The routing number and account number are printed at the bottom of every check you write

The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank or credit union. It tells the banking system which institution holds your account. The account number is a unique identifier for your specific checking account at that bank. Together, these two numbers let money move to the right place when someone deposits or cashes your check.

Both numbers are printed in a standardized location on every check: the bottom left corner. They appear in a special magnetic ink that machines can read automatically. You do not need to memorize them — you can look them up on any check you have written, or find them through your bank's website or app.

Key Takeaways

  • The routing number (nine digits) appears first at the bottom left of your check and identifies your specific bank or credit union.
  • The account number (typically 10 to 12 digits) appears second at the bottom left and identifies your individual checking account.
  • Both numbers are printed in magnetic ink and are read by machines during check processing, not by hand.
  • You can find these numbers on any check you have written, or contact your bank directly if you do not have a check available.

How to read the numbers at the bottom of a check

Look at the bottom left corner of your check. You will see a series of numbers separated by colons or special symbols. The first group of nine digits is your routing number. The second group, which is usually 10 to 12 digits long, is your account number.

Some checks also print a third number on the right side of the bottom — this is the check number itself, which is different from your account number. Do not confuse the check number with your account number. The check number is unique to that single check; the account number stays the same for every check you write from that account.

The numbers are printed in a special format called MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition). This allows check-processing machines to read the numbers automatically without human intervention. The font looks slightly different from regular text, which makes it easier for machines to scan.

Why banks need both numbers

The routing number tells the banking system which financial institution to contact. If you write a check to someone at a different bank, that bank needs to know where to send the request for payment. The routing number is the address of your bank in the banking network.

The account number tells your bank which account within that institution to pull the money from. Your bank may have thousands or millions of customers, so the account number narrows it down to your specific checking account. Without the account number, the bank would not know whose account to debit.

Together, they work like a mailing address and apartment number. The routing number is the street address; the account number is the specific unit. Both pieces of information are necessary for the check to reach the right place.

Finding your routing number and account number without a check

If you do not have a check in front of you, you can find both numbers through your bank. Log into your online banking portal or mobile app — most banks display your account number in the account overview section. Your routing number is usually listed under account details or settings, though some banks require you to call or visit a branch.

You can also call your bank's customer service line. Have your account number or Social Security number ready, and ask for your routing number. They will provide it over the phone in seconds.

If you are setting up automatic payments or direct deposit, your employer or the company you are paying may ask you for these numbers. Your bank's website usually has a dedicated section showing both numbers together, sometimes labeled "Banking Information" or "Account Details."

Routing numbers vary by bank and location

Each bank and credit union has its own routing number. If you have accounts at two different banks, each account will have a different routing number. Some large banks have multiple routing numbers depending on which state or region your branch is in, so it is important to use the routing number that matches your specific branch.

Your account number, by contrast, is unique to you and stays the same no matter where you are. If you move to a different state but keep the same bank, your account number does not change — but your routing number might, depending on how your bank is organized.

When you need these numbers for refunds and payments

If you are waiting for a refund to be deposited directly into your account — whether from a tax return, an insurance claim, or a business payment — you may need to provide your routing number and account number. Direct deposit uses these numbers to send money straight to your bank instead of mailing you a check.

You will also need these numbers if you are setting up automatic bill payments, requesting a wire transfer, or authorizing an ACH (Automated Clearing House) payment. Any time money needs to move electronically between banks, the routing and account numbers are how the banking system knows where to send it.

Keep in mind that providing these numbers for legitimate purposes — like setting up direct deposit for a tax refund — is safe. These numbers are already printed on every check you write, so they are not secret. However, only provide them to organizations you trust, and never share them in response to an unsolicited email or phone call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my account number the same as my check number?

No. Your account number is printed on every check you write and stays the same. Your check number is unique to each individual check and appears on the right side of the bottom. If you write 50 checks from the same account, you have one account number but 50 different check numbers.

Can someone use my account if they have my routing and account number?

They have the information needed to send money to your account, but not to take money out. Your routing and account numbers are printed on every check, so they are not considered secret. However, do not share them with people you do not trust, and report any unauthorized transactions to your bank immediately.

What if my check does not show the routing number clearly?

Older checks or checks printed at home sometimes have faint or unclear numbers. Contact your bank directly — they can tell you your routing number over the phone or through your online account. You can also look it up on your bank's website by searching for "routing number" plus your bank name.

Do I need both numbers to deposit a check?

No. When you deposit a check into your own account, you only need to write your account number on the back. The bank already knows your routing number because you are depositing at your own bank. The routing number matters when someone else is depositing your check at a different bank.