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 or credit union. It tells the financial system where to send money when you receive a transfer, direct deposit, or refund. You need it for tax refunds, insurance payouts, business transfers, and most government payments.
You have three reliable ways to find it: look at a check, log into your online banking, or call your bank directly. The method you choose depends on what you have access to right now.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of any check you have, printed as the first set of nine digits before your account number.
- Your bank's website usually has a "routing number" or "bank information" page that lists it without requiring you to log in.
- If you call your bank's customer service line, they can confirm your routing number in under a minute.
- Make sure you have the routing number for the specific branch where your account is held, not just your bank's main routing number, if they differ.
- Do not confuse your routing number with your account number — they are separate nine-digit codes used for different purposes.
Finding the routing number on a check
The easiest method if you have a checkbook is to look at the bottom of any check. You will see three sets of numbers separated by colons or symbols. The first nine-digit number on the left is your routing number. It comes before your account number and before the check number on the right.
If you have not ordered checks yet or do not have any on hand, this method will not work for you. Move to one of the other two options instead.
Looking it up on your bank's website
Go to your bank's main website and search for "routing number" in the search bar, or look for a link labeled "bank information," "wire transfer information," or "account details." Most banks list their routing number publicly without requiring you to log in.
If your bank has multiple branches or locations, the website may show different routing numbers for different regions. Make sure you select the routing number for the state or branch where your account is held. Some large banks use the same routing number nationwide, while others assign different ones by location.
If you cannot find it on the public pages, log into your online banking account. Your routing number is often listed under account information, account settings, or a section labeled "account and routing numbers." Some banks display it on your account dashboard without you having to click anywhere.
Calling your bank directly
Pick up the phone and call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement. Tell the representative you need your routing number. They will confirm it in less than a minute and may also verify your account number at the same time.
This method is useful if you are unsure whether you have the right number or if you need to confirm it for a specific type of transaction. The representative can also tell you if your bank uses different routing numbers for different services, such as wire transfers versus direct deposits.
Understanding routing numbers for credit unions
Credit unions use routing numbers the same way banks do, but they are sometimes called routing transit numbers or ABA numbers. The process for finding yours is identical: check a check, visit the credit union's website, or call their member services line.
If you are a member of a credit union that is part of a shared branching network or CO-OP network, your routing number may work at multiple locations. The routing number you use for transfers and refunds is still the one assigned to your specific credit union, not to the network itself.
What to do if you cannot find your routing number
If you do not have checks, cannot access your bank's website, and do not want to call, you can search online for "[your bank name] routing number" plus your state. The Federal Reserve maintains a database of routing numbers, and many financial websites republish this information. Make sure the source you use is the bank's official website or a well-known financial reference site.
When you find a number online, verify it by calling your bank before you use it for a refund or transfer. Routing numbers are public information, but using the wrong one will send your money to the wrong place, and recovering it can take weeks.
Routing numbers for online banks and newer financial services
Online banks and fintech companies that do not have physical branches still have routing numbers. Log into your account and look for account information or settings. If you cannot find it there, check your welcome email or the FAQ section of their website. Most online banks list their routing number prominently because they expect customers to need it for direct deposits and transfers.
Some newer financial services use a different system or partner with a traditional bank to process transfers. If you cannot find a nine-digit routing number, look for language that says "this account is held at [bank name]" and use that bank's routing number instead. The company's customer service team can clarify which routing number to use for your specific account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same routing number for all my accounts at the same bank?
Usually yes, but not always. If all your accounts are at the same branch, they share one routing number. If you have accounts at different branches of the same bank, they may have different routing numbers. Call your bank to confirm, or check your statements — each account's routing number should appear on the bottom of any checks linked to that account.
What is the difference between a routing number and an account number?
Your routing number identifies your bank or credit union. Your account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Both are printed on your checks: the routing number comes first on the left, and your account number comes after it. You need both for transfers and refunds.
Do I need a different routing number for wire transfers versus direct deposits?
Most banks use the same routing number for both. However, some large banks assign different routing numbers for wire transfers and ACH transfers (which include direct deposits). Ask your bank whether they use one routing number or two, and which one to use for your specific transaction.
What happens if I give someone the wrong routing number?
The transfer or deposit will be sent to the wrong bank or account. The money may bounce back to the sender, or it may end up in someone else's account. If this happens, contact your bank immediately and provide them with the transaction details. Recovery can take one to three weeks.
Is my routing number the same as my bank's main routing number?
Not necessarily. Large banks with many branches may have different routing numbers for different regions or services. The routing number you use should match the branch or account type you have. Check your checks or call your bank to confirm you have the right one for your account.