Where to find both numbers on your check

Your account number and routing number both print at the bottom of every check you receive from your bank. The routing number is the nine-digit code on the far left, printed in a box. Your account number comes next, usually 10 to 12 digits, printed between the routing number and the check number on the right.

The order from left to right is always: routing number, account number, check number. All three sit in the same line at the bottom of the check, printed in magnetic ink that banks can read electronically. You do not need to look anywhere else on the check — the bottom is the only place these numbers appear in that format.

If you are looking at a blank check from a new checkbook, the numbers are still there. If you are looking at a cancelled check (one you wrote and the bank returned), the numbers are unchanged. The format stays the same whether the check is personal or business.

Key Takeaways

  • Your routing number is the nine-digit code on the far left at the bottom of the check, always in a box.
  • Your account number sits in the middle at the bottom, between the routing number and the check number.
  • Both numbers are printed in magnetic ink and appear in the same line at the bottom of every check.
  • The routing number identifies your bank; the account number identifies your specific account at that bank.
  • You can use these numbers for direct deposit, wire transfers, automatic bill payments, and refund delivery.

Why banks print these numbers on checks

Banks print routing and account numbers in magnetic ink at the bottom of checks so that sorting machines can read them automatically. When you deposit a check or when a check clears, the bank's equipment scans these numbers electronically rather than reading them by hand. This is why the numbers are always in the same place and always in the same format — the machines expect them there.

The routing number tells the machine which bank holds the account. The account number tells it which account within that bank. Together, they are enough for any bank to find your account and move money to or from it. That is why you can give these numbers to an employer for direct deposit, to a government agency for a refund, or to a creditor for automatic payments — the receiving bank does not need anything else to locate your account.

What the routing number tells you

The routing number is specific to your bank and often to the branch where you opened the account. A routing number for Chase in New York is different from a routing number for Chase in California. If you have accounts at two different banks, they will have different routing numbers. If you have two accounts at the same bank branch, they will share the same routing number but have different account numbers.

The routing number does not change when you move, close and reopen an account, or change your account type. It stays the same as long as you bank at the same institution. If you switch banks, your new checks will have a new routing number printed on them.

Reading the numbers clearly

The magnetic ink at the bottom of checks is printed in a specific font so machines can read it accurately. When you write down your routing and account numbers by hand, copy them exactly as they appear — do not skip digits, do not rearrange them, and do not add extra zeros. A single digit wrong will send money to the wrong account or cause a transfer to fail.

If you cannot read the numbers clearly because the check is worn, faded, or damaged, call your bank's customer service line. They can tell you your routing number and account number over the phone after they verify your identity. You can also log into your online banking account — most banks display both numbers in the account settings or in a section labeled "Account Information" or "Bank Details."

Using these numbers for refunds and payments

When you provide your routing and account numbers to receive a refund — whether from taxes, insurance, a business, or a government agency — you are giving the payer permission to deposit money directly into your account. The payer uses the routing number to find your bank and the account number to find your specific account. The money then moves electronically, usually within one to three business days after the payer processes it.

Direct deposit is faster and more reliable than waiting for a check in the mail. A mailed check can be lost, delayed, or stolen. A direct deposit goes straight into your account and cannot be intercepted. For this reason, most government agencies now offer direct deposit as an option for tax refunds, stimulus payments, and other payments.

What not to confuse with your account number

The check number on the far right of the bottom line is not your account number. The check number identifies that specific check — the next check in your book will have a different number. Your account number stays the same across all your checks.

Your debit card number is also not your account number. Debit cards have their own 16-digit number printed on the front. Your account number is shorter and only appears at the bottom of checks and in your bank statements. Do not give out your debit card number when someone asks for your account number for a refund or direct deposit.

Finding your numbers if you do not have a check

If you do not have a check handy, you can find your routing number and account number in several other places. Log into your online banking account — most banks display both numbers in the account settings or under a section called "Account Information," "Bank Details," or "Direct Deposit Setup." You can also find your routing number on your bank's website by searching for "routing number" plus your bank name and state.

Your bank statement also lists your account number at the top or in a section labeled "Account Details." The routing number may or may not appear on the statement, depending on your bank. If you cannot find either number, call your bank's customer service line. They will provide both numbers after confirming your identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my routing number the same as my bank's main routing number?

Not always. Large banks have multiple routing numbers for different regions or branches. The routing number on your check is the one specific to your account. If you need to set up direct deposit or a wire transfer, use the routing number from your check or from your bank's website, not a general number you find by searching.

Can someone steal money from my account if they have my routing and account number?

They can attempt to, but banks have fraud protections in place. If you notice unauthorized transfers, contact your bank immediately. Federal law limits your liability for unauthorized electronic transfers if you report them within 60 days. Do not share your routing and account numbers with anyone you do not trust, but do not panic if a legitimate business or government agency asks for them.

Do I need to give my routing number for a wire transfer?

Yes. For a domestic wire transfer, you need the recipient's routing number and account number. For an international wire transfer, you may also need a SWIFT code or IBAN, depending on the receiving country. Your bank can tell you what information is required for the specific transfer you are making.

What if my check has a different routing number than my bank's main number?

Use the routing number printed on your check. That is the correct number for your specific account. Banks assign different routing numbers to different branches or regions, and the one on your check is the one that will work for direct deposit and transfers.

Can I use my account number without a routing number?

No. A routing number and account number work together. The routing number tells the receiving bank which institution to send the money to, and the account number tells it which account within that institution. You need both for any electronic transfer or direct deposit to work.