Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank or credit union
Your routing number is printed on the bottom left of every check you write. It tells the banking system which institution holds your account. When someone sends you a direct deposit — a paycheck, tax refund, insurance payment, or government benefit — they use your routing number plus your account number to deposit money into the right place.
The routing number stays the same for every account you hold at that bank. If you have two checking accounts at the same bank, they share one routing number. If you switch banks, you get a new routing number.
You need this number when you set up direct deposit, arrange automatic bill payments, or receive wire transfers. It is public information — there is no security risk in sharing it.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left corner of your checks, before your account number.
- The nine-digit code identifies your bank or credit union, not your individual account.
- You need your routing number to receive direct deposits like tax refunds, paychecks, and government payments.
- Each bank has one routing number; credit unions may have different routing numbers for different regions or branches.
- Sharing your routing number is safe — it is public information and cannot be used to withdraw money without your account number.
Where to find it on a paper check
Open your checkbook and look at the bottom of any check. You will see three groups of numbers separated by vertical lines. The first group on the left is your routing number — always nine digits.
The middle group is your account number, which is usually longer. The third group on the right is the check number.
If you do not have checks in front of you, this method will not work, but the other methods below will.
How to find it online through your bank's website
Log into your bank's website or mobile app and go to your account details or settings. Most banks display your routing number alongside your account number in a section labeled "Account Information," "Account Details," or "Direct Deposit Information."
If you cannot find it there, look for a page about setting up direct deposit or automatic payments — routing numbers are always listed on those pages because they are required to complete the setup.
Some banks also email your routing number if you call customer service and ask. This is the fastest route if you are on the phone already.
Using the Federal Reserve's routing number database
The Federal Reserve maintains a public database of all routing numbers. Go to frbservices.org and use their routing number search tool. Enter your bank name and state, and the database will return the routing number.
This method works even if your bank's website is down or you cannot log in. It is also useful if you are trying to find the routing number for someone else's bank — for instance, if you need to send money to a family member and they have not told you their routing number yet.
The search takes seconds and requires no login.
Calling your bank directly
Phone the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Tell them you need your routing number. They will read it to you over the phone, and you can write it down immediately.
This is the slowest method if you are in a queue, but it is the most direct if you reach someone right away. Have your account number or Social Security number ready so they can verify your identity.
What to do if you have multiple accounts or banks
If you have accounts at more than one bank, each bank has its own routing number. Write down the routing number for each bank separately and label them clearly — "Chase checking," "Credit union savings," and so on — so you do not mix them up when setting up direct deposit.
Credit unions sometimes have different routing numbers for different branches or regions. If you moved or your credit union merged with another, ask your credit union which routing number applies to your account now. Using an outdated routing number can delay a deposit by several days.
If you are unsure which routing number to use, call your bank or credit union and confirm before you give it to your employer or to a government agency processing a refund.
Why banks need both your routing number and account number
The routing number tells the banking system which bank to send the money to. Your account number tells that bank which account within the bank should receive it. Together, they form a complete address for your money.
Without the routing number, the bank does not know where to send the deposit. Without the account number, the bank receives the money but does not know whose account to put it in. Both are required for direct deposit, wire transfers, and automatic payments to work.
This is why you always see both numbers requested together on forms for tax refunds, government payments, and payroll setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to give someone my routing number?
Yes. Your routing number is public information and cannot be used to withdraw money from your account. Someone would need both your routing number and your account number to send you money, and they would need additional verification to withdraw anything. Share it freely when setting up direct deposit or receiving payments.
What if I give the wrong routing number to my employer or the IRS?
The deposit will be rejected and returned to the sender. This usually takes three to five business days. Once it is returned, you can resubmit with the correct routing number. Contact your employer or the agency that sent it to ask them to reprocess the payment. Keep the rejection notice as proof of the error.
Can I use the same routing number for all my banks?
No. Each bank and credit union has its own routing number. If you have accounts at two different banks, you must use the correct routing number for each one. Using the wrong routing number sends the money to the wrong bank, and it will be returned.
Does my routing number change if I move to a different state?
Not usually. Your routing number is tied to your bank, not your location. However, some credit unions assign different routing numbers to different regions. If you moved and your credit union merged or restructured, call them to confirm your current routing number.
Where do I find my routing number if I bank online only?
Log into your online bank account and look for account details or direct deposit information. If you cannot find it there, call customer service or use the Federal Reserve's routing number database at frbservices.org. Online banks are required to provide this information, even if they do not issue paper checks.