Yes, savings accounts have routing numbers, but you use them differently than with checking accounts
Every savings account at a bank or credit union has a routing number — a nine-digit code that identifies the financial institution. You can use it to receive money into your savings account through direct deposit, wire transfers, or ACH payments. However, many banks do not allow you to send money out of a savings account using the routing number alone, because federal rules limit how many withdrawals you can make each month from a savings account.
The routing number itself is the same whether you are depositing into a savings account or a checking account at the same bank. What changes is what you can do with it. If your bank restricts outgoing transfers from savings accounts, you will need to move money to a checking account first, then use that account's routing and account number to pay bills or send transfers.
Key Takeaways
- Savings accounts have routing numbers, and you can use them to receive deposits from employers, government agencies, or other people.
- Many banks limit how many times per month you can withdraw from a savings account, which may prevent you from using the routing number to send money out.
- The routing number is the same for both your savings and checking accounts at the same bank — the difference is in what the bank allows you to do with each account type.
- If you need to pay bills or send regular transfers from savings, check your bank's rules first, or move money to a checking account to avoid hitting withdrawal limits.
Where to find your savings account routing number
Your routing number appears on the bottom left of any check from a checking account at the same bank, but savings accounts usually do not come with checks. Instead, log into your online banking portal or mobile app and look for account details or settings. Most banks display the routing number next to your account number in the account information section.
You can also call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch in person. Have your account number ready — the representative can confirm the routing number in seconds. If you bank at a credit union, the process is the same: check online, call, or visit a branch.
Why banks limit savings account withdrawals
Federal Reserve rules once capped savings account withdrawals at six per month, though that rule was suspended during the pandemic and has not been fully reinstated. Even so, many banks still enforce their own withdrawal limits on savings accounts to encourage customers to use checking accounts for frequent transactions. These limits typically apply to transfers, not to in-person withdrawals at a branch or ATM.
When you try to send money out of a savings account using the routing number — through a bill payment, wire transfer, or ACH transfer — the bank may decline the transaction if you have already hit your monthly limit. The limit does not apply to money coming in, so you can receive as many deposits as you want into a savings account.
How to receive money into your savings account using the routing number
To have money deposited directly into your savings account, provide the person or organization sending the money with your routing number and your savings account number. This works for direct deposit from an employer, tax refunds, government payments, insurance refunds, and transfers from other people or businesses.
The sender enters both numbers into their system, and the money arrives within one to two business days. You do not need to do anything on your end except make sure you gave the correct numbers. If you are unsure whether you provided the right account number, contact your bank before the deposit is scheduled — correcting it after the fact takes longer.
When you cannot send money out using a savings account routing number
If your bank restricts outgoing transfers from savings accounts, you will see an error message when you try to set up a bill payment or wire transfer using your savings account routing number. The message usually says something like "This account type does not support this transaction" or "You have reached your monthly transfer limit."
When this happens, move the money to your checking account first, then use your checking account's routing and account number to send the transfer. This takes an extra step but avoids the withdrawal limit. Some banks allow you to move money between your own accounts instantly through their app or website, so the delay is usually just a few minutes.
Routing numbers for different types of savings accounts
The routing number does not change based on the type of savings account you have — whether it is a regular savings account, a high-yield savings account, a money market account, or a certificate of deposit (CD). All accounts at the same bank use the same routing number. What matters is the account number, which is unique to each account you hold.
If you have multiple savings accounts at the same bank, each one has its own account number but they all share the routing number. When you provide your routing and account numbers to receive a deposit, make sure you specify which savings account you want the money to go into by giving the correct account number for that specific account.
Routing numbers for online banks and credit unions
Online banks and credit unions have routing numbers just like traditional banks do. If you bank with an online-only institution like Ally, Marcus, or Discover, you can find the routing number in your account settings or by calling customer service. Credit unions use routing numbers the same way, though they may call them "transit numbers" in some cases — the nine-digit code works the same.
Online banks often have stricter rules about outgoing transfers from savings accounts than brick-and-mortar banks do, so check your account terms before you assume you can send money out. Many online banks require you to transfer to a linked external account first, then send the money from there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my savings account routing number for direct deposit from my employer?
Yes. Provide your employer with your savings account routing number and your savings account number, and they can deposit your paycheck directly into that account. The money usually arrives within one to two business days of your normal pay date.
What if I gave someone the wrong savings account number?
Contact your bank immediately and tell them the deposit is coming to the wrong account. Some banks can intercept the transfer before it lands, but if it has already been deposited, you will need to contact the sender and ask them to initiate a reversal or send it again to the correct account number.
Is the routing number the same for my savings and checking account?
Yes, if both accounts are at the same bank, they share the same routing number. The account number is what distinguishes them. When you provide your information to someone, always include both the routing number and the specific account number for the account you want the money to go into.
Can I pay bills directly from my savings account using the routing number?
It depends on your bank's rules. Some banks allow it, but many restrict outgoing transfers from savings accounts to stay within federal or internal withdrawal limits. If your bank blocks the transaction, move the money to your checking account first, then pay the bill from there.
Do I need a different routing number for wire transfers to my savings account?
No, the routing number stays the same for wire transfers, direct deposits, and ACH transfers. Always use your bank's main routing number along with your savings account number. Some banks provide a separate wire transfer routing number, so check your account details or call customer service if you are setting up a wire.