Your routing number is on the bottom left of every check you have
The fastest way to find your routing number is to look at a check from your account. Open your checkbook and look at the bottom left corner of any check. You will see nine digits printed there — that is your routing number. It comes before your account number, which is longer and sits to its right.
If you do not have checks or cannot locate them, your bank's website has your routing number listed in seconds. Log into your online banking account, go to the account details or settings section, and look for "routing number" or "bank routing number." Most banks display it right next to your account number. You can also call your bank's customer service line — the number is on the back of your debit card — and ask them to read it to you over the phone.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of any check you own, printed as a nine-digit code before your account number.
- Your bank's website shows your routing number in the account details section once you log in.
- Calling your bank's customer service line gets you the answer in under a minute without needing to search.
- The routing number is specific to your bank and branch, not to you personally, so any customer at your bank has the same routing number.
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 and scroll until you see "Routing Number" or "ABA Routing Number" listed. Write it down or take a screenshot — you will need all nine digits.
If you cannot find it on the main account page, try looking under a "Transfers" or "Wire Transfer" section. Banks often display routing numbers there because people need them to set up transfers. Some banks also put it in a "Download Account Information" or "Account Summary" area. If you still cannot locate it after checking these spots, move to calling customer service — it is faster than searching further.
Calling your bank directly
The phone number for your bank is printed on the back of your debit card. Call that number and tell the representative you need your routing number. They will ask you to verify your identity by providing your account number, Social Security number, or the last four digits of the card you are calling from. Once verified, they will read your routing number to you.
This method works at any time your bank is open and takes less than five minutes. You do not need to be a customer service expert — just say "I need my routing number" and they will handle it. If you are calling outside business hours, some banks have automated systems that will read your routing number if you enter your account number and PIN.
Using your bank's mobile app
If your bank has a mobile app, open it and log in. Navigate to your account details or account information section — the exact name varies by bank, but it is usually one of the first options in the menu. Your routing number should appear on that screen alongside your account number.
Some banks make it even easier by putting a "View Account Details" or "Account Info" button right on the main dashboard. Tap it and your routing number is there. If you cannot find it in the app, the website method above will work just as well.
What to do if you have multiple accounts
If you have a checking account and a savings account at the same bank, they share the same routing number. The routing number is tied to your bank and branch location, not to the individual account. So whether you are setting up a direct deposit for checking or a transfer to savings, you use the same nine-digit code.
If you bank at more than one institution — say, a checking account at Bank A and a savings account at Bank B — each bank has its own routing number. You will need to look up the correct routing number for whichever account you are sending money to or receiving money from.
Routing number versus account number
Your routing number and account number are two different things and both are needed for transfers. The routing number identifies your bank — it is the same for everyone who banks there. Your account number identifies your specific account within that bank — it is unique to you. On a check, the routing number is the nine digits on the far left of the bottom line. Your account number is the longer set of digits to its right.
When you set up a direct deposit, wire transfer, or automatic payment, you will need both numbers. The routing number tells the sending bank where to send the money. The account number tells that bank which account to deposit it into once it arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my bank's code?
Your routing number is your bank's code. It identifies the specific bank and branch where your account is held. Every customer at that bank location has the same routing number, but each person has a different account number.
Can I find my routing number on my debit card?
No, your debit card does not print your routing number. It shows your card number, expiration date, and CVV, but not your routing number. You will find it on a check, your bank's website, or by calling customer service.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
After a merger, your routing number may change. Check your bank's website or call customer service to confirm your current routing number. If you have automatic payments or direct deposits set up, you may need to update them with the new number.
Do I need my routing number to use an ATM?
No, you only need your debit card and PIN to use an ATM. Your routing number is for transfers, direct deposits, and wire transfers — not for ATM withdrawals or in-person transactions.