Your routing number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, or you can find it through your bank's website or mobile app
The fastest way is to look at a check from your account. The nine-digit number on the far left of the bottom line is your routing number. If you don't have checks handy, log into your bank's website or mobile app — most banks display it in the account details or settings section. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask directly; they'll confirm it in under a minute.
Your routing number is specific to the bank branch or processing center that handles your account, not to you personally. It's the same for everyone banking at that branch. You'll need it when setting up direct deposit, making wire transfers, or authorizing automatic payments.
Key Takeaways
- The routing number appears as a nine-digit code on the bottom left of your checks, before your account number.
- Your bank's website or mobile app will show your routing number in the account information or settings area.
- Calling your bank's customer service number gets you the answer in one call without logging in.
- The routing number is the same for all customers at your bank or branch, so you can also search online for "[Bank Name] routing number".
Finding it on a check
Open your checkbook and look at any check. At the bottom of the check, you'll see three groups of numbers separated by vertical lines. The first group on the left — always nine digits — is your routing number. The middle group is your account number. The third group on the right is the check number.
If your checks are old or from a different branch, the routing number may have changed. Banks merge, relocate processing centers, or consolidate branches, which can change routing numbers. If you're unsure whether your checks are current, verify the number through your bank's website or app instead.
Finding it online through your bank
Log into your bank's website or open the mobile app. Look for a section labeled "Account Details," "Account Information," "Settings," or "My Accounts." Most banks display both your routing number and account number together in this section. Some banks put it under a "Wire Transfer Information" or "Direct Deposit Setup" page.
If you can't find it in those places, use the search function within the app or website and type "routing number." Most banking apps have a search feature that will take you directly to the page showing it. If the search doesn't work, the FAQ or Help section usually has a link to routing number information.
Calling your bank directly
The customer service number is on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement. Call and tell them you need your routing number. They'll ask you to verify your identity — usually your account number and the last four digits of your Social Security number — then give you the number over the phone.
This method works if you're in a hurry or don't have access to your checks or online account. It takes about two minutes from start to finish. If you're calling during business hours, you'll reach a person. Some banks also have automated phone systems that let you retrieve routing information without speaking to anyone.
Searching online if you don't have account access
If you don't have your checks, can't log in, or don't want to call, search "[Your Bank Name] routing number" in any search engine. The bank's official website will appear in the results with a page listing routing numbers by state or branch. Some banks have one routing number for the entire network; others have different numbers for different regions.
Make sure you're on the official bank website — look for the bank's name in the URL and check that the page is secure (the URL should start with "https://"). Third-party financial websites also list routing numbers, but always verify against your bank's official site to be certain you have the correct number.
What to do if your bank merged or changed names
If your bank was acquired or merged with another bank in the last few years, your routing number may have changed. Your old checks might still have the old routing number. Contact your bank or check your most recent statement to confirm which routing number is currently active for your account.
If you're setting up direct deposit or making a payment and you're not sure which number to use, ask the person or organization requesting it whether they need the current routing number or if the old one will still work. Some systems update automatically; others require you to use the current number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my account number?
No. Your routing number identifies your bank or branch and is the same for all customers there. Your account number is unique to you and identifies your specific account. On a check, the routing number is the first nine digits at the bottom left; your account number comes next.
Can I use someone else's routing number to send them money?
Yes, if you're sending money to their account at the same bank. You'll need their routing number and account number. The routing number tells the system which bank to send the money to; the account number tells it which account within that bank. Both are necessary for the transfer to reach the right place.
Do I need a routing number to use my debit card?
No. You only need a routing number when you're setting up direct deposit, making a wire transfer, or authorizing automatic payments from your account. Swiping or inserting your debit card doesn't require it.
What if I have multiple accounts at the same bank?
All your accounts at the same bank branch share the same routing number. The routing number identifies the bank; your account number identifies which account. When you set up direct deposit or a transfer, you'll provide both the routing number and the specific account number for the account you want the money to go to.
Can a routing number change?
Yes, though it's uncommon. Banks change routing numbers when they merge, relocate processing centers, or consolidate branches. If your bank changes its routing number, they'll notify you and update their website. Always verify the current routing number through your bank's official website or by calling them if you haven't used it in a while.