Your bank uses one routing number for both accounts
Most banks use the same routing number for both savings and checking accounts. The routing number identifies your bank or credit union to the financial system — it does not change based on the type of account you hold. When you set up direct deposit, wire a transfer, or receive an ACH payment, you give the routing number plus your specific account number, and the combination tells the receiving bank exactly where your money goes.
The account number is what distinguishes your savings from your checking. Two accounts at the same bank will have the same routing number but different account numbers. This matters when you are filling out forms for payroll, bill pay, or transfers — you need both pieces of information, but the routing number stays constant.
Key Takeaways
- One routing number covers all your accounts at the same bank, whether savings, checking, or money market.
- The account number is what separates your savings from your checking — the routing number does not change between them.
- You can find your routing number on the bottom left of a check, on your bank's website, or by calling customer service.
- If you have accounts at different banks, each bank has its own routing number, but accounts within one bank share it.
When a bank might use different routing numbers
Large banks sometimes operate multiple routing numbers, but not because of account type — because of geography or history. A bank that grew through mergers may keep separate routing numbers for different regions or branches. A credit union might have one routing number for members in one state and another for a different state. But within your own account relationship at one institution, the routing number stays the same whether you are moving money into savings or checking.
If you have accounts at two different banks, each bank has its own routing number. That is the only reason you would use different routing numbers for your own money. The bank itself assigns one routing number per institution, not per account type.
How to find your routing number for either account
The fastest way is to look at the bottom left corner of any check from your checking account — the first nine digits are your routing number. If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details or settings. Most banks display the routing number right next to the account number.
You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for the routing number. Have your account number ready, though the representative will give you the same routing number regardless of which account you ask about. Some banks list routing numbers on their website under a "wire transfer information" or "direct deposit" page.
Why the routing number matters for refunds and transfers
When you are waiting for a tax refund, insurance refund, or any other payment to land in your account, the sender needs both your routing number and account number. The IRS, your insurance company, or whoever is sending the money uses the routing number to find your bank, then uses the account number to deposit into the correct account. If you give the wrong routing number, the money goes to the wrong bank entirely and the transfer fails.
This is why it is important to double-check both numbers before you submit a form. A wrong account number might send money to someone else at your bank. A wrong routing number sends it to the wrong bank, and recovery takes longer. If you are setting up direct deposit for a refund, confirm both numbers match what your bank shows in your account details.
What happens if you use the wrong routing number
If you give a wrong routing number when requesting a refund or transfer, the sending institution will usually catch the error and contact you. The IRS, for example, will reject a return with an invalid routing number and ask you to correct it before processing. Some banks will also flag an incoming transfer if the routing number does not match their records.
If the transfer does go through to the wrong bank, the receiving bank will typically reject it and send it back to the sender. This adds time — usually a few business days to a week — but the money should return to the sender's account. You would then need to resubmit with the correct routing number. That is why confirming the number before you submit is worth the extra minute.
Routing numbers for online banks and credit unions
Online banks and credit unions work the same way — one routing number per institution, used for all account types. An online bank might have only one routing number because it has no branches. A credit union might have one routing number statewide or one per region. The principle is the same: the routing number identifies the institution, and the account number identifies your specific account within it.
If you bank with an online institution, you will find the routing number in your account settings or on their website under direct deposit or wire transfer information. Credit unions often list it on their website or in your membership materials. Call if you cannot find it — customer service can confirm it in seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need different routing numbers for savings and checking at the same bank?
No. One routing number covers both. You use the same routing number for both accounts; the account number is what tells the bank which one to deposit into. If someone tells you that you need different routing numbers for different account types, they are mistaken.
What if my bank has multiple routing numbers listed?
Your bank may have more than one routing number if it operates in multiple states or acquired other banks. Check which routing number your bank recommends for your location or account. Your bank's website or customer service can tell you which one to use for direct deposit or wire transfers.
Can I use my checking account routing number for my savings account?
Yes, because they are the same routing number. The routing number does not change based on account type. Just make sure you pair it with the correct account number for whichever account you want the money to go into.
What if I accidentally use my savings account number with a checking routing number?
The transfer will likely fail or be rejected because the account number does not match the routing number you provided. The sending institution will usually catch this and ask you to correct it. If it does go through, the receiving bank will reject it and send it back.
Do credit unions use the same routing number for all account types?
Yes, credit unions work the same way as banks. One routing number per credit union covers checking, savings, money market, and other account types. The account number is what distinguishes them.