Yes, savings accounts have routing numbers, but you may not need it for every transaction
Every savings account at a bank or credit union has a routing number — a nine-digit code that identifies the financial institution. The routing number is the same for all accounts at that bank, regardless of whether the account is a checking account, savings account, money market account, or any other type. You'll find it on the bottom left of your checks (if your savings account comes with checks), on your bank's website, or by calling the bank directly.
However, you don't always need the routing number to move money in and out of a savings account. The situations where you need it are specific, and understanding which ones matter will save you time and prevent mistakes when you're trying to receive a refund, a government payment, or a transfer from another account.
Key Takeaways
- Savings accounts have routing numbers, but they're only required for incoming wire transfers and ACH transfers from outside accounts.
- Tax refunds, stimulus payments, and insurance refunds can be deposited directly to a savings account using the routing number and account number together.
- You do not need a routing number to transfer money between accounts at the same bank — the bank's internal system handles that automatically.
- If you provide an incorrect routing number for a direct deposit, the payment will be rejected or sent to the wrong bank, delaying your refund by days or weeks.
- Your account number alone is not enough; the routing number and account number must both be correct for direct deposits to work.
When you need a savings account routing number
You need the routing number when money is coming into your savings account from outside your bank. The most common situations are direct deposit of a tax refund, a stimulus payment, an insurance refund, or a paycheck. The organization sending the money — the IRS, your employer, an insurance company — uses the routing number to identify which bank to send the funds to, and the account number to identify which account within that bank.
You also need the routing number if you're setting up an ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House transfer) from another bank's account into your savings account. This is how you move money between banks online. The routing number tells the sending bank where to direct the funds.
Wire transfers also require a routing number, though wire transfers are less common for refunds and government payments. Wire transfers are faster than ACH transfers but usually cost money and are used more often for large amounts or time-sensitive payments.
When you don't need a routing number
You do not need a routing number to transfer money between your own accounts at the same bank — for example, moving money from your savings account to your checking account. The bank's internal system already knows both accounts belong to you and handles the transfer without needing a routing number.
You also don't need a routing number if you're withdrawing money from your savings account in person at a branch, using an ATM, or writing a check (if your savings account has check-writing privileges). The bank identifies your account by your debit card, PIN, or the check itself.
If you're receiving money from someone who banks at the same institution as you, they may be able to send it using only your account number, depending on the bank's internal transfer system. However, it's safer to provide both the routing number and account number to avoid delays.
How to find your savings account routing number
The easiest way to find your routing number is to log into your bank's website or mobile app. Most banks display the routing number in the account details or transfer settings section. Some banks label it as "routing number," while others call it "ABA number" or "bank routing code" — these all mean the same thing.
If you have checks linked to your savings account, the routing number is printed on the bottom left of the check, before your account number. The format is always nine digits.
You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for the routing number. Have your account number ready when you call. If your bank has multiple routing numbers (some large banks do, depending on the region or the type of account), the representative will give you the correct one for your specific account.
The Federal Reserve also maintains a searchable database of routing numbers at frbservices.org, though you'll need to know your bank's name to search it.
What happens if you provide the wrong routing number
If you give an incorrect routing number when setting up a direct deposit for a tax refund or other payment, the money will be sent to the wrong bank. The sending organization (like the IRS) will not catch the error — they'll process the payment based on the information you provided.
When the funds arrive at the wrong bank, that bank will eventually reject the deposit because the account number doesn't match their records. The money is then returned to the sender, which can take 5 to 10 business days. The sender then has to reprocess the payment to the correct routing number, adding another 3 to 5 business days for the deposit to reach you. In total, a routing number error can delay your refund by two to three weeks.
Some organizations, like the IRS, will attempt to contact you if a direct deposit fails, but not all do. The safest approach is to double-check the routing number before you submit it, especially for large payments like tax refunds.
Routing numbers for online banks and credit unions
Online banks and credit unions also have routing numbers, even though they don't have physical branches. You'll find the routing number on the bank's website, usually in a section labeled "wire transfer information" or "account details." Credit unions often have multiple routing numbers depending on which credit union network they belong to, so make sure you're using the one for your specific credit union.
If you're moving money from a traditional bank to an online bank (or vice versa), you'll need the correct routing number for the receiving institution. Online banks process ACH transfers and direct deposits the same way as traditional banks — the routing number identifies the bank, and the account number identifies your account within that bank.
Routing number vs. account number: what's the difference
The routing number identifies the bank or credit union itself. All accounts at the same bank share the same routing number. The account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Together, they form a unique address for your savings account.
Think of it like a mailing address: the routing number is the city and state, and the account number is the street address and apartment number. The city and state tell the mail carrier which post office to go to, and the street address tells them which house. Without either piece of information, the mail doesn't reach the right place.
When you provide both the routing number and account number for a direct deposit, the sending organization can deposit money directly into your account without you having to do anything else. If you provide only the account number, the organization won't know which bank to send it to. If you provide only the routing number, the bank won't know which account to credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my savings account routing number for a tax refund direct deposit?
Yes. The IRS accepts direct deposits to savings accounts, money market accounts, and other account types — not just checking accounts. You'll need to provide both your routing number and your full account number when you file your tax return or set up direct deposit through the IRS website.
Do all banks use the same routing number?
No. Each bank and credit union has its own routing number. Some large banks have multiple routing numbers depending on the region or the type of account, so it's important to get the routing number for your specific bank and account type, not just any routing number for that bank.
What if my savings account doesn't have checks?
You can still find the routing number on your bank's website, in your online banking portal, or by calling customer service. The routing number exists for all savings accounts, whether or not they come with checks. You'll need it whenever you set up a direct deposit or an incoming transfer.
Is it safe to share my routing number?
Yes. Your routing number is public information — it's printed on checks and posted on your bank's website. Sharing your routing number alone does not put your account at risk. However, you should never share your full account number, PIN, or online banking password with anyone you don't trust completely.
Can I change my routing number?
No. Your routing number is assigned by your bank and cannot be changed. If you switch banks, your new bank will have a different routing number. If you've already set up a direct deposit with an old routing number after switching banks, you'll need to update it with the new bank's routing number to avoid the payment going to the wrong place.