Yes, every U.S. checking account has two standard codes that identify it
Your checking account uses two numbers to route money correctly: a routing number and an account number. The routing number identifies your bank or credit union. The account number identifies your specific account within that institution. Together, they form the address that tells the financial system where your money should go.
You will need both numbers when you set up direct deposit, pay bills online, receive wire transfers, or authorize someone else to move money from your account. They appear on the bottom left of your checks, in your online banking portal, and on statements your bank sends you.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank or credit union branch; your account number identifies your account within that institution.
- The routing number appears on the left side of the bottom of your checks, followed by your account number in the middle.
- You can find both numbers in your online banking portal, on paper statements, or by calling your bank's customer service line.
- Different branches of the same bank may have different routing numbers, so always verify you have the correct one for your location.
- These codes are public information — sharing them for legitimate payments is safe, but never give them to someone you do not trust.
How routing numbers work and where to find yours
A routing number is a nine-digit code assigned by the Federal Reserve to every bank and credit union in the United States. It tells the payment system which financial institution holds the account. If you bank at Chase in New York, your routing number is different from a Chase customer in California, because the codes are tied to specific branches or regions.
To find your routing number, look at the bottom left corner of any check you have. The first nine digits are your routing number. If you do not have checks, log into your online banking account — most banks display it under account information or settings. You can also call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card and ask for your routing number.
The American Bankers Association maintains the official routing number database. If you need to verify a routing number before sending money, you can search it on the ABA's website, though you will need to know the bank name and state.
How account numbers work and where to find yours
Your account number is a unique identifier for your specific checking account, usually between 8 and 12 digits long. No two accounts at the same bank share the same account number. This number stays the same for as long as you hold the account, even if you move branches or change your address.
Find your account number on the bottom center of your checks, right after the routing number. It also appears in your online banking portal under account details, on paper statements, and on any debit card linked to the account. If you close the account and open a new one at the same bank, you will receive a new account number.
Unlike your routing number, your account number is not public information in the same way. You should only share it with people or organizations you trust to receive payments from or send payments to your account.
Reading the numbers on the bottom of a check
The bottom of a check contains three sets of numbers in a specific order. On the far left is the routing number (nine digits). In the middle is your account number (usually 8 to 12 digits). On the far right is the check number, which identifies that individual check.
These numbers are printed in a special magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) format so that sorting machines can read them automatically. The numbers are also printed in regular digits above the MICR line so you can read them by hand.
When you write a check, you do not need to write the routing number or account number yourself — they are already printed on the check. The recipient or their bank uses these numbers to process the payment.
When you need these codes and what they are used for
You will need your routing and account numbers for several common banking tasks. Direct deposit from your employer requires both numbers so payroll can deposit your check into the correct account. Setting up automatic bill payments through your bank's website also requires them. If someone sends you a wire transfer, they will ask for both numbers to route the money to you.
You may also need them if you are setting up a transfer between your own accounts at different banks, authorizing a third party to withdraw money from your account, or providing banking information to a government agency for a tax refund or benefit payment.
Some services ask for your full account number plus routing number, while others only need the routing number. Always ask what information is required before you share anything.
Differences between banks, credit unions, and online banks
Traditional banks, credit unions, and online banks all use the same routing and account number system. However, the way you find these numbers can vary slightly. Credit unions often have their routing numbers printed on checks and available through online banking just like banks do. Online banks that do not issue checks will display your routing and account numbers in your online portal or send them to you by email when you open the account.
Some large banks have multiple routing numbers depending on which state or region you bank in. If you move or your branch closes, your routing number might change. Always verify you have the current routing number for your specific location before setting up direct deposit or automatic payments.
If you switch banks, your new bank will assign you a new account number. Your old routing number and account number will no longer work for new transactions, though they may still appear on old checks or statements.
What to do if you cannot find your routing or account number
If you do not have checks and cannot access your online banking portal, call your bank's customer service number. This number is usually on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Have your account holder name and Social Security number ready, and ask for both your routing number and account number. The representative will provide both numbers over the phone.
If you have an old statement, both numbers appear on it. Statements are usually available online for at least seven years, so you can log in and download a past statement if you need to find the numbers quickly.
If you have forgotten your online banking password, use the "forgot password" link on your bank's website to reset it. Once you regain access, you can find both numbers in your account information section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to share my routing and account number?
Your routing number is public information — it identifies your bank, not your specific account. Sharing it is safe. Your account number is more sensitive. Only share it with people or organizations you trust, such as your employer for direct deposit or a utility company for bill payments. Never share either number with someone who contacts you unexpectedly claiming to be from your bank.
Do I need a new routing number if I move to a different state?
Not necessarily. Your routing number is tied to your bank branch, not your home address. If your branch stays the same, your routing number stays the same even if you move. However, if your branch closes or you switch to a different branch in another state, you may receive a new routing number. Contact your bank to confirm.
What happens if I give someone the wrong routing or account number?
If the routing number is wrong, the payment may be rejected or sent to the wrong bank. If the account number is wrong, the payment may go to someone else's account at the correct bank. Always double-check both numbers before authorizing a payment. If money goes to the wrong place, contact your bank immediately — they can sometimes recover it, but the process takes time.
Can I use my account number without a routing number?
No. Both numbers are required for the payment system to work. The routing number tells the system which bank to send the money to, and the account number tells it which account within that bank. Without both, the transaction cannot be processed.
Do credit unions use the same routing number system as banks?
Yes. Credit unions are assigned routing numbers by the Federal Reserve just like banks are. The system works the same way — a nine-digit routing number identifies the credit union, and your account number identifies your specific account within it.