Your bank identification code is printed on your checks and available online through your bank's website or app
A bank identification code — also called a routing number in the United States — is a nine-digit code that tells the financial system which bank holds your account. When money moves between banks, this code is how the sending bank knows where to send it. You need it for direct deposits, wire transfers, ACH payments, and setting up automatic bill pay.
The fastest way to find it is to look at the bottom left of any check you have. The first nine digits printed there are your routing number. If you don't have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app — most banks display it in the account details or settings section. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number; they will give it to you in seconds.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears as the first nine digits on the bottom left of any check you own.
- Most banks display your routing number in the account details section of their website or mobile app under settings or account information.
- If you cannot find it online, calling your bank's customer service line will get you the number when ready.
- The routing number is different from your account number — you need both for transfers between banks.
- Some banks have multiple routing numbers depending on the type of account or the state where you opened it.
Finding it on a physical check
Open your checkbook and look at the bottom of any check. You will see three groups of numbers printed in magnetic ink. The first group — always nine digits — is your routing number. The second group is your account number. The third is the check number itself.
If the numbers are hard to read, hold the check under a light or take a photo and zoom in. The routing number never changes for a given account type at a given bank, so you only need to find it once.
Finding it on your bank's website or app
Log into your bank's website or open the mobile app. Look for a section labeled "Account Details," "Account Information," or "Settings." Most banks display the routing number prominently in this section, often next to your account number.
If you cannot find it there, look for a link labeled "Routing Number" or "Wire Instructions" — some banks put it in a separate area. A few banks require you to click into individual account settings to see the routing number for that specific account, especially if you have multiple accounts or account types.
If the app or website does not show it, contact your bank through the messaging feature in the app or call the number on the back of your debit card. Do not search for your bank's number online and assume it is correct — banks sometimes have multiple routing numbers, and using the wrong one will cause transfers to fail or be delayed.
Calling your bank directly
The fastest way if you are in a hurry is to call your bank's customer service number. This number is on the back of your debit card, on your monthly statement, or on your bank's website. Tell the representative you need your routing number for your account.
Have your account number or the card itself ready when you call. The representative will confirm which account you mean and give you the routing number. This takes less than a minute and removes any doubt about which number is correct for your specific account.
Understanding routing numbers vs. account numbers
These two numbers work together but mean different things. Your routing number identifies your bank — it is the same for everyone with an account at that bank (or sometimes the same for a specific branch or account type). Your account number identifies your individual account within that bank.
When you set up a direct deposit or wire transfer, you need both. The routing number tells the sending bank which institution to send the money to. The account number tells that institution which account within the bank should receive it. Using the wrong routing number will send the money to the wrong bank entirely, and it may take days to recover.
What to do if your bank has multiple routing numbers
Larger banks and credit unions sometimes have different routing numbers for different regions, account types, or transaction methods. If you see more than one number listed on your bank's website, use the one that matches your account type and location.
For example, a national bank might have one routing number for checking accounts and a different one for savings accounts. A credit union might have different numbers depending on which state you opened your account in. If you are unsure which one applies to you, call your bank and specify what you are using the number for — direct deposit, wire transfer, or bill pay — and they will give you the correct one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my SWIFT code?
No. Your routing number is used for domestic transfers within the United States. A SWIFT code is used for international wire transfers and is different. If you are sending money to another country, ask your bank for your SWIFT code, not your routing number.
Can I use someone else's routing number to send them money?
Yes. If you are sending money to someone at the same bank, you use their routing number and their account number. The routing number is public information — it is safe to share. You should never share your account number with people you do not trust, but the routing number itself is not sensitive.
What happens if I use the wrong routing number?
The transfer will either fail when ready or be sent to the wrong bank. If it fails, you will get an error message and the money will stay in your account. If it goes to the wrong bank, it may take several days to trace and recover. Always double-check the routing number before confirming a transfer.
Do I need my routing number to receive a wire transfer?
Yes. The person or organization sending you money needs your routing number and account number. You can safely give out your routing number — it is not sensitive information. Keep your account number more private.
Does my routing number change if I move to a different state?
Usually not. Most banks use the same routing number regardless of where you live. However, some credit unions and regional banks assign routing numbers based on the state where you opened your account. If you move, contact your bank to confirm your routing number has not changed.