Chase's bank identification code is a nine-digit number that tells other banks and payment systems which Chase branch or processing center handles your account

The most common Chase bank identification code is called a routing number. It is not a secret code — Chase publishes it openly because other banks need it to send money to you. When someone pays you through a wire transfer, ACH transfer, or check, their bank uses your routing number to find the right Chase location to deposit the funds.

Chase has multiple routing numbers because the company operates different processing centers across the country. The routing number you need depends on which state your account is in and sometimes which type of account you have. This is why Chase publishes a full list on their website rather than giving everyone the same nine digits.

A routing number is different from your account number (which identifies your specific account) and your SWIFT code (which is used only for international wire transfers). All three are pieces of information you might need to give out, but they do different jobs.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase routing numbers are nine-digit codes that direct money to the correct Chase processing center based on your account location.
  • You need your routing number when setting up direct deposit, making wire transfers, or paying bills through your bank account.
  • Chase publishes routing numbers by state on their website, and the number you need depends on where your account is held.
  • Your routing number is not confidential — it appears on the bottom left of your checks and is safe to share with employers and billers.

Where to find your Chase routing number

The easiest place to find your routing number is on a check from your Chase account. Look at the bottom left corner of the check. You will see three groups of numbers separated by colons or special symbols. The first group of nine digits is your routing number.

If you do not have a check, log into your Chase online account or mobile app. Go to your account details or settings — the exact location varies depending on whether you use Chase.com or the Chase Mobile app, but both have an option to view account and routing information. You can also call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your debit card and ask for your routing number.

Chase also maintains a routing number lookup tool on their website where you can search by state. This is useful if you are setting up a new account or need to verify you have the correct number for your location.

When you need to provide your routing number

Your employer will ask for your routing number and account number when you set up direct deposit for your paycheck. This tells their payroll system where to send your wages. You will also need it if you want your tax refund deposited directly into your Chase account instead of receiving a check.

Billers and service providers ask for your routing number when you authorize them to withdraw money from your account automatically — for example, when you set up automatic payments for utilities, insurance, or loan payments. This is called an ACH debit, and the biller uses your routing number to route the payment to Chase.

If you are sending money to someone else through a wire transfer, you will need their routing number, not yours. But if someone is sending you money by wire, they will ask for your routing number so their bank knows where to send it.

The difference between routing numbers and SWIFT codes

A SWIFT code is used only for international wire transfers — when money is moving between countries. Chase's SWIFT code is CHASUS33, and it is the same for all Chase accounts regardless of location. You would give this code to someone outside the United States who is sending you money.

A routing number, by contrast, is used only for domestic transfers within the United States. If someone in another country is sending you money, they need your SWIFT code and your account number, but not your routing number. If someone in the United States is sending you money, they need your routing number and account number, but not your SWIFT code.

Why Chase has different routing numbers by state

Chase operates processing centers in different regions, and each center has its own routing number. This system dates back to when banking was more localized — each region had its own clearing house to process checks and transfers. Even though banking is now digital and centralized, the routing number system remains because it is built into how banks communicate with each other.

The routing number tells the Federal Reserve and other banks which Chase processing center should handle your transaction. Using the correct routing number for your state ensures your deposit arrives at the right place without delay. Using the wrong routing number can cause your deposit to be rejected or delayed while it gets routed to the correct center.

Is your routing number confidential?

Your routing number is not confidential. It appears on every check you write, and Chase publishes it publicly on their website. You can safely share your routing number with your employer, your bank, billers, and anyone else who needs to send you money or withdraw money you have authorized them to take.

However, your routing number alone cannot be used to access your account or take money without your permission. Someone would also need your account number and, in most cases, additional verification. Treat your account number as confidential, but do not worry about protecting your routing number.

What to do if you have the wrong routing number

If you provided the wrong routing number to your employer or a biller, contact them as soon as you realize the mistake and give them the correct one. For direct deposit, your employer can usually update your information in their payroll system, and your next paycheck will go to the correct account.

If a payment has already been sent to the wrong routing number, it may be rejected and returned to the sender, or it may eventually be rerouted to the correct Chase center. This can take several business days. Contact Chase customer service if a deposit you were expecting does not arrive within the expected timeframe — they can investigate where the payment went.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same routing number for all my Chase accounts?

Not always. If all your accounts are in the same state, they likely share the same routing number. But if you have accounts in different states, each account may have a different routing number based on where it is held. Check your statements or account details for each account to be sure.

What if I move to a different state — does my routing number change?

If you move and keep your current Chase account, your routing number typically stays the same because it is tied to where the account was opened, not where you live. However, if you close your account and open a new one at a Chase branch in your new state, the new account may have a different routing number. Contact Chase to confirm.

Is the routing number on my check always correct?

Yes. Chase prints the correct routing number on every check they issue for your account. If you have a check from your account, the routing number on it is the one you should use.

Do I need my routing number to transfer money between my own Chase accounts?

No. When you transfer money between accounts you own at the same bank, you only need your account numbers. Routing numbers are used when money is moving between different banks.

What happens if someone uses my routing number without permission?

Your routing number alone cannot be used to withdraw money or access your account. Someone would need your account number and authorization as well. If you notice unauthorized transactions, contact Chase when ready to report fraud and dispute the charges.