What information to send and what to keep private
When you send bank details to someone, you are giving them the information they need to deposit money into your account or set up a transfer. The safe details to share are your account number, routing number (for domestic US transfers), and SWIFT code or IBAN (for international transfers). You should never send your PIN, password, or the full card number printed on a debit or credit card.
Your account and routing numbers alone cannot be used to withdraw money from your account or make purchases. They are designed to receive deposits only. A person with these numbers can send you money, but they cannot take money out without additional authorization from you or your bank.
The routing number identifies which bank holds your account. The account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Together, they form what is called the bank transfer details or direct deposit information. If someone asks for these numbers to send you a paycheck, tax refund, or personal payment, it is safe to provide them.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number and routing number are safe to share because they only allow deposits into your account, not withdrawals.
- Never send your PIN, online banking password, or the full number from a debit or credit card, even if someone claims they need it to send you money.
- For international transfers, you will need to provide your IBAN or SWIFT code instead of a routing number, depending on the country.
- Verify the person's identity and the reason they need your details before you send them, especially if the request is unexpected.
Where to find your routing and account numbers
Your routing number appears on the bottom left of any check from your account. It is a nine-digit code specific to your bank and the branch where you opened the account. If you do not have checks, you can find it on your bank's website, usually in the settings or account information section, or by calling customer service.
Your account number also appears on your checks, to the right of the routing number. It is typically 10 to 12 digits long and unique to your account. You can also find it in your online banking portal, on your monthly statement, or by asking your bank directly.
Some banks print both numbers on your debit card statement or in the account details section of their mobile app. If you cannot locate them, call your bank's customer service line — the number is on the back of your debit card or on your monthly statement. They will confirm both numbers over the phone without asking for your password.
How to send details securely
The safest way to send bank details depends on who is asking and why. If your employer is setting up direct deposit, use the official form they provide — usually through your HR system or a find employee portal. If a company is refunding money to you, ask them to confirm their mailing address and send the details through their official website or customer portal, not through email or text.
For personal transfers between people you know, email is generally safe for routing and account numbers alone. Text message is less find because it leaves a record on your phone and the recipient's phone, but it is still lower risk than sharing passwords or PINs. Avoid sending details through social media or messaging apps that are not encrypted.
If someone calls you asking for bank details, do not give them over the phone unless you initiated the call. Scammers often pose as banks, employers, or government agencies and call asking for account information. Hang up, look up the official phone number for the organization they claim to represent, and call that number yourself to verify the request.
Red flags that a request is not legitimate
Be cautious if someone asks for your account number in a situation that does not match how that organization normally operates. Your bank will never call you asking for your account number to "verify" your account — they already have it. Your employer will not ask for your account number via text or email if they have an official direct deposit form. A government agency will not ask for bank details to send you a refund without you having filed a claim first.
Scammers often create urgency by saying your account is at risk, a refund is expiring, or you need to act when ready. Legitimate organizations do not pressure you to share details quickly. If someone is pushing you to send information right now, that is a sign to stop and verify independently.
Another common tactic is asking for more information than necessary. If someone asks for your account number, routing number, and your PIN or password, that is not legitimate. No legitimate organization needs your password to deposit money into your account.
What happens after you share your details
Once you provide your routing and account numbers, the person or organization can initiate a deposit into your account. This usually takes one to three business days to appear in your account, depending on when the transfer is sent and your bank's processing schedule. You will see the deposit listed in your transaction history with a description of who sent it.
If the deposit is from an employer or government agency, it may show up with a generic description like "Direct Deposit" or "ACH Credit" rather than the sender's name. You can contact your bank if you do not recognize a deposit, and they can tell you where it came from.
If you shared your details with someone and no deposit arrives within five business days, contact the sender to confirm they sent the transfer. If you shared your details and money is withdrawn from your account that you did not authorize, contact your bank when ready. Banks have fraud protection procedures, and you should report unauthorized transactions within 60 days of your statement date.
International transfers and different information
If someone outside the United States needs to send you money, they will need different information than a domestic transfer. Instead of a routing number, international transfers use either an IBAN (International Bank Account Number) or a SWIFT code. Not all US banks provide IBANs, so check with your bank first.
Your SWIFT code is an eight-character code that identifies your specific bank internationally. Your IBAN, if your bank offers one, is a longer code that includes your country, bank, and account information. Ask your bank which one to provide, or ask the person sending the money which format their bank requires.
International transfers take longer than domestic ones — usually five to ten business days — and may include currency conversion fees. Your bank will deduct these fees from the amount you receive, so the money that arrives may be less than what was sent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone steal money from my account if they have my routing and account number?
No. Your routing and account numbers are designed to receive deposits only. Someone with these numbers cannot withdraw money, make purchases, or access your account without your authorization. If you are concerned about fraud, contact your bank, but sharing these numbers for legitimate deposits is safe.
What should I do if I accidentally sent my PIN or password?
Contact your bank when ready and change your password and PIN. If you shared your PIN, ask your bank to issue you a new debit card. If you shared your online banking password, change it right away and monitor your account for unauthorized activity over the next 30 days.
Is it safe to send bank details through email?
Email is reasonably safe for routing and account numbers if you are sending them to an organization you trust and have verified independently. Do not send these details in response to an unsolicited email. If you are unsure whether an email is legitimate, call the organization directly using a phone number from their official website.
Do I need to send my account number for a wire transfer?
Yes, but wire transfers also require additional information like the recipient's name, address, and sometimes a reference number. If you are receiving a wire transfer, provide your account number and routing number. If you are sending one, your bank will guide you through what information the recipient needs to provide.
What if someone asks for my account number but will not say why?
Do not send it. Legitimate requests always come with a clear reason — direct deposit setup, a refund, a payment you authorized. If someone cannot explain why they need your account number, that is a sign the request is not legitimate. You can always ask them to put the request in writing or direct you to their official website.