Your routing number is on the bottom left of your checks, in your bank's online portal, or one phone call away

Your routing number is a nine-digit code that tells the banking system which bank holds your account. It appears on the bottom left of every check you write, printed between two colons. If you do not have checks in front of you, you can find it by logging into your bank's website or mobile app, calling your bank's customer service line, or asking a teller in person. The routing number stays the same for your account — it does not change when you move money or close and reopen accounts at the same bank.

You need this number whenever you set up direct deposit, send a wire transfer, or authorize an ACH payment. It is public information, and sharing it is safe — a routing number alone cannot be used to withdraw money from your account.

Key Takeaways

  • Your routing number is the nine-digit code on the bottom left of your checks, between two colons, before your account number.
  • Online banking portals show your routing number under account details, wire transfer information, or direct deposit setup pages.
  • Your bank's customer service line can give you your routing number in under a minute, and you do not need to verify your identity beyond your account number.
  • Different branches of the same bank sometimes use different routing numbers, so confirm you have the one for your specific branch location.
  • The routing number is public information — sharing it is safe, and it is required for direct deposits, wire transfers, and ACH payments.

Finding your routing number on a check

Look at the bottom left corner of any check. You will see three sets of numbers separated by colons or special symbols. The first nine-digit number is your routing number. The second set is your account number. The third is the check number itself.

If your checks are old or you have not ordered new ones in years, the routing number may have changed — banks merge, reorganize branches, or update their systems. Do not assume an old check is current. Verify the number through your bank before using it for a wire transfer or direct deposit setup.

Getting your routing number from online banking

Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details, account information, or settings. Most banks display the routing number on the main account page or under a section labeled "Account Details," "Wire Transfer Information," or "Direct Deposit Setup."

If you cannot find it on the main page, try these locations: the page where you set up direct deposit for payroll, the page where you initiate a wire transfer, or a downloadable statement or tax document. Some banks hide it one click deeper than others, but it is always there somewhere in the account section. If you still cannot locate it, the next step is a phone call.

Calling your bank for the routing number

Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Tell the representative you need your routing number. You will need to provide your account number or the phone number associated with your account, but the process takes less than a minute.

You do not need to explain why you need it — the routing number is public information. If you are calling from a number other than the one on file, the bank may ask you to verify your identity with your Social Security number or date of birth. Ask the representative to spell out the nine digits or repeat them twice so you write them down correctly.

Visiting your bank branch in person

Walk into any branch of your bank with your debit card or ID. A teller can write down your routing number in seconds. This is useful if you prefer not to use online banking or phone lines, or if you want to confirm the number is correct before sending a large wire transfer.

If you bank at a large national bank with many branches, your routing number is the same at every location. If you bank at a smaller regional or community bank, different branches may have different routing numbers. Ask the teller to confirm that the number they give you matches your specific branch location.

Understanding routing numbers for different account types

Most people have one routing number for their checking account. However, if you have both a checking and savings account at the same bank, they usually share the same routing number — the routing number identifies the bank, not the account type. The account number is what distinguishes between your checking and savings.

If you have accounts at multiple banks, each bank has its own routing number. If you recently switched banks or merged accounts, make sure you are using the routing number for the bank that currently holds the account you are sending money to or from. Using an old routing number can delay a transfer by several days or send the money to the wrong place.

What to do if you cannot find your routing number

If your bank is very new, very small, or recently merged with another bank, the routing number may not appear where you expect it. Call customer service and ask them to confirm the routing number and the branch location it belongs to. Write down both pieces of information.

If you are trying to set up a direct deposit or wire transfer and the system rejects your routing number, double-check that you have entered all nine digits correctly and that there are no spaces or dashes. If the number is correct and the system still rejects it, contact your bank to confirm the number is active and that your account is set up to receive transfers of that type.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my routing number the same as my account number?

No. Your routing number identifies your bank (nine digits, on the left). Your account number identifies your specific account at that bank (usually 10 to 12 digits, in the middle). Both appear on your check, and both are needed for wire transfers and direct deposits.

Can I use someone else's routing number to send them money?

Yes. The routing number is public information. You need the recipient's routing number and account number to send them money via ACH transfer or wire. Sharing your routing number is safe — it cannot be used to withdraw money from your account without your account number as well.

What if my bank merged or changed its name?

Your routing number may have changed. Log into your online banking portal or call customer service to confirm your current routing number. Do not use a routing number from old checks or statements — use the one your bank gives you today.

Do I need a routing number to use my debit card?

No. You only need a routing number when you are setting up direct deposit, sending a wire transfer, or authorizing an ACH payment. Swiping or inserting your debit card does not require it.

What if I enter the wrong routing number for a direct deposit?

The deposit may be delayed or sent to the wrong bank account. Contact your employer's payroll department or the organization sending the payment and provide the correct routing number. They can usually update it before the next payment is processed.