A routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies which bank or credit union holds your account
Every bank and credit union in the United States has its own routing number, assigned by the American Bankers Association. When you send money to someone else's account — whether through direct deposit, a wire transfer, or an automatic bill payment — the routing number tells the financial system exactly which institution to send that money to. Without it, the payment would not know where to go.
The routing number is not the same as your account number. Your account number identifies your specific account at that bank. The routing number identifies the bank itself. You need both pieces of information together to move money in or out of your account.
Key Takeaways
- A routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank or credit union, not your individual account.
- You will need your routing number for direct deposits, wire transfers, bill payments, and any time someone sends you money electronically.
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of your checks, and you can also find it on your bank's website or by calling customer service.
- Different branches of the same bank may have different routing numbers, so always verify you have the correct one for your specific branch.
- If you give someone the wrong routing number, the payment may be delayed or sent to the wrong bank, so double-check before sharing it.
Where to find your routing number
The easiest place to find your routing number is on a check from your account. Look at the bottom left corner of the check — you will see three groups of numbers. The first group, on the far left, is your routing number. It is always nine digits.
If you do not have checks handy, log into your bank's website or mobile app. Most banks display your routing number in the account details or settings section. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number — they will provide it over the phone.
Some banks list routing numbers on their website in a searchable directory, organized by state or branch location. If you bank at a large national institution like Chase, Bank of America, or Wells Fargo, you can usually find a routing number lookup tool on their homepage.
Why different branches might have different routing numbers
Large banks often assign different routing numbers to different branches or regions. This is especially common with banks that have merged or grown through acquisitions. If you opened your account at one branch and later moved or switched branches, your routing number might be different from what you used before.
This matters because if you give someone an outdated routing number from a closed branch, the payment may be rejected or delayed while the system tries to figure out where to send it. Always use the routing number for the specific branch where your account is currently held, not a number you remember from years ago.
What happens if you use the wrong routing number
If you provide an incorrect routing number, the payment will be sent to the wrong bank. The receiving bank will eventually reject it, and the money will bounce back to whoever sent it — but this can take several business days. During that time, you might think the payment never arrived, and the sender might think you received it.
For direct deposits like paychecks or government payments, using the wrong routing number means your money goes nowhere. Your employer or the government agency will not know there was a problem until the deposit is rejected, which delays your payment by at least a week.
For bill payments, an incorrect routing number can result in a late payment on your record, even though you sent the money on time. Always verify the routing number with your bank before setting up automatic payments or giving it to an employer.
Routing numbers for wire transfers and ACH payments
Wire transfers and ACH transfers (Automated Clearing House transfers) both use routing numbers, but they may not always be the same number. Some banks use one routing number for wire transfers and a different one for ACH transfers. This is less common than it used to be, but it still happens.
When you set up a wire transfer or ACH payment, ask your bank which routing number to use for that specific type of transfer. Do not assume the number on your check works for all payment types. Your bank can tell you in seconds whether you need a different number.
Routing numbers for international transfers
If someone outside the United States is sending you money, they will not use your routing number. Instead, they will need your bank's SWIFT code (also called a BIC code), which is a different identifier used for international transfers. A SWIFT code is eight or eleven characters long and looks nothing like a routing number.
Your bank can provide your SWIFT code on request, and it is usually listed on the bank's website under international transfer information. If you are receiving money from abroad, give the sender your SWIFT code, not your routing number.
Keeping your routing number safe
Your routing number is not secret information — it is printed on every check you write, and you will need to share it with employers, government agencies, and anyone sending you money electronically. Unlike your account number or PIN, sharing your routing number alone does not put your account at risk.
However, do not share your routing number together with your full account number unless you trust the recipient completely. Someone with both pieces of information can potentially set up unauthorized transfers from your account. If you are unsure whether a request for your routing number is legitimate, contact your bank directly before providing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same at every branch of my bank?
Not always. Large banks often use different routing numbers for different branches or regions. Check with your specific branch or look up the routing number for the branch where your account is held. Using the wrong branch's routing number can delay or reject your payment.
Can I use my routing number to receive money from someone?
Yes. Anyone sending you money electronically — whether through direct deposit, a wire transfer, or an ACH payment — will need your routing number and account number. You can safely share your routing number for this purpose.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
After a merger, your routing number may change. Contact your bank to confirm your current routing number, and update it anywhere you have automatic deposits or payments set up. Using an old routing number from before the merger can cause payments to fail.
Do credit unions have routing numbers?
Yes. Credit unions have routing numbers just like banks do. You can find your credit union's routing number on your checks, on the credit union's website, or by calling their member services line.
What is the difference between a routing number and a SWIFT code?
A routing number is used for domestic transfers within the United States and is nine digits long. A SWIFT code is used for international transfers and is eight or eleven characters long. If you are receiving money from outside the US, provide your SWIFT code, not your routing number.