Your routing number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, in your bank's online portal, and on your bank's website
The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies which bank or credit union holds your account. It appears in three places you can access right now: the bottom left corner of any check you have, your bank's website (usually under account information or settings), and your online banking portal if you log in. If you do not have checks or online access, you can call your bank's customer service line and they will read it to you.
The routing number is not secret — it is printed on millions of checks and published on bank websites. You need it to set up direct deposit, arrange wire transfers, or authorize automatic payments. It tells the financial system which institution to send money to, the same way a zip code tells the postal service which delivery center to use.
Key Takeaways
- The routing number appears on the bottom left of your checks as the first set of nine digits before your account number.
- You can find it on your bank's website by searching for "routing number" or checking the account information section.
- Your online banking portal displays your routing number under account details or settings, usually without logging into a separate page.
- If you cannot locate it, calling your bank's customer service line will get you the number in under a minute.
Reading the routing number from a check
Look at the bottom of any check. You will see a series of numbers printed in a special magnetic ink format. The first nine digits are your routing number. After those nine digits comes your account number, which is longer. The routing number always comes first on the left side of the bottom line.
This format is standardized across all U.S. banks and credit unions. The routing number identifies the specific bank branch or institution, while your account number identifies you within that institution. Both are necessary for transfers, but only the routing number changes if you switch banks — your account number stays with you at your new bank.
Finding it online through your bank's website
Go to your bank's main website and look for a link labeled "routing number," "bank information," or "account details." Most banks put this information in the footer of their homepage or in a help section. You do not need to log in to find it — the routing number is the same for all customers at that bank, so banks publish it publicly.
If you cannot find it on the main page, try searching the site for "routing number" using your browser's search function (Ctrl+F on Windows, Cmd+F on Mac). You can also search "[your bank name] routing number" in any search engine, and the bank's official page will usually appear in the top results.
Locating it in your online banking portal
Log into your online banking account and navigate to the account information or settings section. Most banks display your routing number alongside your account number in a single location. The label might say "bank details," "account summary," or "transfer information." Some banks require you to click a specific tab or menu item to see it.
If you cannot find it after logging in, look for a "help" or "contact us" option within the portal itself. Many banks have a live chat feature that can point you to the exact page or tell you the number directly. This is faster than calling if you are already online.
Calling your bank to get the number
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 them you need your routing number. They will ask you to verify your identity — usually by providing your account number, Social Security number, or answers to security questions — and then read you the nine-digit code.
This method works even if you have no checks and cannot access online banking. The call typically takes less than five minutes. Have a pen ready to write down the number, or ask them to repeat it twice so you can verify it.
What the routing number is used for
You need your routing number whenever money is being sent to your account from outside your bank. Direct deposit from an employer, a wire transfer from another person, an automatic bill payment, or a tax refund deposit all require your routing number so the sending institution knows where to direct the funds. Without the correct routing number, the money goes to the wrong bank or gets rejected.
You do not need your routing number for transactions within your own bank — transferring money between your own accounts, paying bills through your bank's bill pay system, or withdrawing cash at an ATM. You also do not need it to send money out of your account; the receiving bank provides their routing number for that.
Routing number versus account number
The routing number identifies the bank. The account number identifies you within that bank. Both appear on your check, but in different positions. The routing number is the first nine digits on the bottom left; the account number comes after it and is typically 10 to 12 digits long. Together, they form the complete address for your account.
If you switch banks, your routing number changes but your account number at the new bank is different anyway. If you stay at the same bank but open a new account, your routing number stays the same but your account number changes. This is why both numbers matter for any transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the routing number the same for all customers at my bank?
Yes. The routing number identifies the bank itself, not your individual account. All customers at the same bank branch or institution share the same routing number. Your account number is what makes your account unique.
Can I find my routing number if I do not have checks?
Yes. Check your bank's website, log into your online banking portal, or call customer service. You do not need checks to access this information — it is available through multiple channels.
What happens if I give someone the wrong routing number?
The transfer will either be rejected or sent to the wrong bank. The sending institution will usually catch the error and return the money, but it may take several business days. Always double-check the routing number before authorizing a transfer.
Do credit unions have routing numbers?
Yes. Credit unions use routing numbers the same way banks do. You can find your credit union's routing number on checks, their website, or by calling their member service line.
Is it safe to share my routing number?
Yes. Your routing number is not sensitive information — it is printed on checks and published on websites. Someone cannot access your account with only the routing number; they would also need your account number and other verification. However, never share both your routing number and account number together with someone you do not trust.