account number. If you do not have checks in front of you, your bank's website has it listed under account details, or you can call the customer service number on the back of your debit card and ask for it directly.

You will need this number when you set up direct deposit, arrange a wire transfer, or authorize automatic payments. Different banks have different routing numbers depending on where the account was opened, so if you have accounts at multiple banks, each one has its own routing number.

Key Takeaways

  • Your routing number appears on the bottom left of your checks, before your account number, as a nine-digit code.
  • You can find it on your bank's website by logging into your account and looking under account information or details.
  • Calling your bank's customer service line and asking for your routing number takes less than a minute.
  • The routing number is specific to your bank and the location where your account was opened, not to you personally.
  • You will need both your routing number and account number together for direct deposit, wire transfers, and automatic bill payments.

Finding it on a check

Look at the bottom left corner of any check. You will see three groups of numbers separated by colons or vertical lines. The first group of nine digits is your routing number. The second group is your account number. The third group is the check number itself.

If your checks are old or from a closed account, the routing number is still valid — it belongs to the bank, not the individual check. You can use a routing number from a check written years ago, as long as it is from the same bank and branch.

Finding it on your bank's website

Log into your online banking account and look for a section called "Account Details," "Account Information," or "Routing and Account Numbers." Most banks put this in the main dashboard or under a menu labeled "Settings" or "Profile." The routing number is usually displayed right next to your account number.

If you cannot find it on the main page, try searching the bank's help section or FAQ for "routing number." Many banks also list it in the documents they send you when you open an account — look in your welcome packet or statements.

Calling your bank directly

The fastest way if you are in a hurry is to call the customer service number on the back of your debit card. Tell the representative you need your routing number. They will ask you to verify your identity — usually your name, account number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number — and then give you the number when ready.

You do not need to explain why you need it. Banks give out routing numbers freely because they are not secret — they are public information that anyone can look up.

What to do if you have multiple accounts

If you have a checking account and a savings account at the same bank, they usually share the same routing number. However, if you have accounts at different banks, or if one of your accounts was opened at a different branch location, the routing numbers may differ.

When you are setting up direct deposit or a transfer, make sure you are using the routing number for the specific bank where that account is held, not just any routing number from that institution. If you are unsure, call the bank and confirm which routing number goes with which account.

Using your routing number safely

Your routing number is safe to share. It is printed on every check you write and is public information — anyone can look up any bank's routing number online. You cannot withdraw money or access your account using only the routing number; someone would also need your account number and other identifying information.

However, do not share your account number or routing number together with anyone you do not trust. If you are setting up direct deposit with an employer or automatic payments with a company, you will need to provide both numbers, but only to the organization you are actually doing business with.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my routing number the same as my bank's routing number?

Yes. The routing number identifies the bank itself, not your individual account. Every checking account at the same bank location uses the same routing number. Your account number is what makes your account unique.

Can I use a routing number from an old check?

Yes, as long as the account was at the same bank. Routing numbers do not change when you close an account or get new checks printed. If you switched banks, you will need the routing number from your current bank.

What if my bank merged with another bank?

Your routing number may have changed. Log into your account online or call customer service to confirm your current routing number. If you are setting up a new direct deposit or transfer, always use the number your bank gives you now, not an old one.

Do I need my routing number to use my debit card?

No. You only need your routing number for bank-to-bank transfers, direct deposit, and automatic bill payments. Debit card purchases and ATM withdrawals do not require it.