Chase routing numbers are nine-digit codes that tell the banking system where to send money when you receive a transfer or pay a bill
Your routing number is not the same as your account number. It identifies the specific Chase branch or processing center that handles your account, while your account number identifies you within that system. When you set up direct deposit, pay bills online, or receive a wire transfer, you need both pieces of information — but the routing number is what the sending bank uses to find Chase first.
Chase uses different routing numbers depending on which state your account is held in and what type of account you have. A checking account in New York has a different routing number than a savings account in California, even though both are Chase accounts. This is why you cannot use a single routing number for all your Chase accounts or assume a number you find online applies to your specific situation.
Key Takeaways
- Chase routing numbers are nine digits and vary by state and account type, so you must verify the correct one for your specific account before using it.
- You can find your routing number on the bottom left of any check, in your Chase online banking portal, or by calling Chase customer service.
- The routing number on your checks may not match the routing number you need for ACH transfers or bill payments, depending on how Chase processes that transaction type.
- If you use the wrong routing number, the transfer may be rejected, delayed, or sent to the wrong financial institution entirely.
Where to find your routing number on a check
The easiest place to locate your routing number is on a check from your Chase account. Look at the bottom left corner of the check — you will see three groups of numbers separated by colons or special symbols. The first group of nine digits is your routing number. The second group is your account number, and the third is the check number.
This method works only if you have checks and they are current. If your checks are old or you have closed that account, the routing number may no longer be valid. Chase also issues different checks for different account types, so a routing number from a business checking account will not work for a personal savings account, even if both are held at the same branch.
Finding your routing number online through Chase
Log into your Chase online banking account or the Chase mobile app. Go to the account details or account information section — the exact location varies depending on whether you are on a computer or phone, but it is usually under "Account" or "Settings." Chase displays your routing number alongside your account number in this section.
If you cannot find it in your account details, call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your debit card. Have your account number and a form of identification ready. A representative can confirm the correct routing number for your specific account type and state in under a minute.
Why routing numbers differ by state and account type
Chase operates processing centers in different states, and the Federal Reserve assigns routing numbers to each one. When you open an account, Chase assigns you a routing number based on where that account is processed, not necessarily where you live or which branch you visited. A customer in Texas with an account processed through Chase's Arizona center will have an Arizona routing number.
Account type also matters. Chase may process checking accounts through one center and savings accounts through another, even for the same customer. Business accounts, money market accounts, and investment accounts can each have different routing numbers. This is why you should always verify the routing number for the specific account you are using, rather than assuming all your Chase accounts share one number.
What happens if you use the wrong routing number
If you provide an incorrect routing number, the sending bank will try to deliver the money to the wrong institution. The transfer may bounce back to the sender within one to three business days, or it may sit in a holding status while the banks try to sort out where it belongs. In rare cases, money sent to the wrong routing number ends up in another customer's account at a different bank.
ACH transfers (the most common type for bill payments and direct deposits) are more forgiving than wire transfers. ACH transfers that fail are usually returned automatically, and you can resubmit with the correct routing number. Wire transfers are harder to reverse once sent, so getting the routing number right before you initiate a wire is critical.
Routing numbers for different Chase transaction types
Chase may use different routing numbers depending on how you are sending or receiving money. The routing number for a check might differ from the routing number for an ACH transfer or a wire transfer from the same account. This happens because Chase routes different transaction types through different processing systems.
When you set up direct deposit with your employer, ask your HR or payroll department which routing number they need — they may have a specific one for ACH deposits. If you are paying a bill online through Chase's bill pay service, Chase will usually fill in the correct routing number automatically. If you are providing your information to a third party (a landlord, a lender, a utility company), confirm with Chase which routing number that specific transaction type requires before you hand over the information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same for all my Chase accounts?
No. Each account type and state combination can have a different routing number. If you have a checking account and a savings account at Chase, verify the routing number for each one separately before using it for a transfer or payment.
Can I use the routing number from an old Chase check?
It depends on how old the check is and whether your account is still active. If your account has been closed or transferred to a different processing center, the old routing number may no longer work. Always use a current check or verify the number through your online account or by calling Chase.
What is the difference between a routing number and an account number?
A routing number identifies the bank or processing center (nine digits), while an account number identifies your specific account within that bank (typically 10 to 12 digits). Both are required for most transfers and payments.
Do I need a different routing number for wire transfers versus ACH transfers?
Possibly. Chase may route wire transfers and ACH transfers through different systems, so the routing number for one type may not work for the other. When you initiate either type of transfer, confirm with Chase or the receiving institution which routing number to use.
What should I do if a transfer was rejected because of a wrong routing number?
Contact the sending bank or the person who sent the money and provide the correct routing number. Ask them to resubmit the transfer. If money was sent to the wrong institution, contact Chase immediately — they can sometimes retrieve it, but the process is slower and not always successful.