Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies which bank or credit union holds your account
The routing number is printed on the bottom left of every check you receive from your bank. It tells the banking system which financial institution to send money to when someone pays you by check, sets up a direct deposit, or initiates an electronic transfer. Without it, the payment goes nowhere.
Your routing number is specific to your bank or credit union and the branch location or region where your account was opened. Two people at the same bank may have different routing numbers if their accounts were opened at branches in different states or if the bank has merged with another institution since their accounts were created.
You do not need a routing number to use your debit card, withdraw cash, or check your balance. You only need it when someone outside your bank needs to send you money electronically or by check.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears as the first nine digits on the bottom left of any check from your account.
- The routing number identifies your specific bank or credit union, not your individual account.
- You need your routing number when setting up direct deposit, receiving wire transfers, or paying bills by electronic transfer.
- Your bank's website, customer service phone line, and mobile app all display your routing number if you cannot locate a check.
- Routing numbers are public information and sharing yours does not put your account at risk of unauthorized withdrawals.
Where to find your routing number on a 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 far left, is your routing number. It is always nine digits long.
The middle group is your account number, which is unique to you. The third group on the right is the check number. The routing number never changes for your account, but the check number increments with each check you write.
If you have not received checks yet or your checks are at home and you need the number now, you do not have to wait.
Finding your routing number without a check
Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details or account information. Most banks display the routing number alongside your account number in a section labeled "Account Summary," "Account Details," or "Direct Deposit Information." The location varies by bank, but it is usually one or two clicks away from your main account view.
Call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement. A representative can read your routing number to you over the phone in under a minute. You will need to verify your identity with your account number or Social Security number.
Visit your bank's website and search for "routing number." Most banks publish a list of routing numbers by state or branch location. If your bank has multiple routing numbers, the list will help you find the one tied to your specific account or the region where you opened it.
When you need to provide your routing number
Your employer or a government agency needs your routing number and account number to set up direct deposit of your paycheck, tax refund, or benefit payment. You provide both numbers together so the payment goes to the correct account at the correct bank.
If you are paying a bill online through your bank's bill pay service, you may need to enter your routing number and account number to authorize the payment. Some billers also ask for these numbers if you want to pay by electronic transfer instead of by check or credit card.
When you receive a wire transfer from another bank, the sender's bank uses your routing number to route the money to your institution. You give your routing number and account number to the person or business sending you the wire.
Routing numbers and account security
Your routing number is public information. Banks publish it on their websites, and it appears on every check you write. Sharing your routing number alone does not put your account at risk because a routing number identifies only the bank, not you.
Someone would need both your routing number and your account number to transfer money out of your account electronically. Even with both numbers, most banks require additional verification before processing a transfer, such as a password, PIN, or a call to confirm the transaction.
Never share your full account number, PIN, or online banking password with anyone, even if they claim to represent your bank. Your bank will never ask for these over the phone or by email.
Routing numbers for online banks and credit unions
Online banks and credit unions operate the same way as traditional banks and have routing numbers too. If you bank with an online institution, you can find your routing number by logging into your account online, calling customer service, or checking your bank's website for a routing number lookup tool.
Credit unions often have multiple routing numbers depending on which credit union branch or network processed your account. If you are unsure which routing number belongs to your account, call your credit union's main line and ask them to confirm it for you.
What to do if you cannot find your routing number
If your bank's website does not list the routing number and you cannot reach customer service, check any recent bank statements you have received by mail. The routing number is often printed at the bottom of the statement alongside your account number.
If you have a debit card, call the number on the back and ask for your routing number. The automated system or a representative can provide it. You may need to enter your account number or answer security questions first.
As a last resort, visit a branch of your bank in person with your ID and debit card. A teller can write down your routing number for you on the spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use someone else's routing number to send them money?
No. You need both the routing number and the account number of the person receiving the money. The routing number tells the system which bank to send it to; the account number tells that bank which account within the bank should receive it. Without the correct account number, the transfer will fail or go to the wrong person.
Do I need a routing number to use my debit card?
No. Your debit card works with just your card number, expiration date, and CVV. You only need a routing number when someone outside your bank is sending you money electronically or when you are setting up a transfer from your account to another bank.
What if my bank merged with another bank after I opened my account?
Your routing number may have changed. Log into your account online or call customer service to confirm your current routing number. If you have old checks from before the merger, the routing number on them may no longer be valid for new transactions.
Is my routing number the same as my bank's main routing number?
Not always. Large banks and credit unions may have different routing numbers for different regions or branches. Your specific routing number depends on where your account was opened. Check your checks or your account details online to find the routing number tied to your account.
Can someone withdraw money from my account if they have my routing number?
Not with just the routing number alone. They would also need your account number, and most banks require additional verification like a password or confirmation before processing a withdrawal. Protect your account number and online banking credentials, but do not worry about the routing number being seen.