The two numbers that move money into your account
Your checking account number is a unique identifier for your specific account at your bank. Your routing number is a code that identifies the bank itself. Together, they tell any payment system—a government agency, an employer, an insurance company—exactly where to send your money.
When you receive a tax refund, stimulus payment, insurance payout, or business reimbursement by direct deposit, the sender uses both numbers to route the money to the right financial institution and the right account within it. Without both, the payment cannot reach you.
These numbers appear on different places on your checks and statements, and you can also find them through your bank's website or by calling customer service. Each bank has one routing number (sometimes more than one for different regions), but every account holder has a unique account number.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number identifies your bank; your account number identifies your specific account within that bank.
- Routing numbers are nine digits; account numbers vary in length but are usually between 8 and 12 digits.
- You can find both numbers on the bottom left of a paper check, or through your bank's website or customer service line.
- Government agencies, employers, and insurance companies need both numbers to send you money by direct deposit.
- The routing number is the same for all customers at your bank, but your account number is unique to you alone.
Where to find your routing number
Your routing number is a nine-digit code. If you have paper checks, it appears on the bottom left corner, before your account number. The routing number is the same for every customer at your bank, so if you call your bank or visit their website, you can ask for it or look it up without logging in.
Many banks also publish their routing numbers on their websites under a section labeled "Routing Number," "Bank Codes," or "Direct Deposit Information." You can also search online for "[Your Bank Name] routing number" and find it immediately. If your bank has multiple locations or merged with another bank, there may be more than one routing number in use—your bank's website will show which one applies to your account based on the branch where you opened it.
If you cannot find it online or do not have checks, call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card. They will give you the routing number over the phone in under a minute.
Where to find your account number
Your account number is unique to you. On a paper check, it appears on the bottom center, after the routing number. The account number is usually 8 to 12 digits long, though the exact length varies by bank.
You can also find your account number by logging into your bank's website or mobile app—it typically appears on your account summary or statement page. If you have a recent bank statement (paper or electronic), the account number is printed near the top. Some banks also print it on your debit card, though not all do.
If you cannot locate it, call your bank's customer service line. Have your Social Security number and a form of ID ready. They will verify your identity and provide the account number.
How refunds and payments use these numbers
When a government agency, employer, or insurance company sends you money by direct deposit, they enter both your routing number and account number into their payment system. The routing number directs the payment to your bank. Once the payment arrives at your bank, the account number tells the bank which account to deposit it into.
This is how the IRS sends tax refunds, how the Social Security Administration sends benefit payments, how state unemployment offices send weekly payments, and how insurance companies send claim settlements. The system is fast and reliable—direct deposits typically arrive within one to two business days once the sender initiates the transfer.
If you provide an incorrect routing number, the payment may be rejected or sent to the wrong bank. If you provide an incorrect account number, the payment may be rejected or deposited into someone else's account. Always double-check both numbers before submitting them to a payment system.
What to do if you switch banks
If you close your account at one bank and open a new account at another, your routing number and account number will both change. Any recurring payments set up with your old numbers will fail.
Before you close your old account, update your banking information with every organization that sends you money: your employer's payroll department, the IRS (if you have a refund pending), your state's unemployment office, Social Security, insurance companies, and any other regular payment sources. Most allow you to update your information online through their website or by calling customer service.
If a payment is scheduled to arrive at your old account after you have closed it, contact the sender immediately and provide your new routing and account numbers. Some banks will forward misdirected deposits to your new account if you ask within a short window, but do not count on this—it is faster to contact the sender directly.
Keeping your routing and account numbers secure
Your routing number is public information—it is printed on every check and published on your bank's website. You do not need to keep it secret. Your account number, however, is sensitive. Do not share it with anyone unless you trust them to send you money or withdraw funds on your behalf.
When you provide your account and routing numbers to receive a refund or payment, you are authorizing a one-time transfer into your account. The sender cannot withdraw money from your account using only these two numbers—they can only deposit money. If someone asks for your account number and routing number and also asks for your PIN, password, or Social Security number, that is a red flag. Legitimate payment systems do not ask for all of this information at once.
If you believe your account number has been compromised, contact your bank immediately. They can monitor your account for unauthorized activity and issue you a new account number if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone withdraw money from my account if they have my routing and account number?
No. Your routing and account numbers allow someone to deposit money into your account, not withdraw it. To withdraw money, they would need additional authorization, such as your debit card PIN or online banking password. If you are concerned about unauthorized deposits, contact your bank, though deposits into your account are generally not a security risk.
Are routing numbers the same across all branches of the same bank?
Usually, but not always. Most banks use one routing number for all branches nationwide. However, some large banks or banks that have merged may have multiple routing numbers depending on which region or legacy bank your account belongs to. Check your bank's website or call to confirm which routing number applies to your specific account.
What if I give the IRS or another agency the wrong account number?
If the account number is wrong but the routing number is correct, the payment may be rejected and returned to the sender. The sender will then attempt to reissue the payment, which can delay it by several weeks. Contact the sender as soon as you realize the error and provide the correct account number. If the payment was already sent, ask if they can stop it and resend it to the correct account.
Do I need to provide my account number to set up direct deposit?
Yes. Direct deposit requires both your routing number and account number. Some employers or government agencies may also ask for your name and address to match against your bank records, but the routing and account numbers are the core information needed to process the deposit.
Can I find my routing number without a check or online access?
Yes. Call your bank's customer service number, which is usually on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. They can provide your routing number over the phone without requiring you to log in. You can also search online for "[Bank Name] routing number" and find it on the bank's official website or on third-party banking reference sites.