Your routing number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, or you can get it from your bank's website or by calling customer service

The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank branch. It tells the financial system where your money is held so transfers, direct deposits, and bill payments reach the right account. You have several ways to find it without leaving your house or waiting on hold.

The fastest method depends on what you have access to right now. If you have a checkbook, the number is already printed there. If you don't, your bank's website or mobile app will show it in seconds. Calling your bank works too, though you may wait longer than you would online.

Key Takeaways

  • Your routing number appears on the bottom left corner of any check from your account, printed as the first set of nine digits.
  • Your bank's website or mobile app displays your routing number in the account details or settings section, usually labeled "routing number" or "bank routing number".
  • You can call your bank's customer service line and provide your account number to receive your routing number over the phone.
  • The routing number is specific to your bank branch, so different branches of the same bank may have different routing numbers.

Finding it on a check

Look at the bottom left corner of any check. You will see three sets of numbers separated by colons or special symbols. The first set of nine digits is your routing number. It comes before your account number and the check number.

This method works only if you have checks from your current account. If you have not ordered checks yet or your checks are at home and you need the number now, use one of the other methods instead.

Finding it on your bank's website or app

Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details, account information, or settings. Most banks display the routing number prominently on the main account page or in a section labeled "account and routing numbers" or "bank details".

The exact location varies by bank. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and most regional banks put it on the account overview page. Credit unions often place it in a "member services" or "account information" section. If you cannot find it after checking the main account page and settings, use the search function within the app or website and type "routing number".

Calling your bank directly

Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Have your account number ready. Tell the representative you need your routing number, and they will provide it when ready. This call is free and takes less than a minute once you reach someone.

Wait times vary depending on the time of day and how busy the bank is. Calling early in the morning on a weekday usually means shorter waits than calling during lunch or late afternoon.

Using the Federal Reserve's routing number database

The Federal Reserve maintains a public database of routing numbers at frbservices.org. You can search by bank name and state to find the routing number for your specific branch. This method works if you know your bank's name and the state where your branch is located, but you do not have your account information handy.

This database is most useful if you are setting up a transfer for someone else's account or if you have lost access to your own bank's website. The number you find here will match what your bank would give you over the phone.

What to do if you cannot find your routing number

If you have tried the methods above and still cannot locate it, contact your bank directly. Call the number on your debit card, visit a branch in person, or use the chat feature on your bank's website. You will need to verify your identity with your account number or Social Security number before the bank releases the routing number.

Some banks also send routing number information in account statements or welcome letters. Check any recent mail from your bank if you have it available. The routing number does not change unless you close the account or switch banks, so once you find it, you can save it for future use.

Why your routing number matters

Your routing number is required for direct deposits from your employer, government payments, or other sources. It is also needed when you set up automatic bill payments or transfer money between banks. Without the correct routing number, transfers may be delayed or sent to the wrong account.

The routing number is not sensitive information in the way your account number or Social Security number is. It is printed on every check you write and is publicly available through the Federal Reserve database. You can safely share it with employers, government agencies, or anyone who needs to send you money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my routing number the same for all my accounts at the same bank?

Your routing number is tied to your bank branch, not to individual accounts. If you have a checking account and a savings account at the same branch, they share the same routing number. If you have accounts at different branches of the same bank, the routing numbers may differ.

What if I have a credit union instead of a bank?

Credit unions use routing numbers the same way banks do. You can find your credit union's routing number on checks, through your credit union's website or app, or by calling their member services line. The Federal Reserve database also includes credit union routing numbers.

Can I use someone else's routing number to send them money?

Yes. If someone gives you their routing number and account number, you can use that information to send them money through a transfer or bill payment. Make sure you have both numbers correct before you submit the transfer, because using the wrong routing number can send money to the wrong account.

Does my routing number change if I move to a different state?

No. Your routing number is tied to your bank branch, not your home address. If you move but keep your account at the same branch, your routing number stays the same. If you close your account and open a new one at a different bank, you will have a new routing number.

What is the difference between a routing number and a SWIFT code?

A routing number is used for transfers within the United States. A SWIFT code is used for international transfers and includes additional information about the bank and country. If you are sending money to someone outside the US, you will need their SWIFT code instead of a routing number.