Where routing and account numbers appear on your check
The routing number is the nine-digit code printed at the bottom left of your check, just before your account number. The account number is the longer number that follows the routing number, also at the bottom of the check. Together, these two numbers tell a bank or payment processor exactly where to send money.
Both numbers are printed in a special magnetic ink that machines can read automatically. You'll see them in the same line, separated by a colon or space, depending on your bank's check design. The routing number always comes first.
You need these numbers when you're setting up direct deposit for a refund, authorizing an electronic payment, or providing banking details to receive money from a government agency, employer, or insurance company. Having them in front of you saves time and prevents errors that could delay your refund.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number is the nine-digit code at the bottom left of your check; your account number is the longer code that follows it on the same line.
- The routing number identifies your specific bank branch, while the account number identifies your individual account within that bank.
- Both numbers are printed in magnetic ink at the bottom of the check and are machine-readable.
- You'll need both numbers to set up direct deposit for tax refunds, stimulus payments, insurance refunds, or other electronic transfers.
Understanding what each number does
The routing number is a code assigned by the Federal Reserve to your bank or credit union. It identifies the specific financial institution and branch where your account is held. Every bank has multiple routing numbers—one for each region or processing center—so the routing number on your check corresponds to the branch where you opened your account or where your account is processed.
The account number is unique to you. It identifies your specific checking or savings account at that bank. No two accounts at the same bank share an account number. When you provide both numbers together, the payment processor knows exactly which account at which bank should receive the money.
Think of it this way: the routing number is the address of the bank, and the account number is the mailbox inside that bank. The payment needs both to arrive at the right place.
How to read the numbers on your check
Look at the bottom of your check. You'll see a series of numbers printed in a special font. On the far left, you'll find a nine-digit number enclosed in colons or dashes—this is your routing number. Immediately to the right of that, you'll see a longer number (usually 10 to 12 digits), which is your account number.
Some checks also print a check number on the bottom right, but that's different from your routing and account numbers. The check number identifies that specific piece of paper, not your account itself.
If your check is hard to read or the numbers are faded, you can also find your routing number by calling your bank's customer service line or visiting your bank's website. Many banks list routing numbers on their websites organized by state or region. Your account number appears on your bank statements, in your online banking portal, and on any correspondence your bank sends you.
Why you need these numbers for refunds
When you're waiting for a tax refund, stimulus payment, insurance refund, or business refund to be deposited directly into your account, the agency or company sending the money needs your routing and account numbers. Without them, they can't process the electronic transfer.
Direct deposit is faster than a paper check. The IRS, state tax agencies, insurance companies, and other organizations can deposit money into your account within one to three business days once the transfer is initiated, compared to five to ten business days for a mailed check. To set up direct deposit, you'll enter your routing and account numbers into a form—either online, by mail, or over the phone.
If you provide incorrect numbers, the transfer may be rejected, delayed, or sent to the wrong account. That's why it's worth double-checking both numbers before you submit any form.
Differences between checking and savings account numbers
If you have both a checking and a savings account at the same bank, each account has its own account number. Your routing number will be the same for both accounts because they're at the same bank, but the account numbers will be different.
When you're setting up a direct deposit for a refund, make sure you're using the account number for the account where you want the money to land. If you want the refund in your savings account, use your savings account number. If you want it in checking, use your checking account number. Using the wrong account number will send the money to the wrong place.
You can find both account numbers on your bank statements or in your online banking portal. Each statement or login will show which account the numbers belong to.
What to do if you can't find your numbers
If you don't have a check in front of you, there are several other ways to find your routing and account numbers. Log into your online banking portal—most banks display both numbers in the account details or settings section. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask them to provide the numbers over the phone.
Your most recent bank statement will also show your account number. The routing number may or may not appear on the statement, depending on your bank's format, but customer service can confirm it in seconds.
If you're in a hurry to set up direct deposit for a refund, calling your bank is usually the fastest option. Have your account number ready, and the representative can give you the routing number immediately. Some banks also text or email this information if you request it.
Protecting your routing and account numbers
Your routing and account numbers are not secret like a password or PIN. They're printed on every check you write, so anyone who receives a check from you will see them. However, you should still be cautious about where you enter them.
Only provide your routing and account numbers to organizations you trust and that you initiated contact with. If a company calls you out of the blue asking for these numbers, hang up and call the organization directly using a phone number from their official website or bill. Scammers sometimes pose as banks or government agencies to collect banking information.
When you submit your numbers online, make sure you're on a secure website—look for "https://" in the address bar and a lock icon. Government websites and major financial institutions use encryption to protect the information you enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same on all my checks?
Yes, if all your checks are from the same account at the same bank. However, if you have accounts at different banks or branches, each will have its own routing number. Some large banks use different routing numbers for different regions, so checks from different branches might have different routing numbers.
Can someone steal money from my account if they have my routing and account numbers?
They cannot withdraw money directly, but they could potentially set up unauthorized electronic transfers or payments. This is why you should monitor your account regularly and report any suspicious activity to your bank immediately. Your bank can reverse unauthorized transfers in most cases.
What if I provide the wrong routing number for my refund?
The transfer will likely be rejected, and the money will be returned to the sender. You'll then need to resubmit your refund request with the correct routing number. This can delay your refund by several weeks, so double-check both numbers before submitting.
Do I need my routing number if I'm getting a paper check instead of direct deposit?
No. Paper checks don't require routing or account numbers. However, if you want to deposit a paper check into your account using mobile deposit or at an ATM, you won't need to enter these numbers—the bank reads the numbers on the check automatically.
Where do I find my routing number if my checks don't show it clearly?
Call your bank's customer service line or log into your online banking portal. You can also visit your bank's website and search for "routing number" along with your state—most banks list routing numbers by region. Your account number appears on your bank statements and in your online account details.