Where to find the routing and account number on your check
The routing and account numbers are printed at the bottom left of every check. You will see three groups of numbers separated by vertical lines or colons. The first group is the routing number (nine digits), the second is your account number (usually 10 to 12 digits), and the third is the check number itself.
The routing number always comes first. It identifies which bank or credit union holds your account. The account number comes second and identifies your specific account within that bank. Both numbers are printed in a special magnetic ink called MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition), which is why they look slightly raised or darker than the rest of the text on the check.
If you look at the top right of the check, you will also see the check number printed there. This is the same number that appears at the bottom right, and it is not the same as your routing or account number. The check number simply tracks which check in your book you are using.
Key Takeaways
- The routing number (nine digits) appears first at the bottom left of the check and identifies your bank or credit union.
- The account number (10 to 12 digits) appears second at the bottom left and identifies your specific account.
- Both numbers are printed in magnetic ink and look slightly raised or darker than regular text.
- The check number in the bottom right corner is not the same as your routing or account number.
- You need both the routing and account number to set up direct deposit, wire transfers, or automatic bill payments.
How to read the numbers correctly
Start from the left side of the bottom of the check. The first set of nine digits enclosed by vertical lines or colons is your routing number. Read it left to right: if you see |021000021|, that routing number is 021000021. Do not skip any digits or assume zeros are missing.
Immediately after the routing number, you will see the second set of numbers. This is your account number. It is usually longer than the routing number—typically 10 to 12 digits, though some banks use more. Read all the digits in this group. If your account number is |123456789012|, write down all 12 digits.
The third group of numbers at the bottom right is the check number. This is the only number that changes from check to check in your book. You do not need this number for direct deposit or wire transfers, only for your own record-keeping.
Why banks print these numbers on checks
The routing and account numbers are printed in magnetic ink so that bank sorting machines can read them automatically. When you write a check and deposit it, the receiving bank's machine scans these numbers to figure out where to send the money. The magnetic ink allows the machine to read the numbers even if the check is wrinkled, faded, or partially obscured.
This system has been in place for decades and is still the standard way checks are processed. The numbers are printed in a specific order and format so that any bank's machine can read them the same way, regardless of which bank issued the check.
Common mistakes when copying routing and account numbers
The most common error is copying the check number instead of the account number. The check number is shorter and appears on the right side of the bottom line—do not use this. Always use the middle group of numbers at the bottom left.
Another mistake is leaving out leading zeros. If your routing number starts with zero, like 021000021, you must include that first zero. Omitting it will cause the transaction to fail or go to the wrong bank. The same applies to your account number—if it starts with zeros, include them all.
Some people also confuse the numbers printed at the top of the check (your name, address, and check number) with the MICR numbers at the bottom. The bottom numbers are the ones you need. The top information is for your records and the recipient's reference only.
When you need to provide these numbers
You will need to provide your routing and account number when you set up direct deposit for your paycheck or tax refund. Your employer or the government agency processing your refund will ask for both numbers to deposit money into your account electronically.
You also need both numbers to set up automatic bill payments through your bank or to authorize someone else to withdraw money from your account. Wire transfers require both numbers as well. Some online payment services and peer-to-peer money transfer apps may also ask for these numbers, though many now use just your account number if they already know your bank.
If you are receiving a refund by direct deposit—whether a tax refund, insurance refund, or business refund—have your routing and account number ready before you start the process. Having them on hand speeds things up and reduces the chance of entering them incorrectly.
What to do if you cannot find the numbers on your check
If your checks are very old or the print is faded, you may have trouble reading the MICR numbers. In this case, contact your bank directly. You can call the number on the back of your debit card or visit your bank's website to log into your account. Your routing number and account number will be displayed in your account settings or profile.
If you do not have a check at all, you can still find these numbers online. Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account information or settings. Most banks display both numbers clearly in a section labeled "Account Details" or "Routing Information." You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask them to read the numbers to you over the phone.
Some banks also print these numbers on your monthly statement, usually at the top or bottom of the first page. If you have a recent statement, check there before calling the bank.
How routing numbers differ by bank and state
Your routing number is specific to the bank branch or processing center where your account is held, not to your state or region. Two people with accounts at the same bank may have different routing numbers if their accounts are processed through different branches. This is why you must use the exact routing number printed on your check—you cannot guess or use a general bank number.
If you move to a different state or switch banks, your routing number will change. Your account number may also change depending on your bank's policies. Always verify the routing and account numbers on your current checks or in your online banking portal before providing them for a transaction.
Credit unions also have routing numbers, and they work the same way as bank routing numbers. If you have a credit union account, the routing number on your checks identifies your specific credit union, not all credit unions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the routing number the same for all my checks?
Yes. Every check in your book from the same account will have the same routing number and account number printed at the bottom. The only number that changes is the check number on the right side. If you see different routing numbers on different checks, one of them is incorrect or you have accounts at different banks.
Can I use my account number without the routing number?
Not for most transactions. Direct deposit, wire transfers, and automatic payments require both numbers. Your account number alone does not tell the bank which institution to send the money to. Some online services may work with just the account number if they already have your bank information on file, but it is safer to provide both.
What if I give someone the wrong routing number?
If you provide an incorrect routing number, the transaction will likely fail or be rejected by the receiving bank. The money will not go through, and you will be notified of the error. If the money does go to the wrong bank by mistake, contact your bank immediately to report it. They can often retrieve the funds, but it may take several business days.
Do I need to memorize my routing and account number?
No. You should keep this information in a safe place—written down or stored securely in your phone or computer—but you do not need to memorize it. You can always look it up on your checks, in your online banking portal, or by calling your bank. Treat these numbers like you would your PIN: keep them private and do not share them unnecessarily.
Why does my online banking portal show a different account number than my check?
Some banks display a shortened or formatted version of your account number online for security reasons. The full account number on your check is the one to use for external transactions like direct deposit or wire transfers. If you are unsure which number to provide, contact your bank and ask them to confirm the account number for direct deposit purposes.