The routing number is the nine-digit code at the bottom left of your check
Open any check from your bank account and look at the bottom left corner. You will see three groups of numbers separated by vertical lines. The first group — always nine digits — is your routing number. It identifies which bank or credit union issued the check. The second group is your account number. The third is the check number itself.
The routing number stays the same across all checks from the same account. If you order new checks from your bank, they will have the same routing number printed in that same position. The number does not change when you move money or close and reopen accounts at the same institution.
You do not need to understand what the routing number does to find it. You only need to know where to look: bottom left, first set of nine digits, between the two vertical lines.
Key Takeaways
- The routing number is the first nine-digit group at the bottom left of any check, printed between two vertical lines.
- All checks from the same bank account will have the same routing number in the same position.
- The routing number is specific to your bank or credit union, not to you personally — other customers at the same bank will have the same routing number.
- If you cannot find a check or do not have one, your bank can tell you the routing number by phone, online banking, or in writing.
What the three number groups on a check actually are
The bottom of a check always shows three separate number groups in this order: routing number, account number, check number. Each one tells the banking system something different.
The routing number (nine digits) tells the system which bank or credit union holds the account. When you write a check, the receiving bank uses this number to know where to send it for payment. The account number (usually ten to twelve digits, but varies) tells the system which specific account at that bank the money should come from. The check number (usually four digits) is just a reference number printed on that individual check so you can track it in your records.
You need the routing number when you set up direct deposit, arrange a wire transfer, or authorize automatic payments. You need the account number for the same reasons. You rarely need the check number for anything except your own record-keeping.
How to read the numbers if the print is small or faded
Older checks or checks printed with low-quality ink can be hard to read. If the numbers at the bottom are unclear, hold the check under bright light and look at it from different angles. The numbers are printed in a special magnetic ink that sometimes shows up more clearly when you tilt the check.
If the routing number is still illegible, you have other options. Call your bank's customer service line — the number is usually on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Tell them you need your routing number and have your account number or debit card ready. They will give it to you in seconds. You can also log into your online banking account; most banks display the routing number in the account details or settings section.
When you have checks from multiple banks
If you have accounts at more than one bank, each set of checks will have a different routing number. The routing number printed on checks from Bank A will not match the routing number on checks from Bank B, even if both are in your name.
This matters if you are setting up direct deposit or automatic payments. You must use the routing number that matches the specific bank account the money is going to or coming from. Using the wrong routing number will send the payment to the wrong bank, and it may take several days to correct.
If you are unsure which routing number belongs to which account, write the bank name on the check itself or keep the checks in separate envelopes. This prevents mistakes when you are filling out payment forms.
Routing numbers for online banks and credit unions
Online banks and credit unions issue checks the same way traditional banks do — with a routing number printed at the bottom left. The routing number works identically whether your bank has physical branches or operates only online.
If your online bank or credit union does not send you checks, or if you have not ordered any yet, you can still find the routing number. Log into your online account and look for account details, settings, or a section labeled "banking information." Most online banks display the routing number there. If you cannot find it, call the customer service number on your account statement or the bank's website.
Why banks use routing numbers instead of just account numbers
A routing number tells the banking system which institution holds the account. Without it, a payment system would have no way to know whether your account number belongs to Bank of America, Wells Fargo, a local credit union, or a bank in another state. Millions of people have account numbers that start with the same digits.
The routing number is part of a larger system that moves money between banks. When you deposit a check, the receiving bank reads the routing number to know where to send it. When you set up direct deposit, your employer uses the routing number to know which bank to send your paycheck to. The system has been in place for decades and is standardized across all U.S. banks and credit unions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the routing number the same on every check I have from the same bank?
Yes. All checks from the same account at the same bank will have the same routing number printed in the same position. If you order new checks, they will have the same routing number as your old ones.
Can I use a routing number from an old check that is no longer valid?
The routing number itself does not expire, but the check may be too old to deposit. Banks typically will not accept checks older than six months. If you need the routing number for a current transaction, use a recent check or contact your bank directly.
What if I lose my checks and need the routing number?
Call your bank's customer service line with your account number or debit card ready. You can also log into online banking and look for account details or banking information. Your bank can provide the routing number in seconds.
Do I need both the routing number and account number for direct deposit?
Yes. Direct deposit requires both numbers. The routing number tells your employer's bank which bank to send the money to. The account number tells that bank which specific account to deposit it into. You can find both at the bottom of any check from that account.
Is the routing number printed anywhere else besides checks?
Yes. Your bank statement usually shows the routing number in the account information section. Your online banking portal typically displays it in account details or settings. You can also call your bank or visit a branch to ask for it.