Your routing number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, in your bank's online banking portal, and on the bank's website
The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies which bank or credit union holds your account. It appears in three places you can access right now: the bottom left corner of any check you have, your bank's website (usually under account information or settings), and your online banking login if your bank offers one. If you need it for a refund, payment, or direct deposit setup, you do not have to call the bank — you can find it yourself in under a minute.
The routing number is not secret or sensitive information. Banks print it on checks specifically so people can use it. You can share it freely with employers, government agencies, insurance companies, or anyone else who needs to send you money directly to your account.
Key Takeaways
- The routing number sits on the bottom left of any check, printed as the first set of nine digits before your account number.
- Your bank's website has a dedicated page for routing numbers, usually labeled "routing number," "bank codes," or "account information."
- Online banking portals typically display your routing number alongside your account number in the account details section.
- If you cannot find it in any of these places, calling your bank's customer service line will get you the number in one call.
Finding it on a check
Look at the bottom left edge of any check. You will see three groups of numbers separated by colons or special symbols. The first group — always nine digits — is your routing number. The second group is your account number. The third is the check number itself.
If you do not have checks on hand, this method does not work, but the other two routes are faster anyway. Many people do not order checks anymore, so do not assume you have them available.
Finding it on your bank's website
Go to your bank's main website and look for a link labeled "routing number," "bank codes," "account information," or "customer service." Most banks put this information on a public page you can reach without logging in. Search the page for your state — routing numbers are often listed by state because some larger banks use different routing numbers for different regions.
If you cannot find a public routing number page, log into your online banking account. The routing number usually appears next to your account number in a section called "account details," "account summary," or "my accounts." Some banks hide it under a menu labeled "settings" or "profile."
Finding it through online banking
Log into your bank's app or website and navigate to the account details or account information section. This is often the first screen you see after logging in, or it may be under a menu labeled "accounts" or "my profile." The routing number and account number are usually displayed together, sometimes with an option to copy them or print them.
If your bank uses a mobile app, the routing number may be in a different location than on the website. Check the settings or account information menu in the app first. If it is not there, switch to the website version — most banks display it in both places, but the layout differs.
What to do if you cannot find it
Call your bank's customer service number, which appears on the back of your debit card or on your monthly statement. Tell them you need your routing number. They will give it to you over the phone, and you can write it down immediately. This takes less than a minute.
You can also visit a branch in person and ask a teller. Bring your ID. They will either tell you the number or print it for you on the spot.
Routing number versus account number
The routing number identifies the bank itself — it is the same for all customers at that bank (or all customers in a particular region if the bank is large). The account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Both are needed for direct deposit, wire transfers, and automatic payments, but they serve different purposes.
When you set up direct deposit for a refund or paycheck, you will need both numbers. The routing number tells the sender which bank to send the money to. The account number tells the bank which account within that bank should receive it.
Using your routing number for refunds
Tax refunds, insurance refunds, and other payments sent by direct deposit all require your routing number and account number. When you enter this information on a form — whether it is a tax return, an insurance claim, or a government payment setup — you are telling the sender exactly where to deposit the money.
Double-check both numbers before submitting. A wrong routing number sends the money to the wrong bank. A wrong account number sends it to someone else's account at the correct bank. Either mistake delays your refund and requires the sender to trace and correct the error, which can take weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the routing number the same for all my accounts at the same bank?
Yes, if all your accounts are at the same bank branch or bank system. However, some large banks use different routing numbers for different regions or for different account types (checking versus savings). Check your bank's website or call to confirm if you have multiple accounts.
Can I use someone else's routing number to send them money?
Yes. The routing number is public information. If you want to send money to someone's account, you need their routing number and account number. You can ask them for it directly, or they can give it to you from their own check or bank statement.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
Your routing number may have changed. Check your most recent statement or log into online banking to see the current number. If you are unsure, call customer service — they will confirm whether your routing number is still the same or has been updated.
Do I need my routing number to check my account balance?
No. You only need your routing number when someone else is sending money to your account or when you are setting up a transfer or payment. For checking your balance, you just need your account number and password to log into online banking.
Is it safe to give my routing number to an employer or government agency?
Yes. The routing number is not sensitive information — it is printed on every check and posted on the bank's website. You can safely share it with employers, the IRS, state tax agencies, insurance companies, and anyone else who needs to deposit money into your account.