The fastest way to find your routing number
Your bank routing number is printed on the bottom left of every check you have. If you have a checkbook, open it and look at the first check — the nine-digit number on the far left, before your account number, is your routing number. That is the quickest answer for most people.
If you do not have checks or cannot find them, your bank's website has your routing number listed in the account settings or help section. Log into your online banking account, go to account details or settings, and search for "routing number" on that page. Most banks display it alongside your account number.
Your bank can also tell you over the phone. Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement, and a representative will give you the number in under a minute. Have your account number ready when you call.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of any check you own, before your account number.
- Log into your online banking account and look in account details or settings to find it without a checkbook.
- Call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number — they will provide it immediately.
- Different branches of the same bank sometimes have different routing numbers, so use the one tied to your specific branch.
- The routing number is always nine digits and is specific to your bank and branch, not to you personally.
Finding it through your bank's website
Log into your online banking portal using your username and password. Once you are logged in, look for a section labeled "Account Details," "Account Information," "Settings," or "My Accounts." Click into that section.
Scroll down or search the page for "routing number" or "ABA number" — both terms refer to the same thing. Some banks list it next to your account number; others put it in a separate section for wire transfer or direct deposit information. If you cannot find it on the main account page, check under "Wire Transfer Instructions" or "Direct Deposit Setup."
If your bank's website does not show it in an obvious place, use the search function (usually Ctrl+F on a computer or the browser's search tool on a phone) and type "routing." This will highlight the number on the page if it is there.
Using your checks or bank statements
Every check has three numbers printed along the bottom in magnetic ink. From left to right, they are: routing number (nine digits), account number (usually ten to twelve digits), and check number. The routing number is always the first set of nine digits on the left.
If you have a recent bank statement instead of checks, look at the bottom of the first page. Many banks print the routing number there, though not all do. If your statement does not show it, the check method or online banking method will work faster.
If you have old checks from years ago, the routing number may have changed if your bank merged with another bank or restructured its branches. Call your bank to confirm the current routing number for your branch rather than relying on an old check.
Calling your bank directly
Find the customer service phone number on the back of your debit card, on a recent bank statement, or on your bank's website. Call that number and tell the representative you need your routing number.
Have your account number ready — the representative will ask for it to pull up your account. They will then read your routing number to you. This usually takes less than one minute. Ask them to spell it out if you are writing it down, since nine digits are easy to mix up over the phone.
If you call during business hours, you will reach a live person. Many banks also have automated phone systems that let you check your routing number without speaking to anyone — the system will prompt you to enter your account number and then read the routing number aloud.
Understanding routing numbers for different branches
Large banks often have different routing numbers for different branches or regions. If you opened your account at a specific branch location, that branch may have its own routing number. When you need your routing number, make sure you are getting the one for the branch where your account is held, not just any branch of that bank.
If you moved or your bank closed your original branch, your account may have been transferred to a new branch with a different routing number. Call your bank to confirm which routing number is currently active for your account.
Online banks and credit unions also have routing numbers. If your account is with an online-only bank, you will find the routing number on their website or by calling their support line — they do not have physical branches, so there is only one routing number per institution.
What to do if you cannot find it
If you have tried your checks, your online account, and your bank statement and still cannot locate the number, call your bank. This is the most reliable method when other options do not work. Have your account number, Social Security number, and a form of ID ready so the representative can verify your identity.
Do not guess or use a routing number from another person's check or account — using the wrong routing number will send money to the wrong bank or account. It is worth the five-minute phone call to get the correct number.
If you need the routing number for a wire transfer or direct deposit and your bank is closed, many banks have 24-hour automated phone lines that can provide this information. Check your bank's website for the after-hours support number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my account number?
No. Your routing number identifies your bank and branch — it is the same for all customers at that location. Your account number is unique to you and identifies your specific account. On a check, the routing number is the first nine digits on the left, and your account number comes after it.
Can I use someone else's routing number if they bank at the same place?
Only if they use the exact same branch. If you both have accounts at the same branch location, the routing number is the same. If one of you banks at a different branch of that bank, the routing numbers may differ. Always use the routing number for your own branch to be safe.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
Your routing number may have changed when the merger happened. Call your bank or log into your online account to find your current routing number. Do not use a routing number from before the merger, as it may no longer be active.
Do I need my routing number to check my account balance?
No. You only need your routing number when sending or receiving money through wire transfers, setting up direct deposit, or making ACH payments. For checking your balance, you just need your account number and login credentials.
Is it safe to share my routing number?
Yes. Your routing number is not sensitive information — it is printed on every check you write and is public. You can share it freely. Your account number and personal information are what you should keep private.