Your routing number is on the bottom left of every check you write
The easiest place to find your routing number is the bottom left corner of any check from your account. It's a nine-digit code printed between the account symbol on the far left and your account number. If you don't have checks handy, your bank's website, mobile app, or a phone call to customer service will give you the number in seconds.
You need this number when you set up direct deposit, arrange a wire transfer, or authorize an automatic payment. Banks use it to route money to the correct institution. The routing number stays the same for your bank regardless of which branch you use or how many accounts you have there.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of your checks, printed as a nine-digit code before your account number.
- Your bank's website or mobile app will display your routing number under account details or settings, usually without logging in required.
- Calling your bank's customer service line gets you the number immediately, and they can confirm it matches your account type.
- Different branches of the same bank use the same routing number, so location does not change which code you need.
- The Federal Reserve maintains a public routing number database you can search by bank name and state if you've switched banks.
Check your bank's website or app first
Log into your bank's website or open the 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 "Direct Deposit Setup." Some banks show it only when you're setting up a transfer or payment, so if you don't see it on the main page, look for a link to direct deposit or bill pay.
If your bank requires you to log in to see the routing number, you can often find it without logging in by searching the bank's website for "routing number" or "direct deposit." Many banks publish routing numbers publicly on a dedicated page, sometimes organized by state or branch location. This is faster than logging in if you just need the number quickly.
Call your bank's customer service line
The phone number on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement connects you to customer service, where a representative can give you your routing number in under a minute. Have your account number ready, though most banks can look it up by your name and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
This method is useful if you're not sure whether you have the right number or if you've recently switched banks and want to confirm. Customer service can also tell you whether your routing number changes if you moved to a different branch or opened a new account type, though the answer is usually no.
Visit your bank branch in person
Any teller at your bank can write down your routing number on a piece of paper or print it for you. This takes a few minutes but requires no technology and gives you a physical record. Bring your debit card or a recent statement so the teller can pull up your account quickly.
This option makes sense if you're already at the branch for another reason or if you prefer face-to-face confirmation. Some people find it reassuring to have the number written by someone who verified it against their account.
Search the Federal Reserve's routing number database
The Federal Reserve maintains a public database at frbservices.org where you can search for routing numbers by bank name, city, and state. Enter your bank's name and location, and the database returns all routing numbers associated with that institution. This works even if you've closed your account or switched banks and need a historical routing number.
This method is most useful if you've moved, changed banks, or inherited an old account number and need to verify it. The database is free and requires no login. If your bank has multiple routing numbers for different regions or account types, the search results will show all of them.
Understand when your routing number might change
Your routing number does not change when you move to a different branch of the same bank, open a new account, or change your account type from checking to savings. It stays tied to your bank, not to you personally or to a specific branch location.
Your routing number changes only if your bank merges with another bank, if you switch to a completely different bank, or if your bank restructures its operations significantly. If this happens, your old routing number stops working for new transactions, though the bank usually honors payments sent to the old number for a grace period. Your bank will notify you by mail or email if this occurs.
What to do if you can't find your routing number
If you've tried your checks, the bank's website, and customer service without success, contact your bank's main office directly and ask for the routing number associated with your specific account. Provide your full account number and the bank can confirm the correct code. Some smaller banks or credit unions may not publish routing numbers online, so a phone call to the main branch is the most direct route.
If you're setting up direct deposit or a payment and the system rejects your routing number, call the bank immediately rather than guessing. A wrong routing number can send money to the wrong account or delay a payment by days. The bank can confirm the number is correct before you submit it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my account number?
No. Your routing number identifies your bank; your account number identifies your specific account at that bank. On a check, the routing number is the nine digits on the far left, and your account number follows it. Both are needed for direct deposit or wire transfers.
Can I use any routing number for my bank, or does it have to be a specific one?
Use the routing number for your specific bank and, if applicable, your region or branch type. Most banks have one routing number nationwide, but some larger banks have multiple routing numbers by state or account type. Using the wrong routing number sends money to the wrong place, so confirm with your bank if you're unsure.
Do I need my routing number to log into online banking?
No. You log in with your username and password or account number. Your routing number is only needed for transactions that move money outside your bank, such as direct deposit, wire transfers, or bill payments to other institutions.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
After a merger, your account may keep the old routing number or switch to the new bank's routing number. Your bank will notify you by mail which routing number to use going forward. If you have automatic payments or direct deposit set up, contact those organizations to update the routing number if the bank tells you it has changed.
Can someone use my routing number to steal money from my account?
Your routing number alone is not enough to access your account. A person would also need your account number and typically additional verification. However, do not share your full account number and routing number together with people you don't trust, and never provide them in response to an unsolicited email or phone call.