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 fastest way to locate your routing number depends on what you have access to right now. If you have a checkbook, look at the bottom left corner of any check — the first nine-digit number is your routing number. If you don't have checks or prefer not to use them, your bank's website has a dedicated page for this information, usually under "Account Information" or "Routing Numbers." A phone call to your bank's customer service line will get you the answer in under a minute.

Your routing number is specific to the branch or region where your account is held, not to you personally. This means all customers at the same bank location share the same routing number. It's safe to share — it's printed on checks that go to strangers, and it's public information that anyone can look up.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the bottom left corner of any check you have — the first nine digits are your routing number.
  • Visit your bank's website and search for "routing number" or look under account information pages.
  • Call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your statement.
  • Your routing number is tied to your branch location, not your individual account, so it's safe to share.
  • If you switch banks, your new bank will have a different routing number even if you keep the same account type.

Finding it on your bank's website

Most banks display routing numbers prominently on their website because they know customers need them regularly. Log in to your online banking portal and look for a section labeled "Account Information," "Routing Numbers," or "Bank Details." Some banks put this under a "Help" or "FAQ" section instead. The page usually shows your routing number alongside your account number, though they are separate pieces of information.

If you can't find it through the portal, try searching the bank's main website for "routing number" using your browser's search function. Many banks also publish a list of routing numbers for different branches or regions, which is useful if you have accounts at multiple locations. Write down or screenshot the number — you'll use it for direct deposits, wire transfers, and bill payments.

Calling your bank directly

The customer service number is on the back of your debit card, on your most recent statement, or on your bank's website. When you call, tell the representative you need your routing number. They will ask you to verify your identity — usually your account number and the last four digits of your Social Security number — then read it to you. This takes about two minutes.

Some banks have automated phone systems that let you retrieve your routing number without speaking to a person. Listen to the menu options when you call; if there's an option for "Account Information" or "Routing Number," select it and follow the prompts. You'll need your account number or the phone number associated with your account.

Using the ABA routing number lookup tool

The American Bankers Association maintains a public database of routing numbers at routingnumber.aba.org. You can search by bank name and state, and the tool will return all routing numbers for that bank's branches in that state. This is useful if you're not sure which branch your account is at, or if you're trying to find the routing number for a bank you don't have an account with.

The ABA tool is free and requires no login. It's a straightforward search — type the bank name, select your state, and the results appear when ready. If your bank has multiple branches in your state, each may have its own routing number, so make sure you're selecting the correct one. The tool also shows the Federal Reserve district and other technical details, but you only need the nine-digit routing number itself.

What to do if you can't locate it

If you've checked your checks, your bank's website, and called customer service and still don't have an answer, the problem is usually that you're looking at the wrong number or the wrong bank. Routing numbers are always nine digits. If the number you found is shorter or longer, it's not the routing number — it might be your account number or a reference number for a specific transaction.

Double-check that you're looking at the right bank. If you have accounts at multiple institutions, it's straightforward to mix them up. If you're trying to find the routing number for a bank you used to use, remember that routing numbers don't change when you close an account — the number itself is still valid, but you won't be able to use it with a closed account. If you genuinely cannot find it after these steps, call the bank again and ask them to confirm the routing number in writing or email it to you.

Routing number versus account number

These are two separate pieces of information that work together. Your routing number identifies which bank or branch holds your account. Your account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Both are required for direct deposits, wire transfers, and ACH payments. The routing number is the same for everyone at your branch; the account number is unique to you.

On a check, the routing number appears first (bottom left), followed by your account number (bottom center). When you set up a direct deposit or authorize a bill payment, you'll need to enter both. If you provide only the routing number without the account number, the transaction will fail because the bank won't know which account to deposit into or withdraw from.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to give someone my routing number?

Yes. Your routing number is public information printed on every check you write. It identifies your bank, not your account. Someone with only your routing number cannot access your money — they would also need your account number. You routinely give your routing number to employers, government agencies, and service providers for direct deposits and bill payments.

Do I need a different routing number for each type of account?

No. All accounts at the same branch — checking, savings, money market — share the same routing number. The routing number identifies the bank location; your account number identifies which account within that location. You use the same routing number whether you're setting up a direct deposit to checking or a bill payment from savings.

What if my bank merged with another bank?

Your routing number may change after a merger, depending on how the banks consolidated their systems. Contact your bank directly to confirm whether your routing number is still valid. If it changed, your bank will provide the new one and may send you updated checks automatically. Any direct deposits or bill payments set up under the old routing number should be updated before the merger takes effect.

Can I use an old routing number if my bank closed?

No. If your bank closed or was acquired, the old routing number is no longer active. You'll need to open an account at a new bank and get its routing number. If you had direct deposits or bill payments set up, contact your employer or service providers to update them with your new bank's information.

Why do some banks have multiple routing numbers?

Large banks often have different routing numbers for different regions, branches, or types of transactions. This helps the Federal Reserve system route transactions efficiently. When you look up your routing number, make sure you're selecting the one for your specific branch or region, not just any routing number the bank uses.