Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank or credit union
Your routing number is a nine-digit code assigned by the American Bankers Association to identify which bank or credit union holds your account. It tells the financial system where to send money when you receive a transfer, direct deposit, or payment. Every bank and credit union has its own routing number, and some large banks have multiple routing numbers for different regions or branches.
You need your routing number when you set up direct deposit for paychecks or government payments, arrange wire transfers, pay bills through your bank's bill pay system, or provide banking details to an employer or government agency. The routing number stays the same regardless of which branch you use or how many accounts you have at that bank.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number is a nine-digit code printed on the bottom left of your checks and available through your bank's website or customer service line.
- The routing number identifies your bank or credit union, not your individual account — it is the same for all customers at that institution in that region.
- You can find your routing number on a check, by calling your bank, through your online banking portal, or by searching the Federal Reserve's routing number database.
- Routing numbers are public information and safe to share; they do not give anyone access to your account without your account number as well.
Finding your routing number on a check
The easiest way to find your routing number is to look at a check from your account. At the bottom left of the check, you will see three groups of numbers separated by vertical lines. The first group of nine digits is your routing number. The second group is your account number, and the third is the check number.
If you do not have checks or cannot locate one, this method will not work for you, but the other methods below will.
Looking it up through your bank's website or app
Log into your online banking portal or mobile app and navigate to the account details or settings section. Most banks display your routing number alongside your account number in a section labeled "Account Information," "Banking Details," or "Direct Deposit Setup." Some banks require you to click through to a specific page for direct deposit information.
If you cannot find it in the obvious places, use the search function within the app or website and search for "routing number." You can also look for a page about setting up direct deposit, since routing number information is almost always displayed there.
Calling your bank or credit union
Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or the phone number listed on your bank's website. Tell the representative you need your routing number. They will ask you to verify your identity — usually by providing your account number, Social Security number, or answers to security questions — and then give you the number over the phone.
This method works during business hours and takes only a few minutes. Write down the number they give you, since you may need it again in the future.
Using the Federal Reserve's routing number search
The Federal Reserve maintains a public database of all routing numbers. Go to the Federal Reserve's website and use their routing number search tool. Enter your bank's name and state, and the database will return the routing number for that institution. This method works for any bank or credit union in the United States.
This search is useful if you have moved, switched banks, or are trying to verify a routing number someone gave you. The database is updated regularly and is free to use.
Understanding routing numbers for wire transfers and ACH payments
Different types of transfers sometimes use different routing numbers. For ACH transfers — the most common type, used for direct deposit and bill payments — you use your standard routing number. For wire transfers, some banks use a different routing number, often called a "wire routing number."
When you are setting up a transfer, the person or organization requesting your information will tell you which type of routing number they need. If they do not specify, ask them directly. Using the wrong routing number can delay a transfer or send money to the wrong institution, though it will usually be caught and returned.
What you should and should not share
Your routing number is public information. It is printed on every check you write and is listed in public databases. Sharing your routing number alone does not put your account at risk — someone would also need your account number to access your funds or set up unauthorized transfers.
Never share your full account number, PIN, or online banking password, even if someone asks for them along with your routing number. Legitimate organizations — your employer, your bank, government agencies — will never ask for your password or PIN. If someone requests these, it is a sign of fraud.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone steal money from my account if they have my routing number?
No. A routing number alone does not give access to your account. Someone would need both your routing number and your account number to set up a transfer, and even then most banks require additional verification. Treat your routing number like your address — it is public and safe to share.
Do I need a different routing number for each account I have?
No. All accounts you hold at the same bank use the same routing number. The routing number identifies the bank; your account number identifies which account within that bank. You only need one routing number per bank.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
Your routing number may change after a merger. Contact your bank or check your online banking portal to confirm your current routing number. If you have direct deposit set up, your employer may need to update your banking information, so notify them of any change.
Is the routing number the same at every branch of my bank?
Usually yes, but large banks sometimes assign different routing numbers to different regions. If you have moved or switched branches, confirm your routing number through your bank's website or by calling customer service. Using an outdated routing number can delay transfers.
Where do I find my routing number if I bank online only?
Log into your online banking portal and look for account details or direct deposit information. If you cannot find it there, call the bank's customer service line — the number is usually on their website or on any statements they have sent you. Online banks are required to provide routing numbers to customers who request them.