Your routing number is printed at the bottom left of every check you receive

The routing number appears as the first set of nine digits on the bottom left edge of your checks, before your account number. It looks like this: the nine digits come first, then your account number (which is longer), then the check number on the far right. All three are printed in magnetic ink that machines can read.

If you do not have checks in front of you, you can find the same number in other places — your bank's website, a deposit slip, your online banking login, or by calling the bank directly. But the check is the fastest place to look if you have one.

Key Takeaways

  • The routing number is the nine-digit code at the bottom left of your checks, printed before your account number.
  • You can also find your routing number on your bank's website, usually in the customer service or account information section.
  • Deposit slips and bank statements sometimes print the routing number, though not always.
  • Calling your bank's customer service line will give you the routing number in seconds if you cannot locate it another way.

Finding it on your bank's website

Most banks post routing numbers on their website without requiring you to log in. Look for a section called "Routing Numbers," "Bank Information," "Customer Service," or "Contact Us." Some banks list different routing numbers for different purposes — wire transfers, ACH transfers, or check processing — so make sure you are looking at the right one for what you need to do.

If the website does not make it obvious, search the page for "routing" using your browser's find function (Ctrl+F on Windows, Cmd+F on Mac). If the number still does not appear, log into your online banking account and look for account details or account information — many banks display it there.

Checking your deposit slips and statements

Deposit slips — the small papers you fill out when you put money in the bank — sometimes print your routing number at the bottom, though not all banks do this. If your bank provides them, the number will be in the same position as it is on your checks: at the bottom left.

Bank statements (the monthly or quarterly records of your account activity) may also include the routing number, usually near the top where your account details are listed. Check the first page or the section that shows your account information.

Calling your bank directly

If you cannot find the number anywhere else, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or the number listed on your bank's website. Have your account number ready — the representative will ask for it to pull up your account and confirm the routing number with you.

This method takes a few minutes but guarantees you get the correct number for your specific bank and account type. Some banks have different routing numbers for different regions or account types, so it is worth confirming if you are unsure.

Why banks have routing numbers at all

The routing number tells the banking system which bank to send money to. When you set up a direct deposit from your employer, pay a bill online, or receive a wire transfer, the routing number directs that money to your specific bank. Without it, the system would not know where your account lives.

The nine-digit code is assigned by the Federal Reserve and is unique to each bank or bank branch. It has been used since the 1910s as a way to sort checks and electronic payments. Today, even though most transactions are electronic, the routing number remains the standard way to identify your bank in the financial system.

What to do if you see multiple routing numbers

Larger banks sometimes have different routing numbers depending on where you opened your account, what state you live in, or what type of transaction you are making. If your bank's website lists more than one, look for labels like "ACH transfers," "wire transfers," or "check processing" to figure out which one you need.

When in doubt, use the number printed on your checks — that one works for most purposes. If you are setting up a specific type of transfer and are not sure which number to use, ask your bank or the organization requesting the number. They can tell you which routing number they need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my routing number the same as my account number?

No. Your routing number identifies your bank (nine digits, on the left). Your account number identifies your specific account at that bank (usually 10 to 12 digits, in the middle). Both appear on your checks, but they are different.

Can I use someone else's routing number if we bank at the same place?

Yes. The routing number is the same for everyone at your bank, so you can use a friend's check or ask them for the number. The account number is what makes the money go to the right person, so the routing number alone will not send money to the wrong place.

What if my bank merged with another bank?

Your routing number may have changed. Check your most recent statement or log into your online banking to see the current number. If you are unsure, call your bank — they can confirm whether your routing number changed and what the new one is.

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

No. You only need your routing number when someone else is sending money to your account — for direct deposit, wire transfers, or bill payments. Swiping your debit card does not require it.