The fastest way to find your routing number
Your bank's routing number is printed on the bottom left of every check you write. Look at the first nine digits on the bottom of the check — that is your routing number. If you do not have checks, you can find it in three other places: your bank's website, a call to customer service, or by logging into your online banking account.
The routing number is specific to the branch or region where you opened your account, so it matters which bank you use and sometimes which location. A Wells Fargo account in California has a different routing number than a Wells Fargo account in New York. If you have moved or switched banks, do not assume your old routing number still works.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears as the first nine digits on the bottom left of any check you own.
- If you do not have checks, log into your online banking account or call your bank's customer service line to find it.
- Your bank's website usually has a routing number lookup tool that works even if you are not a customer yet.
- The routing number is tied to your specific branch or region, so switching banks or moving may change it.
- You will need both your routing number and account number together when setting up direct deposit, wire transfers, or automatic payments.
Finding your routing number through online banking
Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details or account information. Most banks display your routing number alongside your account number in a section labeled "Account Details," "Account Summary," or "Routing and Account Numbers." The location varies by bank — some put it on the main dashboard, others hide it under a settings or account menu.
If you cannot find it in the obvious places, use your bank's search function or help feature and search for "routing number." Nearly every bank has a dedicated page for this information. If your bank does not show it in the app, the website version usually does. Write down both your routing number and account number at the same time, since you will need them together.
Calling your bank to get the routing number
Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Tell the representative you need your routing number. They will ask for your account number or the phone number associated with your account to verify who you are, then read it to you over the phone. This takes less than two minutes.
If you do not have an account yet and need a routing number for a specific bank, call their main customer service line. They can tell you the routing number for any of their branches. Some banks have different routing numbers for different regions, so be ready to tell them which state or city your branch is in.
Using your bank's routing number lookup tool
Most large banks have a routing number search tool on their website that works without logging in. Go to your bank's homepage, search for "routing number," and you will usually find a page with a search box. Enter your state and city or branch name, and the tool will return the routing number for that location.
This method works even if you do not have an account with the bank yet. It is useful if you are setting up direct deposit at a new job and need the routing number before you have finished opening your account. Keep in mind that the tool returns the routing number for that specific branch — if your branch is in a different city, search for that city instead.
What to do if you have multiple accounts at the same bank
If you have a checking account and a savings account at the same bank, they usually share the same routing number. The routing number identifies the bank and branch, not the individual account. Your account number is what distinguishes one account from another.
However, if you have accounts at different branches of the same bank — for example, one at a downtown location and one at an airport location — they may have different routing numbers. Call your bank or check each account's details separately to confirm. When you set up direct deposit or a wire transfer, use the routing number that matches the branch where that specific account is held.
Understanding the difference between routing and account numbers
A routing number identifies your bank and branch. An account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Together, they tell the financial system exactly where your money should go. You need both pieces of information to set up direct deposit, authorize an automatic payment, or receive a wire transfer.
The routing number is nine digits. The account number is usually 10 to 12 digits, though it varies by bank. When you write a check, both numbers appear on the bottom: the routing number on the left, the account number in the middle, and the check number on the right. If you are filling out a form that asks for both, make sure you put each one in the correct field.
Routing numbers for federal tax refunds and government payments
When you file your tax return and request a direct deposit refund, the IRS asks for your routing number and account number. Use the routing number for the account where you want the refund deposited. If you have changed banks since your last refund, you must use your current bank's routing number, not the old one.
The same applies to stimulus payments, Social Security deposits, unemployment benefits, and other government payments. Always use the routing number for the account that is currently active. If you enter an old routing number, the deposit may be rejected or delayed. If you are unsure which routing number to use, log into your current bank account and copy it directly from there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any routing number from my bank, or does it have to match my branch?
It should match your branch or the region where your account is held. If you use the wrong routing number, the deposit may fail or be sent to the wrong location. Call your bank or check your account details to confirm you have the correct one for your specific branch.
What if I lost my checks and cannot log into my bank account?
Call your bank's customer service number. You can find it on your debit card, on your bank's website, or by searching online for "[Bank Name] customer service." The representative will verify your identity and give you your routing number over the phone.
Do I need a routing number to transfer money between my own accounts at the same bank?
No. Internal transfers between your own accounts at the same bank usually do not require a routing number — just your account numbers. You only need the routing number when money is moving between different banks or when setting up direct deposit from an employer or government agency.
Will my routing number change if I move to a different state?
Only if you close your account and open a new one at a different branch. If you keep the same account and the same branch, your routing number stays the same even if you move. If you switch to a different branch of the same bank, the routing number may change depending on the bank's structure.
Is it safe to give my routing number to someone?
Yes. Your routing number is not secret — it is printed on every check you write and is public information. However, do not give out your full account number to anyone you do not trust. A routing number alone cannot be used to withdraw money from your account.