A routing number is a nine-digit code that tells the banking system which bank or credit union holds your account
Every bank and credit union in the United States has its own routing number. When money moves between accounts—whether you're setting up direct deposit, sending a wire transfer, or paying a bill through your bank—the routing number is how the system knows where to send it. Think of it like a mailing address for your bank. Without it, the money doesn't know where to go.
The routing number is not secret. It's printed on the bottom left of every check you write, and you can find it on your bank's website or by calling customer service. Different branches of the same bank usually share one routing number, though some large banks have multiple routing numbers depending on the state or the type of account.
Key Takeaways
- A routing number is a nine-digit code specific to your bank or credit union that directs electronic transfers to the correct financial institution.
- You can find your routing number on the bottom left corner of your checks, on your bank's website, or by calling your bank's customer service line.
- Routing numbers are public information and are safe to share when you need to receive money or set up direct deposit.
- Your routing number stays the same even if you move to a different branch or change your account type at the same bank.
Where to find your routing number
The easiest place to look is the bottom left of a check. The first nine digits printed there are your routing number. If you don't have checks handy, log into your bank's website or mobile app—most banks display it in the account details or settings section.
You can also call your bank's customer service number (usually on the back of your debit card) and ask for your routing number. Have your account number ready. Credit unions work the same way—call or check your statement or online account portal.
If you're looking for a routing number for a bank you don't use, the Federal Reserve maintains a searchable database at frbservices.org. You can search by bank name and state to find the correct routing number.
Routing number vs. account number
These two numbers work together but do different things. Your routing number identifies your bank. Your account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Together, they tell the banking system exactly where your money should go.
When you set up direct deposit for a paycheck or a tax refund, you'll need to provide both numbers. The routing number tells the system which bank to contact. The account number tells that bank which of its accounts to deposit the money into. If you give the wrong routing number, the money goes to the wrong bank entirely. If you give the wrong account number but the right routing number, it goes to the right bank but the wrong account.
Is it safe to share your routing number
Yes. Your routing number is public information and is safe to share. It's printed on every check you write, and anyone who has ever received a check from you already has it. Banks expect you to give out your routing number when you set up direct deposit, receive wire transfers, or arrange automatic bill payments.
Your account number is more sensitive because it identifies your specific account. However, someone who has only your routing number and account number—without your name, PIN, or online banking password—cannot withdraw money from your account on their own. They can only deposit money into it or set up transfers if you've authorized them to do so.
If you're concerned about sharing your account number online, look for a secure connection (the URL should start with "https" and show a lock icon). Government agencies, banks, and established refund services use encrypted connections to protect your information.
Routing numbers for tax refunds and government payments
When you file your taxes and request a refund by direct deposit, the IRS asks for your routing number and account number. The same applies if you receive a stimulus payment, tax credit, or other government payment electronically. The routing number tells the IRS which bank to send the money to.
Make sure you enter your routing number correctly on your tax return or payment setup form. A wrong routing number will send your refund or payment to the wrong bank, and you'll have to contact the IRS or the payment agency to correct it and reissue the payment. This can add weeks to the process.
If you're unsure whether you have the right routing number, call your bank before you file or submit the form. It takes one minute and prevents delays.
What happens if you use the wrong routing number
If you provide the wrong routing number when setting up direct deposit or requesting a refund, the money will be sent to a different bank. That bank will eventually reject it because the account number won't match any account in their system, and the money will be returned to the sender.
For tax refunds, this means the IRS will have to reissue your refund, which can take an additional four to six weeks. For payroll direct deposit, your employer may hold the payment while they investigate, or they may ask you to provide the correct information and resubmit.
If this happens, contact your bank or the organization that sent the payment as soon as you notice it. The sooner you report it, the sooner the money can be corrected and sent to the right place.
Routing numbers for different types of accounts
Most people have one routing number for their bank, regardless of whether the account is a checking account, savings account, or money market account. However, some large banks maintain separate routing numbers for different regions or for accounts opened at different times.
If you have multiple accounts at the same bank—say, a checking account and a savings account—they typically share the same routing number. The account number is what distinguishes between them. But if you're unsure, ask your bank which routing number to use for each account. They can tell you in seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same routing number for checking and savings accounts at the same bank?
Usually yes. Most banks use one routing number for all account types at a given branch or region. However, some large banks have multiple routing numbers. Call your bank to confirm which routing number applies to each of your accounts if you're setting up transfers between them.
What if my bank merged with another bank—does my routing number change?
Not necessarily. When banks merge, they often keep the original routing numbers active for existing accounts to avoid disrupting direct deposits and automatic payments. Your bank will notify you if your routing number changes. You don't need to do anything unless they tell you to.
Do I need a different routing number if I move to another state?
No. Your routing number is tied to your bank, not your location. If you move and keep the same bank account, your routing number stays the same. If you switch to a local bank in your new state, that new bank will have its own routing number.
Can someone steal money from my account if they have my routing number and account number?
Not without additional information. A routing number and account number alone allow someone to deposit money into your account or set up a transfer if you've authorized it. To withdraw money or make unauthorized transfers, they would need your online banking password, PIN, or other security credentials that you control.
Where do I find my routing number if I bank online only?
Log into your online banking portal and look in the account details or settings section—most online banks display it there. You can also call their customer service number or search for the bank's routing number on the Federal Reserve's website using the bank's name and the state where it's chartered.