Your bank identification code is printed on your checks and available online through your bank's website or app
A bank identification code (also called a routing number or ABA number in the United States) is a nine-digit code that identifies which bank holds your account. You need it when you set up direct deposit, arrange wire transfers, or authorize automatic payments. The code tells the payment system exactly where to send or pull money.
The fastest way to find it is to look at the bottom left corner of any check you have. The first nine digits printed there are your routing number. If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app — the routing number is almost always listed in the account details or settings section. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number; they will give it to you in seconds.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of any check you own, printed as the first nine digits.
- Most banks display the routing number in the account details section of their website or mobile app without requiring you to call.
- The routing number is specific to the bank branch or processing center, not to your individual account.
- You may have more than one routing number if your bank uses different codes for different transaction types, so confirm which one applies to what you are doing.
Finding the code on a physical check
Open your checkbook and look at the bottom of any check. You will see three groups of numbers printed in a special magnetic ink format. The first group, on the far left, is your routing number. It is always nine digits long. The second group is your account number, and the third is the check number itself.
If the numbers are hard to read or your checks are old, the ink may have faded. In that case, move to your online banking option instead. The routing number never changes for a given bank, so an old check will still have the correct code — but online is faster if you cannot read it clearly.
Locating it through online banking
Log into your bank's website or open the mobile app. Look for a section labeled "Account Details," "Account Information," "Routing Number," or "Wire Transfer Information." Most banks put the routing number right on the main account page or in a dropdown menu under account settings.
If you cannot find it on the main page, try the section where you would set up direct deposit or external transfers — banks often group this information together. Some banks also display it when you click on the account itself. If the website does not show it clearly, the mobile app often does, or vice versa. Check both before calling.
Asking your bank directly
Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or the number listed on your bank statement. Tell the representative you need your routing number. They will ask you to verify your identity (usually by providing your account number or Social Security number) and then give you the nine-digit code. This takes less than a minute.
You can also visit a branch in person and ask a teller. Bring your ID and account information. Some banks will print it on a slip of paper for you or write it down. This is useful if you need it immediately and do not have online access.
Understanding routing numbers for different transaction types
Most people have one routing number for their bank. However, some large banks use different routing numbers depending on what you are doing — one for ACH transfers, one for wire transfers, one for checks, or one for each branch location. When you are setting up a specific payment or transfer, the form or website will usually tell you which routing number to use.
If you are unsure, ask the person or organization requesting the number which type of transaction they are processing. Then confirm with your bank that you have the right code for that purpose. Using the wrong routing number will not send money to the wrong account — the transaction will simply fail or be delayed — but it wastes time.
What to do if you cannot find your routing number
If your bank's website does not display the routing number and you cannot reach customer service by phone, try searching online for "[Your Bank Name] routing number" plus your state. Many banks publish their routing numbers on their websites, and third-party banking databases also list them. You will need to know which branch or region you bank with, as some banks have multiple routing numbers by location.
Another option is to ask the organization requesting the routing number — your employer's payroll department, a bill payment service, or a lender — whether they have a lookup tool. Many do. You provide your bank name and sometimes your state, and the tool returns the correct routing number. This is especially common for direct deposit setup.
Protecting your routing number
Your routing number is not secret information — it is printed on every check you write and is publicly available. However, you should not share it with anyone you do not trust. A scammer who has your routing number and account number could potentially set up unauthorized ACH transfers or payments from your account.
When someone asks for your routing number, confirm that they are who they say they are. Call your bank directly using the number on your card or statement, not a number they provide. If an employer, lender, or utility company needs it, use their official website or a phone number you know is legitimate. Never give your routing number to someone who contacts you unexpectedly by email, text, or phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my account number?
No. Your routing number identifies your bank; your account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Both appear on your checks. The routing number is always nine digits and appears first on the left. Your account number is longer and appears in the middle.
Can I use the same routing number for wire transfers and direct deposit?
Usually yes, but not always. Some banks use one routing number for ACH transfers (direct deposit, bill pay) and a different one for wire transfers. When you are setting up either service, the form will specify which routing number to use. If you are unsure, ask your bank which code applies to what you are doing.
What happens if I give someone the wrong routing number?
The transaction will fail or be rejected. The money will not go to the wrong account — the banking system will not process a transfer with an invalid routing number. You will need to correct it and try again. This is why it is important to double-check before submitting.
Do I need a routing number to receive a wire transfer?
Yes. The person sending you money will need your routing number, your account number, and your name to complete a wire transfer. Some banks also ask for a SWIFT code if the transfer is coming from outside the United States. Ask your bank for all the information the sender will need.
Can my routing number change?
Rarely. If your bank merges with another bank, is acquired, or reorganizes its processing centers, your routing number might change. Your bank will notify you if this happens. For most people, the routing number stays the same for as long as they have an account at that bank.