The fastest way to find your routing number
Your bank's routing number is printed on the bottom left of every check you have from that bank. Look at the first set of nine digits on the left side of the bottom line — that is your routing number. If you do not have checks, you can find it in seconds by logging into your online banking account, calling your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card, or visiting your bank's website and searching for "routing number".
The routing number is the same for all customers at your bank in your state, so you do not need to look up anything personal — you are just finding which bank processes your account. Different branches of the same bank use the same routing number.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number is the first nine digits on the bottom left of any check from your account.
- If you do not have checks, log into your online banking account or call the number on your debit card to find it in under a minute.
- Your bank's website has a routing number lookup tool, usually under "Customer Service" or "Banking Information".
- The routing number is the same for all customers at your bank in your state, so you can use it for direct deposit, wire transfers, and ACH payments.
Finding your routing number online
Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for a section labeled "Account Information," "Account Details," or "Routing and Transit Numbers." Most banks display your routing number right on the dashboard or in a dropdown menu under your account settings. You may need to click on the specific account you want the routing number for if you have multiple accounts.
If you cannot find it in your account dashboard, go to your bank's main website and search for "routing number" in the search bar. Most banks have a dedicated page that lets you search by state or branch location. Some banks also list it under "Wire Transfer Information" or "Direct Deposit Setup."
Calling your bank directly
The phone number on the back of your debit card connects you to your bank's customer service line. Tell them you need your routing number and they will give it to you immediately — this usually takes less than a minute. You do not need to provide any special information; the representative will know which routing number applies to your account based on your bank and state.
If you have an older account or use a smaller regional bank, calling is often the most reliable method because not all banks have updated their websites with easy lookup tools.
Using your checks
If you have a checkbook, open it 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 on the left is your routing number — always nine digits. The middle group is your account number, and the third group on the right is the check number.
This method works for any bank that still issues checks. If your checks are very old, the routing number may have changed if your bank merged with another bank, so confirm it with your bank before using it for a wire transfer or direct deposit setup.
Finding the routing number for a different branch
If you bank at a large national bank with many branches, the routing number is the same no matter which branch you use — it is tied to your state, not to the individual location. So you do not need to find a specific branch's routing number; your bank's routing number for your state is what you need.
If you moved to a different state and opened an account there, your new account may have a different routing number because routing numbers are state-specific. Check your new account's checks or log into your new account online to confirm.
What to do if you cannot find it
If your bank's website does not have a routing number lookup tool and you cannot reach customer service by phone, try searching "[Your Bank Name] routing number [Your State]" in a search engine. The official bank website should appear in the results. You can also visit your bank in person at any branch and ask a teller for your routing number — they can write it down for you on the spot.
Do not use a routing number from an unofficial source like a third-party financial website unless you have confirmed it with your bank first. Routing numbers can change if banks merge, and using an outdated number can cause direct deposits or wire transfers to fail.
Routing numbers for credit unions and online banks
Credit unions and online-only banks issue routing numbers the same way traditional banks do. For a credit union, log into your account online or call the number on your membership card. For online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, or Discover, log into your account and look for "Routing Number" in the account information section — most online banks display it prominently because they do not have physical branches.
Some online banks have multiple routing numbers depending on the type of transaction (direct deposit versus wire transfer), so make sure you are using the correct one for what you need. Your account dashboard will usually specify which routing number to use for each purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my bank's code?
Your routing number and your bank's SWIFT code are different. The routing number is used for domestic transfers within the United States. A SWIFT code is used for international wire transfers. You need the routing number for direct deposits, ACH payments, and domestic wire transfers.
Can I use someone else's routing number if we bank at the same place?
Yes. Since the routing number is the same for all customers at your bank in your state, you can use any customer's routing number from that bank and it will route to the correct bank. However, you must use your own account number for the transfer to reach your account.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
After a merger, your routing number may change. Check your most recent statement or log into your account online to confirm your current routing number. If you have old checks from before the merger, do not use the routing number printed on them for new transactions.
Do I need a routing number to use my debit card?
No. You only need a routing number for direct deposits, wire transfers, ACH payments, and setting up automatic bill pay. You do not need it to swipe your debit card or withdraw cash from an ATM.
Is it safe to share my routing number?
Yes. Your routing number is public information — it is printed on every check you write. However, never share your full account number or routing number together with someone you do not trust, because together they can be used to set up unauthorized transfers from your account.