Your bank uses one routing number for both account types
Yes. Your bank's routing number is the same whether you have a checking account, a savings account, or both. The routing number identifies the bank itself—not the type of account you hold there. When you set up direct deposit, wire a transfer, or give someone your banking details, you use the same nine-digit routing number regardless of which account the money is going into.
What changes is your account number, which is unique to each individual account you own at that bank. So if you have both a checking and a savings account at the same bank, you'll have one routing number but two different account numbers.
Some larger banks operate multiple routing numbers because they have branches in different regions or acquired other banks over time. If that's your situation, your bank statement or online banking portal will show you which routing number belongs to your specific branch or account.
Key Takeaways
- One routing number covers all your accounts at the same bank, whether checking, savings, or money market.
- Your account number is what distinguishes between your checking and savings accounts—not the routing number.
- Large banks may have multiple routing numbers by region or branch, so check your statement to find the correct one for your location.
- When setting up direct deposit or transfers, you need both the routing number and the specific account number for the account receiving the money.
How routing numbers and account numbers work together
Think of the routing number as your bank's address and the account number as your mailbox. The routing number gets the payment to the right bank; the account number gets it to the right account within that bank. Together, they form the complete path for any electronic transaction.
When you provide banking information for direct deposit, you'll give both numbers. Your employer or the payment source uses the routing number to find your bank, then uses the account number to deposit the money into the correct account—checking, savings, or whichever one you specify.
This separation is why you can have multiple accounts at one bank and still use the same routing number. Each account has its own number, but they all belong to the same institution.
Where to find your routing number
Your routing number appears in several places. The easiest is usually your bank statement—it's printed near the top or bottom, often labeled as "routing number" or "ABA number." You can also find it on the bottom left of any check you write from that bank.
If you bank online, log into your account and look for a section labeled "Account Information," "Banking Details," or "Routing Number." Many banks display it right on the dashboard. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask; they'll confirm the routing number for your branch in seconds.
The Federal Reserve maintains a searchable database of routing numbers at frbservices.org, though you'll need to know your bank's name and state to use it. Your bank's website usually has a "routing number lookup" tool as well.
What happens if you use the wrong routing number
If you give someone the wrong routing number but the correct account number, the payment will go to the wrong bank. The sending bank may catch the error and return the money, or it may sit in limbo for days while the receiving bank tries to figure out where it belongs. Either way, your money doesn't arrive on time.
If you use the right routing number but the wrong account number, the payment reaches your bank but goes into someone else's account—or gets rejected if the account number doesn't exist. This is why it's worth double-checking both numbers before you submit them for direct deposit or a wire transfer.
Most banks can trace a misdirected payment and recover it, but the process takes time. It's faster to get both numbers right from the start.
Multiple routing numbers at large banks
Some of the largest banks in the country have more than one routing number. This usually happens because the bank operates in multiple states, has regional processing centers, or merged with another bank and kept both routing numbers active. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank are examples of banks with multiple routing numbers depending on your branch location.
If your bank has multiple routing numbers, using the wrong one can delay your transaction. The payment might still reach your account eventually, but it could take longer because it has to be rerouted internally. To find the correct routing number for your specific branch, check your statement, call your bank, or use your bank's online routing number lookup tool and enter your branch location.
Routing numbers for transfers between your own accounts
If you're moving money between your own checking and savings accounts at the same bank, you typically don't need the routing number at all. Most banks let you transfer between your own accounts through online banking using just the account numbers. The routing number is mainly for transactions that cross bank boundaries—direct deposit from an employer, payments to someone else's account, or wire transfers.
That said, some banks do ask for the routing number even for internal transfers, especially if you're setting up an automatic recurring transfer. It doesn't hurt to have it ready, and it ensures the transfer goes to the right place.
International transfers and routing numbers
If you're receiving money from outside the United States, the sender may need additional information beyond your routing number. International transfers typically require a SWIFT code (also called a BIC code) rather than a routing number. A SWIFT code identifies your bank internationally and looks like a combination of letters and numbers, such as CHASUS33.
Some international senders also ask for an IBAN (International Bank Account Number), though this is less common for U.S. banks. If you're expecting an international wire transfer, contact your bank and ask for the SWIFT code and any other details the sender needs. Your bank can provide this information in minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a different routing number for my savings account than my checking account?
No. Both accounts use the same routing number because the routing number identifies your bank, not the type of account. What differs is the account number—each account has its own unique number.
What if my bank has multiple routing numbers and I don't know which one to use?
Check your bank statement first—it will show the routing number for your specific branch. If you're unsure, call your bank's customer service line and tell them your branch location; they'll give you the correct routing number in seconds.
Can I use the routing number from a check to set up direct deposit?
Yes. The routing number printed on the bottom left of your checks is the correct one to use for direct deposit, as long as the check is from the account receiving the deposit. Make sure you also provide the correct account number for that specific account.
What happens if I accidentally use my savings account number with my checking account routing number?
The payment will go to your savings account instead of your checking account. If this happens by mistake, contact your bank and they can usually move the money between your accounts at no charge.
Do credit unions use routing numbers the same way as banks?
Yes. Credit unions use routing numbers the same way banks do—one routing number per institution, with separate account numbers for each account you hold. You can find your credit union's routing number on your statement or by calling their member services line.