Your 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 is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank branch. It appears on the bottom left corner of every check you write, before your account number. If you do not have checks in front of you, your bank's website has a dedicated page for routing numbers, usually under "Customer Service" or "Banking Information." You can also call your bank's main customer service line and ask for your routing number — they will give it to you in under a minute.
Different banks have different routing numbers for different regions. If you bank with a large national chain like Chase, Bank of America, or Wells Fargo, your routing number depends on which state your account was opened in or which branch you use. A Chase account opened in California has a different routing number than a Chase account opened in New York. Always use the routing number for your specific branch, not a general bank number.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of your checks, printed before your account number.
- Each bank branch has its own routing number, so a Chase branch in one state differs from a Chase branch in another state.
- Your bank's website has a routing number lookup tool, usually under customer service or account information sections.
- If you cannot find it online, call your bank's customer service line and provide your account number to confirm the correct routing number.
Finding your routing number on a check
Look at the bottom of any check. You will see three groups of numbers separated by vertical lines. The first group on the left is your routing number — always nine digits. The middle group is your account number. The third group on the right is the check number.
If your checks are old or the print is faded, the numbers may be hard to read. In that case, move to your bank's website or call customer service instead of guessing. Using the wrong routing number will cause transfers to fail or go to the wrong account.
Locating it on your bank's website
Log into your online banking portal and look for a section called "Account Information," "Routing Number," "Wire Transfer Information," or "Banking Details." Most banks put this information on the main dashboard or under a "Customer Service" tab. Some banks display it directly when you click on your checking account; others require you to navigate to a separate page.
If you cannot find it after looking in those places, use your bank's search function (usually a magnifying glass icon) and type "routing number." The bank's website will take you to the right page. You should see your routing number listed alongside your account number and other account details.
Calling your bank to confirm your routing number
Have your account number ready when you call. Tell the customer service representative that you need your routing number for a wire transfer, direct deposit setup, or bill payment. They will confirm the correct nine-digit code for your specific branch and account type.
Customer service lines are usually open during business hours, Monday through Friday, and some banks offer weekend or 24-hour support. The call takes less than five minutes. If you are calling from outside the United States, check your bank's website for international phone numbers, as the main customer service line may not accept international calls.
Why different banks have different routing numbers
The Federal Reserve assigns routing numbers to each bank and each branch within that bank. A routing number tells the banking system exactly where to send money — not just which bank, but which physical location or processing center. When you send a wire transfer or set up direct deposit, the routing number ensures the money reaches the correct branch and account.
This is why you cannot use a general "Chase routing number" for all Chase accounts. Your specific branch has its own routing number. If you move to a different state or switch branches, your routing number may change. Always verify the routing number for the branch where your account is actually held.
What to do if you cannot find your routing number
If your bank's website is down, you do not have checks, and you cannot reach customer service by phone, you can search the Federal Reserve's routing number database online. Visit the Federal Reserve's official website and use their routing number lookup tool. You will need to enter your bank name and state to find the routing number for your branch.
Keep in mind that the Federal Reserve database shows routing numbers for all branches of a bank, so you may see multiple results. If you are unsure which one is yours, call your bank as soon as the line is available. Using the wrong routing number can delay payments or cause them to fail entirely.
Routing number versus account number
These are two separate pieces of information. Your routing number identifies your bank and branch — it is the same for everyone at that branch. Your account number identifies your specific account within that branch — it is unique to you. Both are required for wire transfers, direct deposits, and bill payments.
The routing number goes first in most forms, followed by the account number. If a form asks for "routing and account," provide the routing number first. If you mix them up, the transaction will fail or go to the wrong place. Always double-check both numbers before submitting a wire transfer or setting up automatic payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my routing number change if I move to a different state?
Only if you close your account and open a new one at a different branch. If you keep the same account and just move, your routing number stays the same. However, if you open a new account at a branch in a different state, that new account will have a different routing number.
Can I use any routing number for my bank, or does it have to be for my specific branch?
You must use the routing number for your specific branch. Using a different branch's routing number will cause the transaction to fail or route to the wrong location. Always verify the routing number matches the branch where your account is held.
What if I give someone the wrong routing number for a wire transfer?
The transfer will likely fail and bounce back to your account within one to three business days. If it does go through to the wrong bank, contact your bank immediately and provide the details of the transfer. Your bank can attempt to recover the funds, but this process takes time and is not always successful.
Is my routing number the same as my bank's main routing number?
Not necessarily. Large banks have multiple routing numbers for different branches and regions. Your account's routing number is specific to your branch or processing center, not the bank's main headquarters. Always use the routing number for your account, not a general bank number.
Where do I find my routing number if I bank online only?
Log into your online banking account and look for account information or routing number details. Most online banks display this on the main dashboard or under a dedicated "Account Details" section. If you cannot find it, call customer service or check the bank's website for a routing number lookup tool.