A routing number is a nine-digit code that tells the banking system which bank holds your account
Every bank in the United States has a routing number, also called a routing transit number or ABA number. When you send money to someone else's account—whether through direct deposit, wire transfer, or ACH payment—you give the sending bank two pieces of information: the receiving account number and the routing number. The routing number is how the sending bank knows which bank to send the money to. Without it, the transfer cannot happen.
The routing number is specific to the bank branch or the bank itself, depending on the bank's structure. Some large banks use the same routing number for all their branches nationwide. Others assign different routing numbers to different regions or branches. Either way, the routing number is tied to the bank, not to you or your account.
You will need your routing number whenever you set up direct deposit at a new job, arrange automatic bill payments, receive a wire transfer, or send money to another person's account through your bank's online system.
Key Takeaways
- A routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank to the payment system and is required for transfers and direct deposits.
- The routing number is not the same as your account number; you need both pieces of information to move money in or out of your account.
- You can find your routing number on the bottom left of your checks, by calling your bank, or by searching the Federal Reserve's routing number database online.
- Different banks and sometimes different branches of the same bank can have different routing numbers, so always confirm you have the correct one before sending money.
Where to find your routing number
The easiest place to find your routing number is on a check from your account. Look at the bottom left corner of the check. You will see three groups of numbers separated by vertical lines. The first group of nine digits is your routing number. The second group is your account number. The third group is the check number.
If you do not have checks, call your bank's customer service line. They will give you the routing number over the phone in seconds. You can also log into your online banking portal—many banks display the routing number in the account details or settings section.
The Federal Reserve maintains a public routing number database at frbservices.org. You can search by bank name and state to find the correct routing number if you are unsure or if you are receiving money from someone else's bank.
Routing number versus account number
These two numbers work together but do different jobs. Your routing number identifies the bank. Your account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Think of it like an address: the routing number is the city and bank name, and the account number is your house on that street.
When you give someone your banking information to send you money, you must provide both. If you give only the account number, the sender's bank will not know which bank to send it to. If you give only the routing number, the bank will not know which account to deposit it into.
When you need to provide your routing number
Direct deposit: Your employer needs your routing number and account number to deposit your paycheck automatically into your account instead of issuing a paper check.
Automatic bill payments: When you set up automatic payments to pay a utility bill, credit card, or loan from your bank account, you provide your routing number so the biller knows where to pull the money from.
Wire transfers: If you are sending money to someone else's account at a different bank, you need their routing number and account number. Your bank uses the routing number to route the wire to the correct bank.
ACH transfers: Peer-to-peer payment apps and online banking systems use ACH (Automated Clearing House) transfers to move money between accounts. These require a routing number and account number.
Receiving wire transfers: If someone is sending you money by wire, they will ask for your routing number and account number so their bank knows where to send it.
Routing numbers are not secret
Your routing number is not sensitive information in the way your password or PIN is. It is printed on every check you write and is publicly available in the Federal Reserve database. Sharing your routing number alone does not put your account at risk because a person cannot withdraw money or make charges with only the routing number.
However, you should never share your routing number along with your account number to someone you do not trust. Together, these two pieces of information are enough for someone to set up unauthorized transfers from your account. If you are unsure whether a request for this information is legitimate, call your bank directly using the number on the back of your card or on your statement.
What happens if you use the wrong routing number
If you provide an incorrect routing number, the transfer may be rejected outright, or it may be sent to the wrong bank. If it goes to the wrong bank, that bank will eventually return it to the sending bank, which will then return it to the sender. This process can take several business days.
If the wrong routing number belongs to a real bank but the account number does not exist at that bank, the receiving bank will reject the transfer and send it back. If both the routing number and account number happen to match an account at the wrong bank, the money could be deposited into someone else's account. This is rare but possible, which is why it is important to double-check routing numbers before sending large amounts of money.
Always confirm the routing number with the person or organization receiving the money before you initiate a transfer. Ask them to provide it in writing or verify it yourself through the Federal Reserve database.
Routing numbers for different types of accounts
Checking accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts at the same bank typically share the same routing number. The routing number identifies the bank, not the type of account. Your account number is what distinguishes between your checking and savings accounts at that bank.
Online banks and credit unions also have routing numbers. If you bank with an online-only institution, you can find the routing number the same way: on a check (if they issue them), by calling customer service, or through the Federal Reserve database.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone steal money from my account if they have my routing number?
No. A routing number alone cannot be used to withdraw money or make charges. Someone would need both your routing number and your account number to set up a transfer. Even then, many banks require additional verification before processing transfers to new recipients. Never share your account number with someone you do not trust, even if they already have your routing number.
Do I need a different routing number for each bank account I have?
No. If you have multiple accounts at the same bank, they all share the same routing number. The account number is what distinguishes between your accounts. If you bank at two different banks, each bank has its own routing number.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
After a merger, your routing number may change. Your bank will notify you of any changes and provide the new routing number. Update any automatic payments or direct deposits with the new routing number to avoid delays or failed transfers. Call your bank or check your statement to confirm the current routing number.
Is the routing number the same for all branches of my bank?
Usually yes, but not always. Large national banks typically use one routing number for all branches. Regional banks may use different routing numbers for different states or regions. If you are unsure, call your bank or search the Federal Reserve database using your specific branch location.
What is the difference between a routing number and a SWIFT code?
A routing number is used for domestic transfers within the United States. A SWIFT code is used for international wire transfers. If you are sending money to or receiving money from outside the United States, you will need a SWIFT code instead of a routing number. Your bank can provide your SWIFT code if you need it.