Your routing number is on your checks, online banking, and by calling your bank
Your routing number is a nine-digit code that tells the financial system which bank holds your account. You need it to receive direct deposits, set up automatic bill payments, and process wire transfers. The fastest way to find it is to look at the bottom left corner of a check from your account — the first nine digits are your routing number. If you don't have checks, log into your online banking portal, call your bank's customer service line, or visit your bank's website and search for "routing number."
The routing number stays the same for your bank and account type, so once you find it, you can use it for any transaction that requires it. Different branches of the same bank use the same routing number, so location doesn't matter.
Key Takeaways
- The routing number appears as the first nine digits at the bottom left of any check from your account.
- Online banking portals usually display your routing number in the account details or settings section without requiring a phone call.
- Your bank's customer service line can confirm your routing number in under a minute if you have your account number ready.
- The routing number is the same across all branches of your bank, so you don't need to find a branch-specific version.
Finding your routing number on a check
Open your checkbook and look at the bottom of any check. You'll see three groups of numbers printed in magnetic ink. The first group of nine digits is your routing number. The second group is your account number. The third group is the check number itself.
This method works for any check from your account, whether it's a personal checking account, business account, or money market account with check-writing privileges. If your checks are old or from a closed account, the routing number is still valid — routing numbers don't change when you close an account or move branches.
Checking your online banking account
Log into your bank's website or mobile app and navigate to your account details or settings. Most banks display the routing number alongside your account number in a section labeled "Account Information," "Account Details," or "Routing and Account Numbers." Some banks require you to click a specific tab or menu item to see this information.
If you can't find it in the obvious places, use your browser's search function (Ctrl+F on Windows, Command+F on Mac) and type "routing" — the page will highlight where the number appears. If your bank's website doesn't show it, move to the phone or in-person method.
Calling your bank directly
Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Have your account number ready. Tell the representative you need your routing number, and they'll provide it in seconds. This method works even if you don't have checks or online access.
Some banks also display routing numbers on statements — check the top or bottom of your most recent paper or digital statement. If it's there, you won't need to call.
Finding it through your bank's website search
Visit your bank's main website (not your online banking login page) and use the search bar to look for "routing number." Most banks publish a page listing routing numbers by account type and sometimes by region, even though the number is usually the same across all branches. This page often includes FAQs about when you need a routing number and how to use it.
If your bank has multiple routing numbers listed, look for the one that matches your account type — checking, savings, or money market. Call if you're unsure which one applies to you.
What to do if you have multiple accounts
If you have more than one account at the same bank — for example, a checking account and a savings account — they share the same routing number. You only need one routing number per bank, not one per account. The account number is what distinguishes between your different accounts at that bank.
If you bank at multiple institutions, each bank has its own routing number. Write down the routing number for each bank where you receive deposits or make payments, since they're not interchangeable.
Routing numbers for credit unions and online banks
Credit unions and online-only banks use routing numbers the same way traditional banks do. For credit unions, call the main branch or check your member materials. For online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, or Chime, log into your account or search the bank's website for "routing number" — most online banks display it prominently because they don't have physical branches where you can ask in person.
Some online banks list different routing numbers for different transaction types (ACH transfers versus wire transfers). If you see multiple numbers, the bank's website or customer service will tell you which one to use for your specific transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use someone else's routing number if we bank at the same place?
Yes. The routing number identifies the bank, not the individual account. Your account number is what makes the transaction go to your account specifically. You can safely use your spouse's, parent's, or friend's routing number if you all bank at the same institution — the account number ensures the money reaches the right place.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
Your routing number may have changed when the merger happened. Check your most recent statement or log into online banking to see your current routing number. If you're unsure, call customer service — they can confirm whether your old routing number still works or if you need the new one.
Do I need a different routing number for wire transfers versus ACH transfers?
Most banks use the same routing number for both. However, some banks list separate numbers for wire transfers and ACH transfers on their website. Check your bank's routing number page or call to confirm which number to use for your specific transaction type.
Is my routing number the same if I move to a different state?
Yes. Routing numbers are tied to the bank and account type, not to your location. If you move and keep the same bank account, your routing number doesn't change. You only get a new routing number if you switch banks.