The fastest way to find your routing number
Your routing number is printed on the bottom left of every check you have from that account. 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 bank's website or mobile app and look for account details or settings. Most banks display the routing number there alongside your account number. You can also call your bank's customer service line — they will give you the number in under a minute.
The routing number never changes for a given bank and branch, so once you have it, you can use it for direct deposits, wire transfers, and automatic bill payments without looking it up again.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears as the first nine digits on the bottom left of any check from your account.
- Your bank's website, mobile app, or customer service line will show your routing number if you do not have checks available.
- The routing number is specific to your bank and branch, not to you personally, so it stays the same as long as you keep the account open.
- You need both your routing number and account number for direct deposits and wire transfers, but only the routing number is the same across all your accounts at that bank.
Finding it on your checks
Open your checkbook and look at any check. At the bottom of the check, you will see three groups of numbers separated by vertical lines. The first group — always nine digits — is your routing number. The second group is your account number. The third is the check number.
The routing number is printed in a special magnetic ink that machines can read, which is why it is always in the same position and format. You do not need to understand why it is there; you just need to know where to look.
Checking your bank's website or app
Log into your bank's online banking portal or open the mobile app. Look for a section labeled "Account Details," "Account Information," or "Routing Number." Most banks put this under settings or in the main account view.
Some banks require you to click through to a specific account to see its routing number. If you have multiple accounts at the same bank, they will all share the same routing number — the number is tied to the bank and branch, not to the individual account.
If you cannot find it online, the app usually has a "Contact Us" or "Help" section that will let you message customer service or call a number. Many banks also list routing numbers on their website's FAQ or help section, searchable by your state or branch location.
Calling your bank directly
Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement. Tell them you need your routing number. They will ask you to verify your identity — usually your account number and the last four digits of your Social Security number — and then give you the number.
This takes about two minutes. You do not need an appointment or to visit a branch. Customer service lines are open during business hours and sometimes 24/7, depending on your bank.
What to do if your bank merged or changed names
If your bank was acquired by another bank or changed its name, your routing number may have changed. Check your most recent statement or log into your account online to see the current routing number.
If you have old checks from before the merger, do not use the routing number printed on them. The old number may not work for new transactions. Always use the routing number your bank gives you now.
Routing number versus account number
Your routing number identifies your bank and branch. Your account number identifies your specific account within that bank. You need both for direct deposits and wire transfers, but they serve different purposes.
If you give someone only your routing number, they cannot access your account — they need the account number too. The routing number alone just tells them which bank to send money to, not which account within that bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same for all my accounts at the same bank?
Yes. The routing number is tied to your bank and branch location, not to individual accounts. All your checking, savings, and money market accounts at the same bank branch will share the same routing number. Your account number is what distinguishes one account from another.
Can I find my routing number on my bank statement?
Yes. Most bank statements print the routing number at the top or bottom, often near your account number. If you cannot find it there, call your bank or check their website.
What if I do not have checks or online access?
Call your bank's customer service line. The number is usually on your debit card, on any statement you have received, or on the bank's website. You can also visit a branch in person and ask a teller for your routing number.
Do I need my routing number to check my account balance?
No. You only need your routing number when you are sending money to or from your account — for direct deposits, wire transfers, or setting up automatic bill payments. Checking your balance requires only your account number and password.
Will my routing number change if I move to a different state?
Not if you keep the same account at the same bank. Your routing number is based on the branch where you opened the account, not where you live now. If you close the account and open a new one at a different branch, the routing number may change.