Most banks use one routing number for both checking and savings accounts
Yes, in almost all cases your checking and savings accounts at the same bank share the same routing number. The routing number identifies the bank or credit union itself, not the type of account you hold there. Whether you have a checking account, a savings account, or both, they all point to the same institution.
The routing number stays the same. What changes is your account number — that is the unique identifier for each individual account you own at that bank. So if you have both a checking and a savings account at the same bank, you will have one routing number and two different account numbers.
This matters when you are setting up direct deposit, wire transfers, or automatic bill payments. You need to provide both the routing number (the same for both accounts) and the correct account number (different for each account). Using the wrong account number with the correct routing number will send your money to the wrong place.
Key Takeaways
- One routing number covers all your accounts at a single bank, whether checking, savings, or money market.
- Each account has its own account number, so you must use the correct one when setting up transfers or deposits.
- Online banks and credit unions may have different routing numbers than brick-and-mortar branches of the same parent company.
- You can find your routing number on the bottom left of your checks, in your online banking portal, or by calling your bank.
When a bank might have multiple routing numbers
Some large banks operate multiple routing numbers, but this is rare and usually happens when they have acquired other banks or operate separate divisions. For example, a national bank might have one routing number for its main operations and a different one for a subsidiary or online-only division.
Credit unions are more likely to have this situation. If you belong to a credit union that is part of a larger network or has merged with another credit union, the routing number can depend on which branch or division processes your account. Your statement or online banking portal will show you the correct routing number for your specific account.
The safest approach is to never assume. Always look up the routing number for your specific account rather than using one you found for a different account at the same bank, even if you think they should be the same.
How to find the correct routing number for your account
The easiest place to find your routing number is on a check from your checking account. Look at the bottom left corner — the first set of nine digits is your routing number. The second set of digits is your account number.
If you do not have checks, log into your online banking portal. Most banks display the routing number in the account details section, often labeled "Routing Number," "ABA Number," or "Bank Routing Number." You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for the routing number associated with your specific account.
The Federal Reserve maintains a database of routing numbers at frbservices.org, where you can search by bank name and state. This is useful if you need to verify a routing number you have been given or if you are setting up a transfer to a bank where you do not have an account.
What happens if you use the wrong account number with the right routing number
If you provide the correct routing number but the wrong account number, the money will go to the wrong account at that bank — possibly to another customer's account. This can happen with direct deposit, wire transfers, or automatic bill payments.
If the account number does not exist at that bank, the transfer may be rejected and returned to the sender. If the account number belongs to another customer, the money lands in their account, and recovering it requires contacting the bank and potentially involving the other account holder.
This is why it is critical to double-check both numbers before confirming any transfer. Many banks allow you to verify the account holder's name before processing a wire transfer — use this feature if it is offered.
Routing numbers for online banks and credit unions
Online banks operate through physical banking networks and have routing numbers just like traditional banks. Your online bank's routing number is specific to that bank, not to the internet itself. You find it the same way — on checks, in your online portal, or by calling customer service.
Credit unions also have routing numbers, sometimes called "routing transit numbers." If you belong to a credit union, your routing number identifies that specific credit union, not the credit union system as a whole. Some credit unions participate in shared branching networks, but each credit union still has its own routing number.
If you move money between your checking and savings accounts at the same online bank or credit union, you typically do not need the routing number at all — you can transfer between your own accounts directly through the online portal. The routing number is mainly needed when sending money to or from outside institutions.
Setting up transfers between your own checking and savings accounts
When you transfer money between your own checking and savings accounts at the same bank, you usually do not need to enter a routing number. Your bank's online portal or mobile app will show both accounts and let you move money between them with just a few clicks.
This internal transfer is processed instantly or within one business day, depending on the bank. No routing number or account verification is required because the bank already knows both accounts belong to you.
If you are setting up an automatic transfer — for example, moving a fixed amount from checking to savings every month — you can do this through your online banking portal without providing routing numbers. The bank handles the routing internally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same routing number for both my checking and savings accounts?
Yes. Both accounts use the same routing number because it identifies your bank, not the account type. You will use the same routing number for both, but you must provide the correct account number for whichever account you are sending money to or from.
What if my bank has multiple routing numbers?
Check your account statement or online banking portal to see which routing number is tied to your specific account. Do not assume all your accounts at that bank use the same routing number — some large banks and credit unions have more than one. When in doubt, call your bank and ask for the routing number for the specific account you are using.
Do I need a routing number to transfer money between my own checking and savings accounts?
No. Internal transfers between your own accounts at the same bank happen through your online portal and do not require a routing number. The bank processes these transfers without you entering any routing or account information beyond selecting which accounts to move money between.
What is the difference between a routing number and an account number?
The routing number identifies the bank or credit union. The account number identifies your specific account within that bank. You need both to send money to your account from outside the bank, but only the account number matters when you are moving money between your own accounts at the same institution.
If I give someone my routing number, can they access my account?
No. A routing number alone does not give access to any account — it only identifies the bank. Someone would also need your account number and typically additional verification to move money. Never share your full account number with people you do not trust, but the routing number by itself is safe to share.