Your routing number is printed on the bottom left of every check you receive
The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies which bank or credit union holds your account. On a physical check, it appears in the bottom left corner, printed in magnetic ink that looks slightly raised or darker than regular text. The number comes before your account number, which sits in the middle of that same line.
If you do not have checks in front of you, your routing number is also available through your bank's website, your mobile app, or by calling the customer service number on the back of your debit card. Many banks display it in the account details section without requiring you to log in—you can often find it by searching "[your bank name] routing number" plus your state.
The routing number stays the same for every account you hold at that institution. If you move to a different bank, you get a new routing number. If you open a second checking account at the same bank, both accounts share the routing number.
Key Takeaways
- The routing number appears in the bottom left corner of any check, as a nine-digit code printed in darker or raised ink.
- Your bank's website, mobile app, or customer service line will display your routing number without requiring you to own checks.
- The routing number identifies your bank or credit union, not your individual account—all accounts at the same institution share one.
- You need the routing number when setting up direct deposit, arranging wire transfers, or authorizing automatic payments from your account.
How to read the numbers at the bottom of a check
The bottom of a check contains three separate numbers in this order: routing number, account number, check number. All three are printed in MICR font (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition), which allows bank machines to read them automatically during processing.
The routing number is always nine digits. The account number varies in length—typically between 10 and 12 digits—and is unique to you. The check number, on the far right, is just a sequential identifier for that particular check and is not needed for electronic payments.
If the ink appears smudged or faded, the number may not scan correctly during check processing. Banks can still read it manually, but the transaction may take longer. If you cannot read your routing number clearly on a check, use your bank's website or app instead.
Finding your routing number online or by phone
Log into your bank's website or mobile app and navigate to account details, account information, or settings. Most banks display the routing number alongside your account number in a section labeled "Account Details" or "Bank Information." You do not need to read anything or enter a special code—it is standard information that banks show to account holders.
If you prefer not to log in, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card. A representative can read your routing number to you over the phone. Have your account number or the last four digits of your Social Security number ready to verify your identity.
Some banks also print the routing number on statements, though not all do. If you have a recent paper or digital statement, check the top or bottom of the first page.
Why banks use routing numbers instead of just account numbers
The routing number tells the payment system which bank to send money to; the account number tells that bank which account within the bank should receive it. Without the routing number, the system would not know whether you bank at Chase in New York or a credit union in Oregon, even if your account number happened to match someone else's at a different institution.
When you set up direct deposit, the employer's payroll system uses your routing number to find your bank, then uses your account number to deposit the money into the correct account. The same process happens with automatic bill payments, wire transfers, and ACH transfers (electronic transfers between accounts).
Each routing number is assigned by the Federal Reserve and corresponds to a specific bank branch or processing center. Large banks may have multiple routing numbers if they operate different divisions or acquired smaller banks that kept their original routing numbers.
What to do if you cannot find your routing number
If you have no checks and cannot access your bank's website, call the main customer service line for your bank. You can find this number by searching the bank's name online or looking at your debit card. Have your account number ready—you can find it on your debit card, on a statement, or by logging into your account online.
If you have moved or changed banks and no longer remember which bank you used, check your old statements or debit cards. If you still cannot locate the information, contact the bank directly with proof of identity (a driver's license or passport). Banks are accustomed to this request and can provide the routing number within minutes.
Do not guess or use a routing number from someone else's check. Using the wrong routing number will send the money to the wrong bank, and the transfer may be rejected or delayed while the error is corrected.
Routing numbers versus account numbers: what each one does
| Element | What it identifies | Where you find it | What it is used for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Routing number | Your bank or credit union | Bottom left of check; bank website or app | Direct deposit, wire transfers, ACH payments, automatic bill pay |
| Account number | Your specific account at that bank | Bottom center of check; bank website or app; debit card | Deposits, withdrawals, transfers, statements |
| Check number | That individual check only | Bottom right of check; top right of check | Tracking which check was used; reconciling your records |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my routing number to use my debit card?
No. Your debit card works at ATMs and stores using just the card number, expiration date, and PIN. You only need the routing number for electronic transfers, direct deposit, or automatic payments that pull money from your account.
Is it safe to give someone my routing number?
Yes. The routing number is public information—it identifies your bank, not your account. Someone with only your routing number cannot access your money. They would also need your account number. Even with both numbers, they cannot withdraw funds without authorization from your bank.
Can I use the same routing number for multiple accounts?
Yes. All accounts you hold at the same bank share the same routing number. The account number is what distinguishes one account from another.
What happens if I use the wrong routing number?
The payment will be sent to the wrong bank. The receiving bank will typically reject it, and the money will be returned to the sender. The process can take several business days, so the payment may arrive late.
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, through the credit union's website, or by calling their member services line.