Your routing number is on the bottom left of every check you have
The routing number is a nine-digit code that tells banks and payment systems which financial institution holds your account. On a physical check, it appears as the first set of numbers on the bottom left edge, printed in magnetic ink. If you have checks linked to your savings account, this is the fastest way to find it.
Not all savings accounts come with checks — many banks offer savings accounts without check-writing privileges. If your account does not have checks, or you cannot locate one, there are several other reliable places to find the same number.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of any check linked to your savings account, before your account number.
- Your bank's website usually has a routing number lookup tool that works by entering your state and bank name.
- Calling your bank's customer service line and providing your account number will get you the routing number in under a minute.
- The routing number for your bank is the same whether you are setting up direct deposit, wire transfers, or ACH payments.
- Routing numbers are public information and do not pose a security risk if shared — you need your account number to move money.
Finding it through your bank's website
Most banks publish their routing number on their website in a dedicated section, often labeled "Routing Number," "Bank Codes," or "Wire Transfer Information." Go to your bank's homepage, look for a link in the footer or under a "Customer Service" or "Help" section, and search for routing number. Many banks also have a lookup tool where you enter your state and the bank name, and the system returns the routing number instantly.
Some banks maintain different routing numbers for different regions or different types of transactions — for example, one routing number for ACH transfers and another for wire transfers. The website tool usually clarifies which number to use for your specific transaction. If you are unsure which one applies, the customer service number on the same page can confirm it in seconds.
Calling your bank directly
The phone number on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement connects you to customer service representatives who can provide your routing number immediately. Have your account number ready, though some banks can look it up by name and address alone. The call typically takes less than a minute.
If you bank with a large national institution like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, or Citibank, the routing number is usually the same across all branches in your state, so any customer service representative can confirm it without needing to access your specific account.
Checking your bank statements
Paper or electronic bank statements sometimes print the routing number at the top or bottom of the page, though not all banks include it. Log into your online banking portal, download or view your most recent statement, and look for a section labeled "Bank Information" or "Account Details." If the routing number does not appear on the statement itself, the same portal usually has an "Account Information" or "Account Summary" page that displays it.
Electronic statements are often easier to search — use your browser's find function (Ctrl+F or Cmd+F) and search for "routing" to locate it quickly if it is present on the page.
Using the Federal Reserve's routing number database
The Federal Reserve maintains a public database of all routing numbers assigned to U.S. financial institutions. You can search it at frbservices.org by entering your bank's name and state. The search returns the routing number, the bank's address, and sometimes multiple routing numbers if the bank uses different codes for different transaction types.
This method works even if your bank's website is down or unclear. The database is updated regularly and is the authoritative source that banks themselves use to verify routing numbers.
What to do if your bank has merged or changed names
If your bank was acquired by another institution or changed its name, your routing number may have changed as well. Banks typically notify customers of this change in writing and update their online systems, but the old routing number sometimes continues to work for a transition period. Contact your current bank to confirm which routing number is active for your account now.
If you are trying to set up a transfer using an old routing number and it fails, this is usually the reason. The receiving bank's system will reject it as outdated. Your current bank can provide the new routing number and confirm whether the old one is still valid for your specific account type.
Routing number versus account number — what is the difference
The routing number identifies the bank itself — it is the same for all customers at that bank in a given region. The account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Both appear on the bottom of a check: the routing number comes first (nine digits), then the account number (usually ten to twelve digits), then the check number.
You can safely share your routing number — it is public information and does not allow anyone to access your account. Your account number, by contrast, should be treated as sensitive information. Together, they allow someone to set up a transfer or direct deposit to your account, which is why you provide both when authorizing a payment or deposit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same for checking and savings accounts at the same bank?
Yes. The routing number identifies the bank, not the account type. Both your checking and savings accounts at the same bank use the same routing number. Your account number is what distinguishes one account from the other.
Can I use an old routing number if my bank merged?
Sometimes, but not reliably. Banks maintain old routing numbers for a transition period, but the system may reject them without warning. Contact your bank to confirm the current routing number for your account before setting up any transfers.
Do I need my routing number to check my account balance?
No. You only need your routing number when setting up direct deposits, wire transfers, ACH payments, or other transactions that move money between banks. Logging into your account online or calling customer service requires only your account number and password.
What if I cannot find my routing number anywhere?
Call your bank's customer service line — the number is on your debit card or bank statement. They can provide it in under a minute. You can also search the Federal Reserve database at frbservices.org by entering your bank name and state.
Is it safe to give my routing number to someone?
Yes. Your routing number is public information and cannot be used to access your account or move money without your account number as well. You provide both when setting up legitimate transfers or deposits.