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 is the first nine digits, the account number follows it. If you have checks in front of you right now, that is the quickest answer.
If you do not have checks or prefer not to dig them out, log into your bank's website or mobile app. Most banks display 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 Transfer Information" because that is where people most often need it.
Call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card if you cannot find it online. Have your account number ready when you call, and they will give you the routing number in under a minute. This works even if your branch is closed.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number and account number are printed on the bottom left of your checks in that order.
- Most online banking portals show both numbers under Account Information or Account Details without requiring a phone call.
- Your bank's customer service line can provide your routing number over the phone if you cannot locate it any other way.
- The routing number is the same for all customers at your bank; the account number is unique to you.
- Do not share your routing number with untrusted sources, but it is safe to give it to your employer, the IRS, or your bank for legitimate transfers.
What each number means and why you need them
The routing number identifies your bank or credit union within the U.S. banking system. It tells the Federal Reserve and other banks where to send money. Every bank has one routing number (though some large banks have multiple ones for different regions or purposes). You can safely share your routing number — it is public information and does not give anyone access to your money.
The account number is unique to you. It identifies your specific account at that bank. Never share your account number with anyone except your bank, your employer (for direct deposit), the IRS, or other organizations you are sending money to or receiving money from. Your account number is what protects your money from being sent to the wrong place.
Together, these two numbers form the complete address for your account. When your employer sets up direct deposit, when you receive a tax refund, or when you need to provide banking details for a payment, you are giving the sender the routing number and account number so they can deposit money into the right account at the right bank.
Finding your routing number if you switched banks
If you recently moved your account to a new bank, your old routing number will not work for new deposits. You need the routing number for your current bank, not your previous one. Log into your new bank's website or call their customer service to confirm you have the correct routing number.
Some people keep old checks from a closed account by mistake. If your checks are more than a few years old or from a bank you no longer use, do not rely on them. The routing number on old checks may be outdated or incorrect for your current account. Always verify with your current bank first.
Routing numbers for credit unions and online banks
Credit unions use routing numbers just like traditional banks do. If you belong to a credit union, your routing number is on your checks or in your online account portal under the same labels as a bank would use. Call your credit union's main number if you cannot find it online.
Online banks and fintech companies (like Chime, Ally, or SoFi) also have routing numbers. These are often harder to find on the website because online banks do not issue checks as a standard product. Look for "Wire Transfer Information," "ACH Transfer Details," or "Bank Account Information." If the website does not list it clearly, call customer service — they will have it ready.
What to do if your bank has multiple routing numbers
Large banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo sometimes have different routing numbers for different regions or for different types of transactions (ACH transfers versus wire transfers, for example). Your checks will show one routing number, but that may not be the correct one for the specific transaction you are making.
Before you provide your routing number to your employer, the IRS, or anyone else, ask them which routing number they need. Many organizations have a lookup tool on their website where you enter your bank name and state, and it tells you the correct routing number for that transaction type. Your bank's customer service can also confirm which routing number to use for your specific situation.
Protecting your routing and account number
Your routing number is safe to share — it is essentially public. Your account number is not. Do not type your account number into websites you do not trust, and do not give it to someone who calls you claiming to be from your bank. Real banks will never call you asking for your account number.
When you provide your account and routing numbers for direct deposit, tax refunds, or bill payments, you are trusting that organization to use them correctly. Stick to official channels: your employer's payroll system, the IRS website, your bank's bill pay service, or a government agency's official portal. If you are unsure whether a website is real, go directly to the organization's main website or call their official number instead of clicking a link in an email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone steal money from my account if they have my routing number?
No. Your routing number alone cannot be used to access your account or transfer money. A thief would need both your routing number and your account number, plus authorization to move the money. Even then, most banks have fraud protection that catches unauthorized transfers. Your routing number is safe to share.
What if I cannot find my routing number anywhere?
Call your bank's customer service number, which is on your debit card or on your bank's website. Have your account number ready. They will give you your routing number in seconds. You can also visit your bank's branch in person and ask a teller.
Do I need a different routing number for wire transfers versus ACH transfers?
Sometimes. Large banks may have different routing numbers for different transaction types. Before you send money or provide your routing number, ask the organization receiving it which routing number they need. They will tell you if it is different from the one on your checks.
Is my routing number the same if I have multiple accounts at the same bank?
Yes. Your routing number stays the same for all accounts you hold at that bank. Your account number changes for each account. If you have a checking account and a savings account at the same bank, they share the same routing number but have different account numbers.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
Your routing number may have changed. Log into your current online banking portal or call customer service to confirm your current routing number. Do not use routing numbers from old checks if your bank has merged or been acquired in the last few years.