Yes, savings accounts have routing numbers, and they work the same way as checking account routing numbers
Your savings account at a bank or credit union has a routing number. It is the same nine-digit code that identifies your financial institution for wire transfers, direct deposits, and ACH payments. The routing number does not change based on the type of account — whether you use it for checking, savings, money market, or any other account at that bank, the routing number stays the same.
The routing number tells the sending bank or employer which institution to send money to. Your account number (which is different from the routing number) tells that institution which specific account within the bank should receive the funds. Together, they form the complete address for your money.
You will need both the routing number and your savings account number when you set up direct deposit of a paycheck, request a wire transfer, or authorize an automatic payment. Banks and credit unions print routing numbers on the bottom left of checks, but if you do not have checks for your savings account, you can find it online or by calling your bank.
Key Takeaways
- Savings accounts use the same routing number as checking accounts at the same bank or credit union.
- The routing number identifies your financial institution; your account number identifies your specific savings account within that institution.
- You need both numbers together to receive direct deposits, wire transfers, or set up automatic payments to your savings account.
- You can find your savings account routing number through your bank's website, mobile app, customer service line, or by looking at a check if your bank issued one.
- Routing numbers are public information and do not pose a security risk on their own — you also need your account number to move money.
Where to find your savings account routing number
The easiest place to look is your bank's website. Log into your online banking account, go to the account details or settings section, and the routing number is usually listed there alongside your account number. Most banks display it clearly so you can copy it without having to call.
Your bank's mobile app often shows the routing number in the same place — tap into your savings account details and look for a section labeled "Account Information" or "Routing and Account Numbers." If you cannot find it in the app, the website version usually has it.
If you do not use online banking, call your bank's customer service number (on the back of your debit card or on a statement) and ask for your routing number. Have your account number ready so the representative can pull up the right account. They will give you the number over the phone, and you can write it down.
Some banks issue checks for savings accounts, though this is less common than it used to be. If you have a checkbook for your savings account, the routing number appears in the bottom left corner of each check, printed in magnetic ink.
Routing numbers versus account numbers
A routing number is specific to the bank or credit union, not to you. Every customer at Chase, for example, uses the same routing number for their branch location. The routing number tells the sending institution where to send the money — which bank, which branch.
Your account number is unique to you. It identifies your specific savings account within that bank. If two people both have savings accounts at the same Chase branch, they share the routing number but have completely different account numbers.
When you give someone your information to send you money, you provide both numbers. The routing number gets the money to the right bank. The account number gets it to the right account once it arrives. Without the account number, the bank would not know which of its thousands of customers should receive the deposit.
Using your routing number for direct deposit and transfers
Direct deposit of a paycheck to your savings account requires both your routing number and account number. When you set up direct deposit with your employer, you provide both numbers, and the employer's bank uses them to send your paycheck to the correct account on payday.
If you want to transfer money from another bank into your savings account, you will need to provide the routing number and account number to that other bank. The sending bank uses this information to route the transfer correctly. The process is the same whether you are moving money from a checking account at a different bank or from an online savings account elsewhere.
Wire transfers also require your routing number and account number. If someone is sending you a wire transfer to your savings account, give them both numbers. Wire transfers are faster than ACH transfers (which take one to three business days) but usually cost a fee.
Automatic bill payments and recurring transfers use the same routing and account number system. Once you set up an automatic payment from your savings account, the bank stores both numbers and uses them each time the payment is due.
Routing numbers for different types of savings accounts
High-yield savings accounts, money market accounts, and regular savings accounts all use the same routing number as your bank's checking accounts. The routing number is tied to the bank or credit union, not to the product type. If you have multiple savings accounts at the same bank, they all share the same routing number but have different account numbers.
Online banks that do not have physical branches still have routing numbers. Banks like Ally, Marcus, or Discover have their own routing numbers even though you cannot walk into a branch. You find and use them the same way you would for a traditional bank.
Credit unions also have routing numbers, sometimes called transit numbers. If your savings account is at a credit union, the routing number works identically to a bank routing number — it identifies your credit union and is used for direct deposits, transfers, and payments.
Security and routing numbers
Your routing number is not sensitive information. It is printed on checks, published in bank directories, and used in public transactions. Sharing your routing number alone does not put your account at risk because someone also needs your account number to move money.
However, you should not share your complete banking information (routing number plus account number) with people or websites you do not trust. Once someone has both numbers, they can set up transfers or payments from your account. Always verify that you are entering this information on a secure, official website or giving it to someone you know and trust.
If you are concerned that your account number has been compromised, contact your bank immediately. They can monitor your account for unauthorized activity and issue you a new account number if needed. Your routing number does not need to change.
What to do if you cannot find your routing number
If you have looked online and in your app and still cannot locate it, call your bank's main customer service line. Have your account number ready, and ask specifically for the routing number for your savings account. The representative will confirm which branch or region your account is with and provide the correct number.
If you are switching banks and need your old bank's routing number for a final transfer, your new bank can often retrieve it for you. When you open an account at a new bank and request a transfer from your old account, the new bank's staff can look up the old bank's routing number if you provide the name and location of the old bank.
Some banks have different routing numbers for different regions or branches, though this is becoming less common. If you moved or your bank merged with another institution, the routing number may have changed. Your bank's website or a phone call will clarify which routing number applies to your current account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same routing number for both my checking and savings accounts?
Yes. If both accounts are at the same bank or credit union, they share the same routing number. The account number is what distinguishes one from the other. When you provide your routing number and account number together, the bank knows exactly which account to use.
What if my bank has multiple branches — do they all have the same routing number?
Most banks use one routing number for the entire institution, regardless of how many branches they have. However, some larger banks or banks that have merged may have different routing numbers by region. Check your bank's website or call to confirm which routing number applies to your specific account.
Do I need a routing number to withdraw money from my savings account in person?
No. You only need your account number and a form of identification to withdraw money at a branch or ATM. Routing numbers are used for transfers, direct deposits, and payments — not for in-person transactions.
Is it safe to give my routing number to my employer for direct deposit?
Yes. Employers need your routing number and account number to set up direct deposit. This is a standard, secure process. Make sure you are entering the information into your employer's official payroll system, not into an email or unknown website.
What happens if I give someone the wrong routing number?
The transfer or deposit will likely be rejected or sent to the wrong bank. If money does go to the wrong institution, contact your bank immediately. They can work with the other bank to trace and recover the funds, though this can take several days.