The fastest way to find your routing number
Your 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 bottom of the check — that is your routing number. If you do not have checks in front of you, the next fastest option is to call your bank's customer service line (the number is on your debit card or bank statement) and ask for your routing number. They will give it to you in under a minute.
If you want to find it online without calling, log into your bank's website or mobile app, go to account settings or account details, and look for a section labeled "routing number," "bank routing number," or sometimes "transit number." Not all banks display it in the app, but most show it on the website. If you cannot find it there, your bank's website usually has a routing number lookup tool — search for "[your bank name] routing number" and you will find a page where you can enter your location or branch and get the number instantly.
The Federal Reserve also maintains a public routing number database at frbservices.org. You can search by bank name and state to confirm your routing number, though this is slower than the methods above and is mainly useful if you want to double-check that a number you have is correct.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number is the first nine digits on the bottom left of any check from your bank account.
- Calling your bank's customer service line will get you the number in under a minute without needing to search online.
- Most banks display the routing number in their online banking portal under account details or settings.
- The Federal Reserve's routing number database at frbservices.org lets you search by bank name and state to verify a number you already have.
Why banks use different routing numbers for different branches
Many large banks assign a different routing number to each branch location. This means your routing number depends on which branch your account was opened at, not just which bank you use. If you opened your account at a Chase branch in Denver, your routing number will be different from someone who opened an account at a Chase branch in Miami.
This matters because if you give the wrong routing number when setting up a direct deposit or wire transfer, the money may go to the wrong bank or the wrong branch. The transaction will usually bounce back, but it can take several days. Always use the routing number for the specific branch where your account is held, not just any branch of that bank.
You can find your specific branch routing number by calling the branch directly or by looking at a statement from that account — the routing number on your statement is always the correct one for your branch.
Finding your routing number when you have moved or changed banks
If you moved to a new state and your bank has branches there, your routing number may have changed. Call your bank and confirm the routing number for your current branch location. Do not assume it is the same as it was before.
If you switched banks entirely and no longer have checks from your old bank, you can still find the old routing number by searching the Federal Reserve database or by calling the old bank's customer service line. This is useful if you need to verify an old transaction or update direct deposit information that is still pointing to the old account.
Routing numbers for online banks and credit unions
Online banks and credit unions work the same way as traditional banks — they have routing numbers, and you find them the same way. Log into your online account, check your statements, or call customer service. Many online banks display the routing number prominently in the account details section because they know customers cannot walk into a branch to ask.
Credit unions sometimes use the term transit number instead of routing number, but it is the same thing. If you cannot find "routing number" on your credit union's website, search for "transit number" or call the credit union directly.
What to do if your bank will not give you the routing number
This is rare, but some smaller banks or credit unions may not immediately display the routing number in their online system. If you call and the representative cannot find it quickly, ask them to look it up in their internal system or transfer you to someone who can. Every bank has a routing number — it is not secret information.
If the bank still cannot provide it, use the Federal Reserve's routing number database. Search by the bank name and your state, and you will find the routing number. Then call the bank back and confirm that the number from the Federal Reserve database matches what they have on file for your branch.
Confirming your routing number is correct before you use it
Before you give your routing number to an employer, government agency, or anyone else, double-check it against your checks or your online banking portal. A single wrong digit will send money to the wrong place. If you are setting up direct deposit for a tax refund or paycheck, most employers will let you enter the number and then show you a preview of the account it will go to — verify that preview matches your actual account before you confirm.
If you are wiring money or setting up an automatic payment, many banks will show you the receiving bank name and account holder name before the transaction goes through. Use that moment to confirm everything is correct. Once a wire transfer is sent, it is very difficult to reverse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my account number?
No. Your routing number identifies the bank or branch (nine digits on the bottom left of a check). Your account number identifies your specific account at that bank (usually 10 to 12 digits, in the middle of the bottom of the check). You need both for direct deposit or wire transfers.
Can I use any routing number from my bank, or does it have to be for my specific branch?
Use the routing number for the branch where your account is held. If you use a different branch's routing number, the transaction may fail or be delayed. Your statement always shows the correct routing number for your account.
What if I give the wrong routing number for a direct deposit?
The money will usually be rejected and returned to the sender within one to three business days. The sender will then need to resubmit with the correct routing number. This is why it is important to double-check before you submit.
Do I need my routing number to withdraw money from an ATM?
No. You only need your routing number when money is being sent to your account from outside (direct deposit, wire transfer, ACH payment) or when you are sending money out. For everyday banking like ATM withdrawals or debit card purchases, you do not need it.
Can I find someone else's routing number?
Yes, if you know their bank name and state, you can search the Federal Reserve database. However, a routing number alone does not let you access anyone's account — you would also need their account number, and even then, you cannot do anything without their authorization.