The routing number is the nine-digit code at the bottom left of your check
When you look at the bottom of a check, you will see three groups of numbers separated by vertical lines. The first group, on the far left, is your routing number. It is always nine digits long and identifies which bank or credit union issued your account.
The routing number comes before your account number. If you are looking at a check and see numbers on the bottom, the leftmost nine-digit group is what you need. It looks like this: 021000021 (this is an example for a major bank; your number will be different).
The routing number stays the same for every check from your account. If you have multiple accounts at the same bank, they may share the same routing number, or the bank may assign different ones depending on the account type or branch.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number is the first nine-digit group at the bottom left of any check you have.
- The routing number identifies your specific bank or credit union, not your individual account.
- You can also find your routing number on your bank's website, by calling the bank's customer service line, or through your online banking portal.
- The routing number is different from your account number, which appears in the middle group of digits on the check bottom.
- If you lose a check or do not have one available, your bank can tell you the routing number in under a minute.
What the three number groups on a check mean
The bottom of a check always shows three separate number groups. Understanding what each one is helps you find the routing number quickly and avoid mixing it up with your account number.
The first group (leftmost) is the routing number — nine digits that identify your bank. The second group (middle) is your account number — usually ten to twelve digits that identify your specific account within that bank. The third group (rightmost) is the check number, which is unique to that individual check.
Some older checks or checks from smaller banks may have the numbers printed in a slightly different order, but the routing number is still the leftmost nine-digit code. If you are unsure, your bank can confirm which number is which.
Finding your routing number without a check
If you do not have a check in front of you, you can find your routing number through your bank directly. Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card, log into your online banking portal, or visit a branch in person. Most banks display the routing number in the account information section of their website.
You can also search for your bank's routing number using the bank's name and your state. The Federal Reserve maintains a routing number database that banks and financial institutions use, and many banks publish their routing numbers publicly on their websites for this reason.
If you use a credit union instead of a bank, the same process applies — call the credit union or check their website for the routing number associated with your account type.
Why banks use routing numbers
The routing number is part of the payment system that moves money between banks. When you write a check, the routing number tells the receiving bank which institution to contact to pull the funds from your account. Without it, the check cannot be processed.
The routing number is also used for electronic transfers — direct deposits, wire transfers, and ACH payments all require a routing number so the sending bank knows where to send the money. This is why you often need to provide your routing number and account number together when setting up a direct deposit or automatic payment.
Routing numbers are not secret
Your routing number is not sensitive information in the way your account number or PIN is. Banks print it on every check you order, and it is the same for thousands of customers at the same bank. You can safely share your routing number with employers, payroll services, or anyone who needs to send you money electronically.
However, you should never share your full account number or the combination of routing number and account number with someone you do not trust. While the routing number alone cannot be used to withdraw money, it combined with your account number can be used to set up unauthorized transfers.
What to do if you cannot read the numbers on your check
If the numbers at the bottom of your check are faded, smudged, or hard to read, do not guess. Call your bank and provide your account number or the check number — they can tell you the routing number when ready. You can also order new checks from your bank, which will have clear, readable numbers.
If you are trying to read a check from someone else and the numbers are unclear, ask that person to contact their bank or provide a new check. Do not attempt to process a check with unreadable routing or account numbers, as it will likely be rejected during processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the routing number the same on all my checks?
Yes. Every check from the same account at the same bank will have the same routing number. If you have multiple accounts at the same bank, they may share a routing number or have different ones depending on the account type.
Can I use the routing number to find out someone's account number?
No. The routing number only identifies the bank, not the individual account. You would need the account number separately, which is the middle group of digits on the check.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
Your routing number may change after a merger. Your bank will notify you and send you new checks with the updated routing number. If you have automatic payments or direct deposits set up, contact those organizations to update the routing number if your bank instructs you to do so.
Do online banks have routing numbers?
Yes. Online banks and credit unions have routing numbers even though they do not have physical branches. You can find the routing number on their website or by calling their customer service line. You will need it for direct deposits and electronic transfers.
Can I write a check if I do not know my routing number?
Yes. The routing number is printed on the check itself, so you do not need to know it to write one. The person or business receiving the check will use the routing number printed on it to process the payment.