Where to find both numbers on your check
Your routing number is the nine-digit code on the left side of the bottom of your check. Your account number is the longer code in the middle of the bottom. Both are printed in magnetic ink and read left to right.
The routing number identifies your bank or credit union — it tells the financial system which institution holds your money. The account number identifies your specific account within that institution. Together, they form a complete address for your money.
On a standard check, you will see three groups of numbers at the bottom. The first group (leftmost) is the routing number. The second group (middle) is the account number. The third group (rightmost) is the check number itself, which is different from your account number.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number is the nine-digit code on the far left of the bottom of your check, printed in magnetic ink.
- Your account number is the longer code in the middle of the bottom of the check, also in magnetic ink.
- The check number on the right side of the bottom is not the same as your account number and should not be used for transfers.
- Both numbers are also printed in the upper right corner of your check in regular ink, though the magnetic ink versions are the official ones.
Why the numbers are printed twice on your check
You will notice the routing and account numbers appear twice on your check: once at the bottom in magnetic ink, and again in the upper right corner in regular black ink. The magnetic ink version at the bottom is the one that machines read when checks are processed through the banking system.
The regular ink version in the upper right is there for you to read easily. Banks and credit unions print both so that you can see your numbers without having to decode the magnetic ink, and so that automated check-sorting machines can process your check quickly.
What happens if you cannot find these numbers on your check
If your checks are very old, faded, or damaged, the numbers may be hard to read. You do not need to find them on a check — you can get your routing and account numbers from your bank or credit union directly.
Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card, log into your online banking account, or visit a branch in person. Your bank can tell you both numbers over the phone or show them to you in your account settings. Many banks also print these numbers on statements or in welcome materials you received when you opened the account.
The difference between routing number and account number
A routing number is shared by many customers of the same bank or credit union. If you and a friend both bank at the same institution, you will have the same routing number. The routing number stays the same no matter which account you have at that bank.
An account number is unique to you. No one else has your account number, even if they bank at the same place. Your account number changes only if you close the account and open a new one, or if your bank reassigns it for security reasons (which is rare).
Think of the routing number as your bank's address and the account number as your mailbox number at that address. The routing number gets your money to the right bank. The account number gets it to the right mailbox once it arrives.
When you need to give out these numbers
You will need to provide both your routing number and account number when you set up direct deposit for paychecks, arrange automatic bill payments, or receive a wire transfer from someone outside your bank. You may also need them to transfer money between your own accounts at different banks.
Only give these numbers to people and organizations you trust. Anyone with both numbers can potentially set up a transfer from your account. If you are unsure whether a request is legitimate, call your bank directly using the number on your debit card or statement — do not use a phone number from the email or letter asking for the information.
Reading the numbers correctly
The routing number is always nine digits. The account number can be anywhere from eight to seventeen digits depending on your bank, though most are between ten and twelve digits. When you write down or type these numbers, count them carefully — even one digit wrong will cause a transfer to fail or go to the wrong place.
The magnetic ink at the bottom of the check uses a special font designed to be read by machines. The numbers can look slightly different from regular printed numbers, but they are the same digits. If you have trouble reading them, use the regular ink version in the upper right corner instead.
What to do if you need these numbers but do not have a check
If you have not ordered checks yet or do not want to write one, you can still find your routing and account numbers. Log into your online banking portal — most banks display these numbers in the account settings or summary page. You can also call your bank's customer service line, visit a branch, or check any statements or welcome letters you received.
Some banks print these numbers on the back of your debit card as well. If you have a debit card from your bank, flip it over and look for small printed numbers — though not all banks do this, so do not be surprised if yours does not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my account number the same as my debit card number?
No. Your debit card number is different from your account number. The debit card number is printed on the front of your card and is used for purchases and ATM withdrawals. Your account number is on your checks and is used for transfers and direct deposits. They are two separate numbers tied to the same account.
Can someone steal money if they only have my routing number?
Not easily. A routing number alone is not enough to transfer money — someone would need both your routing number and your account number. However, do not share your routing number unnecessarily. If someone asks for it, ask why they need it and verify they are legitimate before providing it.
What if I give my routing and account number to the wrong person?
Contact your bank when ready. Tell them you may have given out your account information to someone you do not trust. Your bank can monitor your account for unauthorized transfers and may issue you a new account number if needed. The sooner you report it, the faster they can protect your money.
Do I need both numbers for a wire transfer?
Yes. For a wire transfer, you will need to provide your routing number, account number, and the name on the account. Some banks may also ask for your bank's address or a SWIFT code if the transfer is going to another country. Ask the person sending the money what information they need.
Will my routing number change if I move to a different state?
No. Your routing number is tied to your bank or credit union, not to where you live. If you move but keep the same bank account, your routing number stays the same. It only changes if you switch to a different bank or credit union.