What a Chase routing number is and why you need it
A routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies which bank or credit union holds your account. Chase uses different routing numbers depending on which state you opened your account in and which type of account you have. When you set up direct deposit, pay bills online, or send money via wire transfer, you give the routing number so the payment system knows exactly which Chase branch to send the money to.
The routing number is not secret — it appears on the bottom left of every check you write, and Chase publishes it publicly. It is different from your account number, which is unique to you alone. Together, the routing number and account number tell any payment system where your money should go.
Key Takeaways
- Chase routing numbers are nine digits and vary by state and account type, so you must find the one for your specific account.
- The routing number appears on the bottom left of your checks, before your account number.
- You can find your routing number on Chase's website, in the Chase mobile app, by calling Chase customer service, or by asking a teller at your branch.
- Wire transfers, ACH transfers, and direct deposit all require the correct routing number for your account to receive money.
- Using the wrong routing number will delay or reject a payment, but will not send money to someone else's account.
Where to find your Chase routing number
The fastest way is to look at a check from your account. Open your checkbook and look at the bottom left corner of any check. You will see three groups of numbers: the routing number (nine digits) comes first, then your account number, then the check number on the right.
If you do not have checks, log into your Chase account online or open the Chase mobile app. Go to your account details or settings — the exact location varies slightly by account type, but it is usually labeled "Account Information" or "Routing and Account Number." Chase displays both numbers there.
You can also call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your debit card, or visit a Chase branch in person and ask a teller. Have your account number or ID ready so they can pull up your account and confirm the routing number for you.
Why Chase has multiple routing numbers
Chase is one of the largest banks in the United States, with branches in most states. The Federal Reserve assigns different routing numbers to different regions and different types of accounts. Your routing number depends on the state where you opened the account and whether it is a checking account, savings account, or money market account.
This means two Chase customers in different states, or with different account types, may have different routing numbers even though they both bank at Chase. That is why you must use the routing number for your specific account, not just any Chase routing number you find online.
Common situations where you need your routing number
Direct deposit is the most common reason. When you start a job or sign up for government benefits, you provide your routing number and account number so the employer or agency can deposit your paycheck or payment directly into your account. Without the correct routing number, the deposit will be rejected or delayed.
Online bill pay also requires your routing number. When you set up automatic payments to a creditor, utility company, or landlord through your Chase account, Chase uses the routing number to route the payment correctly. Wire transfers — both sending and receiving — require the routing number of the receiving bank.
ACH transfers, which move money between your Chase account and another bank account you own, also need the routing number of the other bank. If you are receiving money from someone else's bank account, you give them your Chase routing number and account number so their bank knows where to send it.
What happens if you use the wrong routing number
If you provide an incorrect routing number, the payment will usually be rejected before it leaves the sending bank. The sending bank's system will not recognize the routing number and will bounce the transaction back to the sender with an error message. This delays the payment but does not send your money to the wrong person.
In rare cases, a wrong routing number might route the payment to a different bank entirely, where it will sit in a holding account until someone notices the error. The receiving bank will eventually return it to the sender. The important thing to know is that money sent with the wrong routing number does not go to someone else's personal account — it gets caught by the banking system.
If a payment you were expecting does not arrive, check with the sender to confirm they used the correct routing number. If they did not, ask them to resubmit the payment with the right number.
Routing number versus account number
These two numbers work together but serve different purposes. The routing number identifies your bank and the region where your account is held — it is the same for everyone at that Chase branch or account type in that state. The account number is unique to you alone and identifies your specific account within that bank.
Think of it like an address: the routing number is the city and zip code, and the account number is your house number and street. You need both for money to reach you. When you give someone your banking information, you provide both numbers together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my Chase routing number the same as other banks?
No. Each bank has its own routing numbers, and Chase's routing numbers are different from Bank of America, Wells Fargo, or any other bank. If you have accounts at multiple banks, each one has a different routing number.
Can I use any Chase routing number I find online?
No. You must use the routing number for your specific account, which depends on the state where you opened it and your account type. Using a different Chase routing number may cause the payment to be rejected or delayed. Always verify your routing number through your checks, the Chase app, or by calling Chase.
Do I need to memorize my routing number?
No. You only need it when you set up direct deposit, bill pay, or wire transfers. After that, the information is stored in the system. You can look it up whenever you need it by checking a check, logging into your account, or calling Chase.
What if I closed my Chase account — can I still use that routing number?
No. Once your account is closed, that routing number is no longer active for your account. If someone tries to send money to a closed account, the payment will be rejected. If you open a new Chase account, it may have a different routing number depending on the account type and state.
Does Chase charge a fee to tell me my routing number?
No. Chase provides your routing number for free through checks, online banking, the mobile app, phone, or in person at a branch. There is no charge to look it up or use it.