Your routing number is on the bottom left of every check you have
The routing number is a nine-digit code that tells the banking system which bank holds your account. It appears on the bottom left of your checks, before your account number. If you have checks from your account, that is the fastest place to look — no login required, no phone call needed.
The routing number stays the same for your bank and branch, even if you close the account and open a new one at the same bank later. It does not change when you move to a different state, though different branches of the same bank sometimes have different routing numbers.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of any check from your account, printed as a nine-digit code before your account number.
- You can find your routing number through your bank's website, mobile app, or by calling customer service without needing to visit a branch.
- The Federal Reserve maintains a public routing number database you can search by bank name and state if you have lost access to your account information.
- Different branches of the same bank may have different routing numbers, so confirm you have the code for the specific branch where your account is held.
- Routing numbers are public information and safe to share — they are needed to receive money, not to send it from your account.
Finding your routing number online through your bank
Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for a section labeled "Account Details," "Account Information," or "Routing and Transit Numbers." Most banks display the routing number alongside your account number on the account summary page. Some banks hide it one level deeper — you may need to click "View full account details" or a similar link.
If you cannot find it on the main account page, check the section where you set up direct deposit or wire transfers. Banks often list the routing number there because those transactions require it. You can also look for a "Help" or "FAQ" section that explains how to find your routing number — many banks have a dedicated page for this.
Calling your bank to get the routing number
Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Tell them you need the routing number for your account. They will ask you to verify your identity — usually your account number, Social Security number, or answers to security questions — then give you the nine-digit code over the phone.
This method works even if you have lost your checks or cannot access your online account. Customer service can also confirm whether the routing number has changed if you have not used your account in a long time, though this is rare.
Using the Federal Reserve's routing number search
The Federal Reserve maintains a public database of routing numbers at frbservices.org. Go to the routing number search tool, enter your bank name and the state where your branch is located, and the system will return all routing numbers for that bank in that state.
This search works if you know your bank name but have lost your account documents. It also helps if you are unsure which routing number to use when a bank has multiple codes for different branches. The search results show the routing number, the bank name, and the city where that routing number is used.
Routing numbers on bank statements and account documents
If you receive paper statements from your bank, the routing number usually appears at the top or bottom of the first page, often near your account number. Digital statements in your online account or sent by email follow the same pattern. Look for a section labeled "Account Information" or "Banking Details."
Loan documents, mortgage statements, and other account paperwork from your bank may also include the routing number. If you have any official document from your bank, search for the nine-digit code — it is usually printed near account numbers or in a section about how to send money to the account.
What to do if your bank has multiple routing numbers
Large banks and credit unions sometimes have different routing numbers for different branches or for different types of transactions. When you search for your routing number, confirm that you are using the code for your specific branch, not just any branch of the bank.
If you are setting up a direct deposit or receiving a refund, use the routing number for the branch where your account is held. If you are unsure which branch that is, check your debit card, your account statement, or call customer service. They can tell you the correct routing number for your account in seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to give someone my routing number?
Yes. A routing number is public information and does not give anyone access to your account. It is needed to send money to you — for direct deposit, refunds, or wire transfers. Do not share your full account number with people you do not trust, but the routing number alone cannot be used to withdraw money.
What if I cannot find my routing number anywhere?
Call your bank's customer service line. They can verify your identity and give you the routing number in one call. You can also visit a branch in person with your ID and ask for it. The Federal Reserve search tool at frbservices.org also works if you know your bank name and state.
Do I need a different routing number for each account I have?
No. All checking and savings accounts at the same branch use the same routing number. If you have accounts at two different branches of the same bank, they may have different routing numbers. Check each account's details to be sure.
Can a routing number change?
Rarely. Routing numbers stay the same for years unless your bank merges with another bank or restructures its branches. If you have not used your account in a long time, call your bank to confirm the routing number has not changed, but this is uncommon.
What is the difference between a routing number and a SWIFT code?
A routing number is used for domestic transfers within the United States. A SWIFT code is used for international wire transfers. If you are sending money outside the US, you need a SWIFT code, not a routing number. Your bank can provide both if you ask.