Where to find both numbers on your checks
Your routing number and account number are printed on the bottom left of every check you have. The routing number comes first—it is nine digits. Your account number follows it and is usually 10 to 12 digits, though the length varies by bank. Both numbers are printed in magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) format, which means they look slightly different from regular printed text and are machine-readable.
The order on your check is always: routing number, then account number, then check number on the far right. If you have a box of checks in front of you right now, look at the bottom left corner and you will see all three numbers in that sequence. This is the fastest way to find both numbers if you still have checks available.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number (nine digits) and account number (usually 10 to 12 digits) are printed together on the bottom left of every check you own.
- If you do not have checks, your bank's website or mobile app will display both numbers in your account settings or under a "Account Information" section.
- You can also call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch in person with your ID to get both numbers read to you.
- The routing number is specific to your bank and branch; the account number is unique to you and only you.
- Never share your account number with anyone except your employer, a business you are paying, or your own bank—the routing number is safe to share.
Finding your numbers through your bank's website or app
Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for a section labeled "Account Information," "Account Details," or "My Accounts." Most banks display your full account number and routing number in this section without requiring you to navigate through multiple menus. Some banks hide the full account number for security and show only the last four digits on the main screen, but tapping or clicking "View Full Account Number" will reveal it.
If you cannot find the section after a quick look, use the search function within the app or website and type "routing number" or "account number." The bank's search will take you directly to the page that displays both. This method works even if you have no checks and need the numbers immediately.
Calling your bank or visiting a branch
Pick up the phone and call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Tell the representative you need your routing number and account number. They will verify your identity by asking for your Social Security number, date of birth, or answers to security questions you set up when you opened the account. Once verified, they will read both numbers to you over the phone.
If you prefer to speak to someone in person, visit any branch of your bank with a photo ID. A teller can print out a document showing your account number and routing number, or simply write them down for you. This takes about five minutes and requires no appointment.
Understanding what each number means
Your routing number identifies your bank and the specific branch where your account is held. It is the same for every customer at that bank and branch. When you set up direct deposit at work or arrange a wire transfer, you provide your routing number so the sending bank knows which institution to send the money to. The routing number is not sensitive information—you can share it freely.
Your account number is unique to you alone. It identifies your specific checking account within your bank. This is the number you should protect. Never give your account number to someone you do not know or trust, and never type it into a website unless you initiated the transaction and you are certain the site belongs to your bank or a business you are paying.
What to do if you cannot find your numbers
If your bank's website is down, you do not have access to your app, and you cannot reach customer service by phone, you have a few options. First, check any bank statements you have received in the mail—some banks print account and routing numbers on the statement itself. Second, look for any paperwork from when you opened the account; banks often include both numbers on the welcome letter or account setup documents.
If none of that works, wait until you can reach your bank directly. Do not guess or use numbers from the internet, because sending money to the wrong routing or account number means your money goes to the wrong place and recovery can take weeks. It is always better to wait a few hours and get the correct numbers than to rush and make a mistake.
Routing numbers for online banks and credit unions
If you bank with an online-only institution like Ally, Charles Schwab, or Discover, you will not have physical checks, but your routing number still exists. Log into your account online and look for "Account Information" or "Routing Number." Online banks display this information prominently because many customers need it for direct deposit or wire transfers and have no checks to reference.
Credit unions work the same way. Your routing number is tied to your specific credit union branch, and you can find it on your checks, through the credit union's website, or by calling the branch directly. If you are unsure which routing number to use—some larger credit unions have multiple—ask the credit union which one applies to your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to give someone my routing number?
Yes. Your routing number identifies your bank, not your account. It is printed on every check and is public information. You need to give it to your employer for direct deposit, to businesses you are paying by bank transfer, and to anyone sending you money via wire or ACH transfer. The account number is what you protect.
What if I have multiple checking accounts at the same bank?
Each account has its own account number, but they all share the same routing number (assuming they are at the same branch). If you have checks for each account, each box will show a different account number on the bottom. If you use online banking, you can switch between accounts and view the account number for each one separately.
Can I use someone else's routing number if we bank at the same place?
Yes, the routing number is the same for all customers at that bank and branch. However, you must use the correct account number for the specific person or account you are sending money to. Using the right routing number with the wrong account number sends your money to the wrong person.
Do I need both numbers to set up direct deposit?
Yes. Your employer needs both your routing number and your account number to deposit your paycheck into the correct account. If you provide only one, the deposit will fail or go to the wrong place. Your employer will ask for both on the direct deposit form.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
Your routing number may have changed after a merger. Check your most recent checks or log into your online banking to confirm the current routing number. If you have old checks with an outdated routing number, do not use them for direct deposit or transfers—contact your bank to get the updated number.