The fastest way: check your checks or online banking
Your routing number and account number are printed on the bottom left of every check you have. The routing number comes first (nine digits), then your account number (usually ten to twelve digits). If you have checks, you can find both numbers in under a minute without logging in anywhere.
If you do not have checks or prefer not to use them, log into your bank's website or mobile app. Most banks display both numbers in the account details or settings section — often labeled "Account Information," "Account Details," or "Routing Information." The exact location varies by bank, but it is usually one or two clicks from your account dashboard.
Some banks also print these numbers on your debit card statement or the welcome materials you received when you opened the account. Check your email for account setup confirmations from your bank; many include this information.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number and account number are printed at the bottom left of any check you own, in that order.
- You can find both numbers by logging into your bank's website or app under account details or settings.
- If you cannot locate them online, call your bank's customer service line — the number is on your debit card or bank statements.
- Your routing number is the same for all accounts at your bank; your account number is unique to each account you hold there.
Calling your bank directly
If you cannot find these numbers online or on paper, call your bank's customer service line. The phone number is on the back of your debit card, on any bank statement you have received, or on your bank's website. Have your account number or the email address tied to your account ready when you call.
Customer service can read both numbers to you over the phone in a few minutes. Some banks also allow you to request this information through their mobile app's messaging feature or through secure email within your online banking portal.
What your routing number tells you
Your routing number identifies which bank or credit union you use, not which account. Every account you hold at the same bank shares the same routing number. If you have accounts at two different banks, each has its own routing number.
The routing number is a nine-digit code assigned by the Federal Reserve. It tells the banking system which institution to send money to when someone transfers funds to you or when you set up automatic payments. You need it for direct deposit, wire transfers, and automatic bill payments.
What your account number tells you
Your account number is unique to that specific account. If you have a checking account and a savings account at the same bank, each one has a different account number, even though they share the same routing number.
The account number can be anywhere from eight to seventeen digits long, depending on your bank. It identifies which of your accounts the money should go into. You need both the routing number and the account number together for any transfer or automatic payment to reach the right place.
Where you will need these numbers
You will need your routing and account numbers for direct deposit of paychecks, tax refunds, or government payments like stimulus checks. You will also need them to set up automatic bill payments, transfer money between banks, or receive wire transfers from employers or other sources.
Some services ask for these numbers when you are setting up a payment method online. Keep them in a safe place, but remember that sharing your routing number alone is generally safe — many businesses publish their routing numbers publicly. Your account number is more sensitive, so do not share it with people you do not trust.
If your bank has closed or merged
If your bank has closed or been acquired by another bank, your account may have been transferred to the new institution. Your account number usually stays the same, but your routing number may change. Log into your account with the new bank or call their customer service to confirm both numbers.
If you cannot remember which bank you used, check old bank statements, look for debit cards in a drawer, or search your email for account confirmations. If the account is very old and you have lost track of it, you can search the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) website to see if funds are being held there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to give someone my routing number?
Yes, your routing number is generally safe to share. It is a public identifier for your bank and does not give anyone access to your money by itself. You need both the routing number and account number together to transfer funds. However, do not share your account number with people you do not trust.
Can I find my routing number without logging into online banking?
Yes. Check the bottom left of any check you have — the routing number is the first set of nine digits. You can also call your bank's customer service line, which is on your debit card or any bank statement. Many banks also list their routing number on their website's FAQ or help section.
Do all my accounts at the same bank have the same routing number?
Yes. Your routing number identifies the bank itself, not the account. If you have a checking account and a savings account at the same bank, they share the same routing number but have different account numbers. If you bank at two different institutions, each has its own routing number.
What if I cannot find my account number?
Log into your online banking and look for account details or settings. If that does not work, call your bank's customer service line with your name and the email or phone number on file. They can read your account number to you over the phone in a few minutes.
Can my routing number change?
It can if your bank merges with another bank or closes. If this happens, your new bank will send you information about your new routing number. Check your account details online or call customer service to confirm the current routing number for any automatic payments or transfers you have set up.