Your bank routing number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, or you can find it on your bank's website or by calling customer service.
The routing number appears as the first set of nine digits on the bottom left edge of any check you have from that bank account. It sits to the left of your account number. If you do not have checks or prefer not to look them up that way, your bank's website almost always has a section labeled "Routing Number" or "Bank Information" — usually under Account Services or Help. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask directly; they will give you the number in under a minute.
The routing number is specific to the branch or region where your account is held, not to you personally. If you have accounts at multiple banks, each one has its own routing number. If you move your account to a different branch of the same bank, the routing number may stay the same or change depending on the bank's structure — your bank can confirm which applies to you.
Key Takeaways
- The routing number is the first nine digits printed on the bottom left of your checks, before your account number.
- Your bank's website has a dedicated section for routing numbers, usually under Account Services, Help, or Bank Information.
- Calling your bank's customer service number gets you the routing number in one call without needing to search online.
- The routing number belongs to your bank or branch, not to your individual account, so it stays the same as long as you keep that account open.
- If you have multiple accounts at the same bank, they may share one routing number or have different ones depending on which branch holds each account.
Finding the number on a paper check
Open your checkbook and look at the bottom left corner of any check. You will see nine digits printed in a special magnetic ink format. That is your routing number. It comes before your account number, which is longer and appears in the middle section of the bottom line. The third set of numbers on the far right is your check number.
If your checks are old or faded, the routing number may be hard to read. In that case, move to one of the other methods below. Do not guess or try to reconstruct the number — banks need the exact nine digits, and a wrong routing number will send money to the wrong place or cause the transaction to fail.
Looking it up on your bank's website
Log into your online banking account and search for "routing number" using your browser's find function (Ctrl+F on Windows, Command+F on Mac). Most banks display this information on the main account page, in a Help section, or under a tab labeled Account Information or Bank Details.
If you cannot find it through search, look for a section called "Wire Transfer Information," "ACH Information," or "Direct Deposit Setup" — routing numbers are always listed there because those transactions require it. Some banks also print the routing number on statements or in account documents you can download as a PDF.
If your bank does not show the routing number online, call customer service. Some smaller banks or credit unions do not publish this information on their websites for security reasons, though they will give it to you over the phone.
Calling your bank directly
The fastest way if you are in a hurry is to call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement. Tell the representative you need your routing number. They will ask you to verify your identity — usually your account number and Social Security number — and then give you the nine-digit number.
Customer service lines are typically open during business hours and sometimes on weekends. If you call after hours, an automated system may provide routing information, or you may be offered a callback option. Have a pen ready to write down the number, or ask the representative to repeat it twice to make sure you have it correct.
Routing numbers for wire transfers and direct deposit
The routing number you use for wire transfers and direct deposit is the same nine-digit number from your check or your bank's website. However, some banks maintain separate routing numbers for different transaction types — one for ACH transfers (like direct deposit) and another for wire transfers. Your bank's website or customer service will tell you if this applies to you.
When you are setting up a wire transfer or direct deposit, the form will specify which type of routing number it needs. If you provide the wrong one, the transaction will be rejected or delayed. If you are unsure, ask your bank which routing number to use for the specific transaction you are making.
What to do if you cannot find your routing number
If you have tried checking your checks, searching your bank's website, and calling customer service without success, contact your bank's main branch directly. Ask to speak with someone in the accounts department who can provide your routing number and confirm it is correct.
You can also visit a branch in person with your ID and ask a teller. They can write down your routing number and account number on a piece of paper for you. This is especially useful if you need the information right away and do not want to wait for a phone call or email response.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same for all my accounts at the same bank?
Usually yes, but not always. If all your accounts are at the same branch, they share one routing number. If you have accounts at different branches of the same bank, they may have different routing numbers. Your bank can tell you whether each account uses the same routing number or if they differ.
Can I use someone else's routing number to send them money?
Yes. The routing number tells the banking system which bank to send the money to. Combined with an account number, it directs the funds to the correct person. You need the recipient's routing number and account number to send them a wire transfer or set up a direct deposit to their account.
What if I give the wrong routing number?
The transaction will usually be rejected by the receiving bank, and the money will be returned to you. This can take several business days. If the wrong routing number happens to belong to another real bank account, the money may go to that account instead, and you will need to contact that bank to recover it — a process that can take weeks.
Do I need my routing number to check my account balance?
No. You only need your routing number when you are sending money to or from your account — for wire transfers, direct deposit, ACH payments, or setting up automatic bill pay. You do not need it to log into online banking or check your balance.
Is it safe to share my routing number?
Yes. Your routing number is not sensitive information — it is printed on every check you write and is public information. However, never share your full account number along with your routing number, as that combination allows someone to withdraw money from your account. Share only the routing number when you need to receive a deposit or send a wire transfer.