Where to find your routing number right now
Your bank's routing number is printed on the bottom left of every check you have. Look at the first set of nine digits before the account number — that is your routing number. If you do not have checks in front of you, log into your online banking account, go to account details or settings, and the routing number will be listed there alongside your account number.
If online banking is not set up or you cannot find it, call your bank's customer service line — the number is on your debit card or on the bank's website. Tell them you need your routing number for a wire transfer or direct deposit setup. They will give it to you in under a minute. You do not need to visit a branch.
For credit unions, the process is identical: checks, online account portal, or a phone call to member services. The routing number format is the same nine digits.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of your checks as the first nine-digit sequence.
- Online banking accounts display the routing number in the account details or settings section.
- Calling your bank's customer service line will give you the routing number within minutes without requiring a branch visit.
- Routing numbers are specific to your bank and branch, so verify you have the correct one before sending money or setting up direct deposit.
- Credit unions use the same routing number system as traditional banks.
Understanding what the routing number is used for
The routing number tells the banking system which bank to send money to. When you set up direct deposit for a paycheck or tax refund, you provide your routing number so the payer knows which institution holds your account. When you send a wire transfer or an ACH payment (the electronic transfer method most banks use), the routing number directs the funds to the correct bank.
It is safe to share your routing number — it is not a secret like a PIN or password. Routing numbers are public information; they are printed on checks that go to merchants and employers. What you should never share is your full account number combined with the routing number, because together they can be used to withdraw money from your account.
Different ways to look it up depending on your situation
If you have checks: Open your checkbook. The routing number is the first nine digits at the bottom left of the check, printed in magnetic ink. Write it down or take a photo.
If you bank online: Log in to your account. Most banks show the routing number under "Account Details," "Account Information," or "Transfer Settings." Some banks require you to click into a specific account if you have multiple accounts — each account at the same bank shares the routing number, but verify you are looking at the right bank.
If you need it for direct deposit: Your employer's payroll department can often look it up for you if you provide your bank name and state. However, it is faster to get it yourself from your checks or online account so there is no delay in setting up your deposit.
If you are setting up a wire transfer: Call your bank before you initiate the transfer. Confirm the routing number is correct — wire transfers cannot be reversed once sent, so a wrong routing number means the money goes to the wrong bank and recovery is difficult.
What to do if you cannot find your routing number
If your bank's website does not display the routing number and you cannot reach customer service by phone, search "[Your Bank Name] routing number" plus your state. The Federal Reserve maintains a public database of routing numbers by bank. You can also visit your bank's website and look for a "Wire Transfer Instructions" or "Direct Deposit Setup" page — these pages almost always list the routing number.
If you have an online-only bank or a newer financial technology company, the routing number may be listed in your account settings under a different name — sometimes called "bank code" or "transit number." Check your account documentation or the FAQ section of the app or website.
Do not use a routing number from an old check if you switched banks. Each bank has its own routing number, and using the wrong one will send money to your old bank instead of your current one.
Routing numbers versus account numbers
The routing number and account number are two different things. The routing number identifies your bank; the account number identifies your specific account within that bank. On a check, the routing number comes first (nine digits on the left), and the account number comes second (usually 10 to 12 digits in the middle). Both are needed for direct deposit, wire transfers, and ACH payments.
If someone asks for your "banking information," they need both numbers. However, sharing only the routing number is safe — it is the account number that must be kept private.
Routing numbers for different types of accounts
If you have a savings account and a checking account at the same bank, they share the same routing number. The routing number is tied to the bank and branch, not to the account type. You will use the same routing number for both accounts, but you must provide the correct account number for whichever account you want the money to go into.
If you have accounts at multiple banks, each bank has its own routing number. Write down the routing number for each bank so you do not mix them up when setting up transfers or direct deposit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same routing number for direct deposit and wire transfers?
Yes. Your bank's routing number works for all types of electronic transfers — direct deposit, ACH payments, wire transfers, and bill pay. The routing number stays the same regardless of what you are using it for.
What if I have an old check from a closed account?
Do not use the routing number from an old check if you no longer have an account at that bank. Get the routing number from your current bank instead. Using an old routing number will send money to the wrong place.
Is the routing number the same for all branches of my bank?
Most large banks use the same routing number for all branches nationwide. However, some regional banks or credit unions have different routing numbers by branch or location. If you are unsure, call your specific branch or check your checks — they will show the correct routing number for your branch.
Do I need to memorize my routing number?
No. Write it down, take a photo of a check, or save it in a note on your phone. You will need to reference it when setting up direct deposit or transfers, but you do not need to memorize it.
What happens if I give someone the wrong routing number?
If the routing number is wrong, the money will be sent to a different bank. The transfer may be rejected, or it may go to the wrong institution and take weeks to recover. Always double-check the routing number before confirming a transfer, especially for wire transfers that cannot be reversed.