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 in front of you right now, that is the quickest answer.
If you do not have checks or do not want to dig them out, log into your bank's website or mobile app. Most banks show both numbers in the account details or settings section — look for a tab labeled "Account Information," "Account Details," or "Routing Number." Some banks put it under "Transfer Funds" or "Wire Instructions" because that is where people most often need it.
Call your bank's customer service line if the website does not show it clearly. Have your account number or debit card ready. They will read both numbers to you over the phone in under two minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number and account number are printed on the bottom left of any check you own, in that order.
- Online banking portals usually display both numbers under Account Information, Account Details, or Wire Instructions.
- Your bank's customer service line can read both numbers to you immediately if you have your account number or debit card.
- The routing number stays the same for your entire bank; the account number is unique to your specific account.
- Never share your account number with anyone except your bank, your employer's payroll department, or a business you are sending money to.
Finding the routing number when you switch banks
If you recently moved your account to a new bank, your old checks still have your old bank's routing number on them. Do not use those numbers for direct deposit or wire transfers — they will send money to the wrong place.
The new bank will have given you new checks or a temporary check stock. Look at those instead. If you have not received checks yet, use the online banking method above or call the new bank's number on the back of your debit card.
What to do if your bank is a credit union
Credit unions use routing numbers just like banks do. The process is identical: check your checks, log into online banking, or call the credit union's main line. Credit union routing numbers are nine digits, the same as bank routing numbers.
If you are looking for a specific credit union's routing number and do not have an account there yet, the CO-OP Network and Shared Branch directories both list routing numbers by credit union name and location. You can also search "routing number" plus the credit union's name in a search engine — most credit unions publish this information on their website because they know people need it for direct deposit forms.
Using a routing number lookup tool
If you know your bank's name and location but have lost your checks and cannot access online banking, you can search for the routing number using the Federal Reserve's routing number database. Go to the Federal Reserve's website and use their search tool — you enter your bank name and state, and it returns the routing number.
The American Bankers Association also maintains a searchable routing number database. Both are free and do not require you to log in or provide personal information. These tools are useful when you are setting up direct deposit at a new job and need to verify the number before you submit the form.
Why you need both numbers and where they go
The routing number tells the financial system which bank to send money to. Think of it as the bank's address in the banking network. The account number tells that bank which specific account within that bank should receive the money. Together, they are your complete banking address.
You will need both numbers for direct deposit (tax refunds, paychecks, government payments), wire transfers, and setting up automatic bill payments. When you fill out a form that asks for "routing and account number," it is asking for both. Some forms have two separate boxes; others ask for them together on one line.
The routing number is the same for everyone at your bank in your region — thousands of people share it. Your account number is unique to you. That is why you can safely tell someone your routing number, but you should never share your account number except with your bank, your employer's payroll department, or a business you are intentionally sending money to.
What to do if you cannot find your numbers
If you have tried checking your checks, logging into online banking, and calling your bank, and you still cannot locate the numbers, ask your bank to mail you a statement or a letter that includes both numbers. Banks can print this in one business day and mail it the same day, though it may take a few days to arrive depending on your location.
Some banks will also email a statement or account details to the email address on file. Ask the customer service representative whether that option is available — it is often faster than waiting for mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my bank's code?
Your routing number is your bank's code in the U.S. banking system. Different branches of the same bank sometimes have different routing numbers, so the routing number is specific to your branch location, not just your bank name. Always use the routing number for the branch where your account is held.
Can I use an old check to find my routing number if I have closed that account?
Yes. The routing number on an old check is still correct — it identifies the bank and branch, not the account status. You can use it for any transaction at that bank. However, do not use the old account number from that check, since that account is closed.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
After a merger, your routing number may change. Check your most recent statement or log into online banking to confirm. If you have old checks from before the merger, they may have the old routing number. Call your bank to verify which number to use for new transactions.
Do I need a routing number to receive a wire transfer?
Yes. Anyone sending you a wire transfer needs your routing number and account number. You can safely give out your routing number — it is not sensitive information — but only share your account number with people you trust to send money to your account.
Can I find my routing number on my debit card?
No. Debit cards do not print routing numbers. Use your checks, online banking, or call your bank. The customer service number on the back of your debit card will connect you to someone who can read both numbers to you.