A savings account has two main numbers: your account number and your routing number
Your account number is a unique identifier for your specific savings account at your bank. It is typically 8 to 17 digits long, though the exact length varies by bank. This number appears on your statements, checks, and deposit slips, and it is what the bank uses to know which account to deposit money into or withdraw money from when you make a transaction.
Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank itself, not your individual account. Every bank has its own routing number. When someone sends you money via wire transfer or sets up automatic deposits, they need both your routing number and your account number to get the funds to the right place at the right bank.
Together, these two numbers form the complete address for your account. Think of the routing number as your bank's ZIP code and your account number as your street address within that ZIP code.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number identifies your specific savings account and is usually 8 to 17 digits long depending on your bank.
- Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank, not your account, and is the same for all customers at that bank.
- You need both numbers together to receive wire transfers, set up direct deposits, or authorize automatic payments from your account.
- Your account and routing numbers appear on the bottom of your checks, in your online banking portal, and on your bank statements.
Where to find your account number
The easiest place to find your account number is on a check from your savings account. Look at the bottom of the check: you will see a series of numbers printed in a special magnetic ink format. The middle set of numbers is your account number. If you do not have checks, log into your online banking portal or mobile app—your account number is displayed on your account overview or dashboard page.
You can also call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch in person and ask for your account number. Have your ID ready. Some banks print your account number on your debit card or on statements mailed to you, though not all do.
Where to find your routing number
Your routing number also appears on the bottom of your checks, to the left of your account number. It is always nine digits. If you need to find it without a check, your bank's website usually has a routing number lookup tool—search for "[your bank name] routing number" and you will find it quickly.
You can also call your bank and ask, or log into your online banking portal where many banks display it in the account details section. The routing number is public information and does not change, so it is safe to share when you need to receive money.
Why banks use two separate numbers
The routing number system exists because money moves through a network of banks, not directly from one bank to another. When you receive a wire transfer or direct deposit, the sending bank needs to know which Federal Reserve processing center to send the money to, and the routing number tells them. Once the money arrives at your bank, the account number tells your bank which customer's account to deposit it into.
This two-part system also protects you. If someone has only your account number, they cannot do much with it—they need the routing number too. And if someone has only your routing number, they know which bank you use but not which account. The combination of both is what makes a transaction possible.
What other numbers appear on your account
Beyond your account and routing numbers, you may see other numbers associated with your savings account. Your SWIFT code is an eight-character international identifier used only for wire transfers outside the United States. Your IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is used for international transfers in some countries, though most U.S. banks do not issue them for domestic accounts.
If you have a debit card linked to your savings account, the card itself has a separate card number printed on it—this is not your account number. Your savings account may also have a PIN (personal identification number) for ATM access, which is different from your account number. None of these numbers replace your account and routing numbers for transfers or direct deposits.
Security and sharing your numbers safely
Your account number and routing number are safe to share with people who need to send you money. Employers need both to set up direct deposit. Friends or family members need both to send you a wire transfer. Creditors or service providers need both to set up automatic payments from your account.
However, do not share these numbers with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly by phone, email, or text claiming to be from your bank. Legitimate banks never ask for your account number via unsolicited contact. If you are unsure whether a request is real, hang up and call your bank directly using the number on your statement or their official website.
What to do if you forget your numbers
If you need your account or routing number and do not have a check or access to online banking, call your bank's customer service line. Have your ID and possibly your Social Security number ready. The bank will verify your identity and provide both numbers over the phone.
If you are locked out of your online banking account, use the "Forgot Password" or "Forgot Username" link on your bank's website to regain access. Once you are logged in, your account number is visible on the main dashboard. Your routing number is usually in a help section or account details page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone take money from my account if they only have my account number?
Not without your routing number as well. A complete transfer requires both numbers. However, do not share your account number with strangers or untrusted sources. If someone has both numbers and your permission, they can withdraw money, so only provide them to people you trust or established businesses.
Is my routing number the same as my bank's main number?
No. Your bank's main customer service phone number is different from your routing number. The routing number is a nine-digit code used only for electronic transfers and payments. You can find your bank's phone number on their website or your statement.
Do I need a different routing number for checking and savings accounts?
No. All accounts at the same bank use the same routing number. Your account number is what distinguishes your savings account from your checking account or any other account you hold at that bank.
What if I move to a different bank?
Your old account number and routing number stop working once you close that account. Your new bank will assign you a new account number and provide you with their routing number. Update any automatic deposits or payments with your new numbers.
Can I change my account number or routing number?
You cannot change your routing number—it belongs to your bank. You can request a new account number from your bank in rare cases, such as if you suspect fraud, but this is uncommon and creates extra work updating automatic payments and deposits.