Your routing number is on the bottom left of your checks, in your bank's online portal, or by calling the bank directly
The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank or credit union. You need it when you set up direct deposit for tax refunds, insurance payouts, or government payments. The fastest way to find it is to look at a check from your account — the routing number is the first set of digits on the bottom left, before your account number.
If you don't have checks or prefer not to use them, log into your bank's website or mobile app. Most banks display your routing number in the account details or settings section. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number — they'll confirm it in seconds once they verify your identity.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of any check you have, printed before your account number.
- Most banks show your routing number in the online portal under account details, settings, or account information.
- You can call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card and ask for your routing number.
- Credit unions use routing numbers the same way banks do, and the number is found in the same places.
- The routing number is specific to your bank or branch, not to your individual account.
Finding your routing number on a check
Open your checkbook and look at any check. At the bottom of the check, you'll 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 the numbers are hard to read because of ink or age, write down what you can see and call your bank to confirm. Banks can verify the routing number matches your account in seconds.
Finding your routing number online
Log into your bank's website or open the mobile app. Look for a section labeled "Account Details," "Account Information," "Settings," or "My Accounts." Most banks list your routing number alongside your account number in this section. Some banks put it under a "Direct Deposit" or "Wire Transfer" page, since that's where you'd use it most often.
If you can't find it in the obvious places, use the search function in the app or website and type "routing number." If the search doesn't work, move to the next method — calling the bank is faster than hunting through menus.
Calling your bank for your routing number
Find the customer service number on the back of your debit card, on your bank statement, or on the bank's website. Call and tell them you need your routing number. They'll ask you to verify your identity — usually your account number, Social Security number, or answers to security questions you set up.
Once verified, they'll read your routing number to you. Write it down and read it back to confirm. This takes about two minutes and is the most direct route if you're in a hurry or having trouble finding it online.
Routing numbers for credit unions
Credit unions use routing numbers the same way banks do. You'll find your credit union's routing number on checks, in the online portal, or by calling the credit union's main line. Some credit unions have multiple routing numbers if they're part of a shared branching network, so make sure you're getting the number for your specific credit union, not the network.
If you're unsure which routing number to use, call your credit union and ask which one applies to your account. They'll tell you immediately.
What to do if you can't find your routing number
If you've checked your checks, looked online, and can't locate it, call your bank or credit union. Have your account number ready — you can find this on a check, a statement, or in your online portal. The bank can confirm your routing number in one call and can also tell you if you have multiple routing numbers associated with your account (which sometimes happens with older accounts or merged institutions).
Do not guess or use a routing number you find online without confirming it with your bank first. Using the wrong routing number can delay a refund or payment by days or weeks, or send the money to the wrong place entirely.
Routing number vs. account number
These are two different things. Your routing number identifies your bank or credit union. Your account number identifies your specific account at that bank. Both are needed for direct deposit and wire transfers. The routing number is the same for all customers at your bank; your account number is unique to you.
On a check, the routing number comes first (nine digits), then your account number (usually 10 to 12 digits). When you set up direct deposit for a tax refund or government payment, you'll enter both numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same for all my accounts at the same bank?
Yes. The routing number identifies the bank, not the account. If you have a checking account and a savings account at the same bank, they share the same routing number. Your account number is what distinguishes one account from the other.
Can I use someone else's routing number to receive a refund?
No. You must use the routing number for the bank where your account is held. Using someone else's routing number will send the money to their account, not yours. Always confirm your own routing number with your bank before submitting it.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
Call your bank and ask if your routing number changed. Some mergers keep the original routing number; others assign a new one. Your bank can tell you which number to use for new transactions. Old checks may still work with the old routing number for a period of time, but confirm with the bank before relying on it.
Do I need my routing number to check my account balance?
No. You only need your routing number when you're sending money to or from your account — like setting up direct deposit, making a wire transfer, or authorizing an ACH payment. For checking your balance, you just need your account number and password.
Is it safe to share my routing number?
Your routing number is not sensitive information — it's printed on every check you write and is public. However, never share it with someone you don't trust, and never enter it on a website unless you initiated the transaction and you're certain the site is legitimate. Scammers sometimes use routing numbers as part of account takeover schemes.