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 account. Look at the first set of nine digits before the account number — that is your routing number. If you do not have checks, log into your online banking portal or mobile app; most banks display the routing number in the account details or settings section. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask directly — they will give it to you in under a minute.
If you need it right now and cannot access any of those, your bank's website has a routing number lookup tool. Go to the bank's main website, search for "routing number" or "find my routing number," and enter your state and sometimes your branch location. The number appears instantly.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number is the first nine digits printed on the bottom left of your checks, before your account number.
- Online banking portals and mobile apps show your routing number in the account details or settings area.
- Calling your bank's customer service line will get you the number in under a minute without logging in.
- Your bank's website has a routing number lookup tool that works by state and sometimes by branch.
- The routing number is the same for all accounts at the same bank branch, even if you have multiple accounts.
Finding it through your bank's website
Go to your bank's main website and look for a link labeled "Routing Number," "Find Routing Number," or "Bank Information." Most large banks put this in the footer or under a "Customer Service" section. Click the link and you will see a form asking for your state and sometimes your branch city or ZIP code. Enter that information and the routing number displays right away.
Some banks also list routing numbers by branch on a branch locator page. If you know which branch your account is tied to, you can search for that branch and the routing number will be listed alongside the address and phone number. This method works well if you have moved or switched branches and are not sure which location your account belongs to.
Checking your online banking account
Log into your bank's website or app and navigate to your account details or account summary page. Most banks display the routing number alongside your account number in a section called "Account Information," "Account Details," or "Routing and Account Numbers." The routing number is usually shown in full, though some banks abbreviate it as "ABA" (American Bankers Association number, which is another name for routing number).
If you cannot find it on the main account page, look in the settings or preferences section. Some banks tuck routing information under "Transfer Settings" or "Wire Transfer Information" because that is where people most often need it. If you still cannot locate it, the help or FAQ section of your banking app will have instructions specific to that bank.
Calling your bank directly
Pick up the phone and call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or the number listed on your bank's website. Tell the representative you need your routing number. They will ask you to verify your identity — usually your account number and the last four digits of your Social Security number — and then read the routing number to you. This takes about two minutes total.
You do not need to explain why you need it. Banks give out routing numbers freely because they are not secret information — they are part of your public bank information. If you are calling during business hours, you will reach someone quickly. If you call after hours, many banks have automated systems that can provide routing numbers without a representative.
Understanding routing numbers across multiple accounts
If you have more than one account at the same bank — a checking account and a savings account, for example — they share the same routing number. The routing number identifies the bank and branch, not the individual account. Your account number is what distinguishes one account from another.
However, if you have accounts at different branches of the same bank, the routing numbers may differ. Large banks often have different routing numbers for different regions or branches. If you are unsure, use the method for the specific branch where your account is held, or call and specify which account you are asking about.
What to do if you cannot find your routing number
If your bank's website lookup tool is not working or you cannot reach customer service, try searching "[Your Bank Name] routing number [your state]" in a search engine. The Federal Reserve maintains a routing number database, and many third-party financial sites have searchable directories. Enter your bank name and state and you will find the routing number for your branch.
Another option is to visit your bank in person at a branch. Bring your ID and account information, and a teller will write down your routing number for you. This is slower than calling or checking online, but it works if all other methods fail. You can also ask the teller to print a statement showing both your routing and account numbers, which is useful if you need to reference them again later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my account number?
No. Your routing number identifies your bank and branch; your account number identifies your specific account. Both appear on your checks — the routing number is the first nine digits on the bottom left, and your account number comes after it. You need both for wire transfers and automatic payments.
Can I use someone else's routing number to send them money?
Yes. The routing number is public information tied to the bank, not to a person. You use the recipient's routing number along with their account number to send them money via wire transfer or ACH transfer. The routing number alone does not give access to anyone's account.
Do I need my routing number to use my debit card?
No. You only need your routing number for wire transfers, ACH transfers, setting up direct deposit, or paying bills by bank account. Debit card transactions use your card number and PIN instead. Routing numbers are for bank-to-bank transfers.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
After a merger, your routing number may stay the same or change depending on how the banks consolidated their systems. Log into your online banking or call customer service to confirm your current routing number. Do not assume it is the same as it was before the merger.
Can I find my routing number on a bank statement?
Yes. Most bank statements print your routing number at the top or in the account information section. If you have a recent statement, look for it there. If you do not have a statement handy, the methods above are faster than waiting for one to arrive.