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 write. It tells the banking system which financial institution to pull money from when someone deposits a check or sets up an automatic payment from your account. Every bank and credit union has its own routing number, and some large banks have multiple routing numbers depending on which branch or region processes the transaction.

You need this number when you set up direct deposit for paychecks, arrange automatic bill payments, or receive money transfers from another person's bank account. The routing number stays the same for your bank regardless of which branch you use or how many accounts you have there.

Key Takeaways

  • Your routing number appears in the bottom left corner of your checks, before your account number.
  • The routing number identifies your specific bank or credit union, not your individual account.
  • You can find your routing number through your bank's website, by calling customer service, or by looking at a deposit slip.
  • Some large banks maintain separate routing numbers for different regions or transaction types, so confirm you have the correct one for your situation.

Where to locate the routing number on a physical 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 typically longer. The third group on the right is the check number.

The routing number appears in the same position on every check from your account. If you have multiple checking accounts at the same bank, they share the same routing number but have different account numbers.

Finding your routing number without a check

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, sometimes labeled "bank routing number," "ABA number," or "transit number." The location varies by bank — some put it on the main account page, others hide it under a "View account details" link.

You can also call your bank's customer service line, which appears on the back of your debit card or on your monthly statement. Have your account number ready, and the representative will give you the routing number in seconds. A third option is to visit your bank branch in person with your ID and ask for the routing number.

Why banks have multiple routing numbers

Large national banks like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo often maintain separate routing numbers for different regions or processing centers. This does not mean your account moved — it means the bank routes transactions through different facilities depending on where you live or where the transaction originates.

If you are setting up a direct deposit or automatic payment, your employer or the receiving institution may ask which routing number to use. If you are unsure, provide the routing number from your checks or from your bank's website. If that number does not work, call your bank and ask for the routing number specific to direct deposits or ACH transfers, which is the electronic system most employers and billers use.

The difference between routing number and account number

The routing number identifies your bank. The account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Together, they form the complete address for your money. When you give someone your banking information for a transfer, you provide both numbers so the money goes to the right bank and the right account.

Never share your full account number with people you do not trust, but the routing number alone is safe to share — it only tells someone which bank you use, not which account or how much money is in it. Many businesses publish their own routing numbers publicly so customers can send them payments.

What to do if you cannot find your routing number

If your bank's website does not display the routing number and you cannot reach customer service by phone, visit a branch with your ID. Bring your debit card or a recent bank statement as backup identification. The teller can write down your routing number in under a minute.

If you are switching banks and need your old bank's routing number, the same methods apply — check your old statements, call the old bank's customer service line, or visit a branch. Old routing numbers remain valid indefinitely, so you can use a routing number from a bank account you closed years ago if you need to reference it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the routing number the same for all accounts at my bank?

Yes, all checking and savings accounts at the same bank branch share the same routing number. Large banks may have multiple routing numbers for different regions, but each individual account has only one routing number associated with it.

Can I use someone else's routing number to send them money?

Yes. The routing number is public information. When you send an electronic transfer, you provide the recipient's routing number and account number so the money reaches the correct bank and account. The routing number alone cannot be used to withdraw money or access an account.

What if my bank gave me a routing number that did not work?

Call your bank and confirm you have the correct routing number for the type of transaction you are making. Some banks use different routing numbers for ACH transfers, wire transfers, and check processing. The representative can tell you which number applies to your situation and may be able to contact the receiving institution on your behalf.

Do credit unions have routing numbers?

Yes. Credit unions use routing numbers the same way banks do. You can find your credit union's routing number on your checks, through your credit union's website, or by calling their member services line.