A routing number is a nine-digit code that tells banks where to send your money
Your bank's routing number is a nine-digit identifier that the banking system uses to direct money to the correct financial institution. When someone sends you a wire transfer, sets up a direct deposit, or pays a bill from your checking account, they need this number to make sure the money reaches your bank, not someone else's.
The routing number is specific to your bank and its location — not to you personally. If you have accounts at two different banks, each bank has its own routing number. Within the same bank, different branches may have different routing numbers, though many banks now use a single routing number for all their branches nationwide.
You will see routing numbers called by different names depending on the context: ABA number (named after the American Bankers Association), transit number, or bank routing code. They all mean the same thing.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number is a nine-digit code specific to your bank and branch, not to your individual account.
- You need your routing number and account number together when setting up direct deposit, wire transfers, or automatic bill payments.
- You can find your routing number on the bottom left of your checks, by calling your bank, or by searching the Federal Reserve's routing number database online.
- The routing number is public information — sharing it does not put your account at risk the way sharing your full account number would.
Where to find your routing number
The easiest place to look is the bottom left corner of any check from your checking account. The first nine digits printed there are your routing number, followed by your account number, then the check number on the far right.
If you do not have checks, call your bank's customer service line — the number is usually on your debit card or bank statement. Tell them you need your routing number for direct deposit or a wire transfer, and they will give it to you immediately. You can also log into your online banking account; many banks display the routing number in the account details or settings section.
The Federal Reserve maintains a public routing number database at frbservices.org. You can search by bank name and state to confirm you have the correct number, or to find the routing number if your bank has changed it.
Routing number versus account number
These two numbers work together but do different jobs. Your routing number identifies which bank holds your account. Your account number identifies which specific account within that bank is yours. Both are needed to complete a transfer or set up direct deposit.
Your account number is typically 10 to 12 digits and appears on your checks after the routing number. Some banks print it on statements or show it in online banking. Unlike your routing number, your account number is sensitive information — you should not share it casually because someone with both your routing number and account number could potentially set up unauthorized transfers from your account.
When you need to provide your routing number
You will be asked for your routing number in these situations: setting up direct deposit for your paycheck, arranging automatic bill payments from your checking account, receiving a wire transfer from another bank, transferring money between your own accounts at different banks, and setting up ACH transfers (electronic transfers that take one to three business days).
In each case, you will also need your account number. Some forms ask for both together; others have separate fields. If you are unsure which number goes where, the form usually has a small note or example showing where to find each one on a check.
What happens if you give someone the wrong routing number
If you provide an incorrect routing number, the transfer will likely be rejected or sent to the wrong bank. The sending bank will usually catch the error and return the money to the sender, though this can take several business days. You will not lose money, but the payment will be delayed.
If the wrong routing number happens to belong to another real bank, the receiving bank may reject the transfer because the account number does not match their records. Again, the money comes back to the sender. This is why it is worth double-checking your routing number before you give it out, especially for large transfers or recurring payments.
Routing numbers and security
Your routing number is public information — it is printed on every check you write and is searchable in the Federal Reserve database. Sharing your routing number alone does not put your account at risk. However, you should treat your full account number as sensitive, especially when combined with your routing number.
If someone has both your routing number and account number, they could potentially set up unauthorized ACH transfers or bill payments from your account. For this reason, be cautious about sharing your account number with unfamiliar websites or over unsecured channels. Your routing number by itself is safe to share.
What to do if your bank's routing number changes
Banks occasionally change their routing numbers due to mergers, acquisitions, or system updates. If your bank changes its routing number, they will notify you by mail or through your online banking account. You do not need to do anything immediately, but you should update any recurring payments or direct deposits that use the old number.
Contact your employer's payroll department to update your direct deposit information with the new routing number. For automatic bill payments, log into each biller's website and update the routing number in your bank account settings. Your bank can also provide a list of which payments or transfers are linked to your account so you know what needs updating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone steal money from my account if they only have my routing number?
No. A routing number alone identifies your bank, not your specific account. Someone would need both your routing number and your full account number to set up a transfer. Sharing your routing number is safe — treat your account number as the sensitive piece.
Do all branches of the same bank have the same routing number?
Most large banks now use a single routing number for all branches nationwide. However, some regional banks or credit unions assign different routing numbers to different branches. Call your bank or check your checks to confirm which routing number applies to your branch.
What if I cannot find my routing number on my checks?
Call your bank's customer service line or log into online banking — both will show your routing number within minutes. You can also search the Federal Reserve's routing number database at frbservices.org by entering your bank name and state.
Is my routing number the same as my bank's SWIFT code?
No. A routing number is used for domestic transfers within the United States. A SWIFT code is used for international wire transfers. Your bank can provide both if you need to receive money from outside the U.S.
Do I need a different routing number for savings and checking accounts?
Usually not. Most banks use the same routing number for all account types at a given branch. However, your account number will be different for each account. If you are unsure, check your statements or call your bank to confirm.