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, or a sort code in the UK) is a number that identifies which bank or credit union holds your account. When money moves between banks—whether you're setting up a direct deposit, sending a wire transfer, or paying a bill—the payment system uses this code to find the right institution and deliver the funds to the correct place.
You don't need to search for it. It's printed on every check you have, stored in your online banking portal, and available by phone. The code itself never changes for your account, so once you find it, you can use it repeatedly.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of every check you receive from your bank.
- Your bank's website or mobile app displays your routing number in the account details or settings section, usually labeled "Account Information" or "Routing Details".
- You can call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number; they will provide it in seconds.
- The routing number is specific to your bank's location or branch system, not to your individual account.
- Wire transfers, ACH payments, and direct deposit all require your routing number plus your account number to work correctly.
Finding the code on a physical check
The easiest place to look is the bottom left corner of any check in your checkbook. You'll see nine digits printed there—that's your routing number. It appears before your account number, which is the longer string of digits to its right.
If you don't have checks on hand, you can order a single check from your bank or ask them to mail you one. Some banks will print a temporary check number on a statement or receipt if you ask in person at a branch.
Finding the code through online banking
Log into your bank's website or open the mobile app. Look for a section labeled "Account Information," "Account Details," "Routing Information," or "Bank Details." Most banks place this in the settings menu or under a tab for a specific account.
The routing number will be displayed alongside your account number. Some banks also show it when you set up a new external transfer or direct deposit, because the system needs to confirm it before processing the payment. If you can't locate it in the obvious places, use the search or help function within the app and search for "routing number."
Calling your bank to ask
Pick up the phone and call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement. Tell them you need your routing number. They will ask you to verify your identity (usually your account number and Social Security number or date of birth), then provide the nine-digit code when ready.
This is the fastest method if you need the number right now and don't have access to checks or online banking. The call takes less than two minutes.
Understanding what the routing number identifies
The routing number is tied to your bank's location or branch system, not to you personally. If you have accounts at two different banks, each account will have a different routing number. If you have two accounts at the same bank, they may share the same routing number (though some large banks assign different numbers to different branches or account types).
The first four digits of the routing number identify the Federal Reserve district where your bank operates. The remaining five digits identify the specific bank or credit union. This structure allows the payment system to route money to the correct institution, then to the correct account within that institution.
When you need to provide your routing number
You'll need your routing number whenever you set up a payment that moves money between banks. This includes direct deposit from an employer, automatic bill payments, wire transfers you initiate, and transfers from another bank into your account. You'll also need it if someone outside your bank wants to send you money and needs your banking details.
You do not need your routing number for payments made within the same bank—for example, transferring money from your checking account to your savings account at the same institution. You also don't need it for debit card purchases, ATM withdrawals, or credit card payments.
What to do if you can't find your routing number
If you've checked your checks, looked through your online banking portal, and can't locate the number, call your bank. This is the only reliable method if the other routes don't work. Have your account number ready when you call.
Some banks also publish their routing numbers on their websites in a searchable database. If you know your bank's name and location, you can search "[Bank Name] routing number" online, though you should verify the result by calling the bank or checking their official website to make sure you have the correct code for your specific branch or account type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my account number?
No. Your routing number identifies your bank; your account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Both are needed for most transfers. The routing number is nine digits and appears on the left side of the bottom of your check. Your account number is longer and appears to the right of the routing number.
Can I use someone else's routing number to send them money?
Yes. The routing number tells the payment system which bank to send the money to. Combined with the recipient's account number, it directs the funds to their specific account. You need both pieces of information for the transfer to reach the right person.
Does my routing number change if I move to a different state?
Not usually. Your routing number is tied to your bank's branch system, not to your physical location. If you move but keep the same bank account, your routing number stays the same. If you close your account and open a new one at a different bank, you'll have a new routing number.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
Your routing number may change after a merger, depending on how the banks consolidate their systems. Your bank will notify you if this happens and will provide your new routing number. Check your statements or online banking after a merger to confirm your current routing number.
Can someone access my account if they have my routing number?
No. Your routing number alone is not enough to access or withdraw from your account. Someone would also need your account number, and even then, most transactions require additional verification like a PIN, password, or signature. Your routing number is safe to share—it's meant to be public information so people can send you money.