Savings accounts have routing numbers, but you may not need yours
Yes, savings accounts have routing numbers. Your bank assigns one to your account the same way it does for checking accounts. The routing number identifies which bank holds your account and which branch processes transactions for it.
The catch: you rarely use a savings account routing number for anything. Most people never need to know it. Routing numbers matter when you're setting up direct deposits, wire transfers, or automatic bill payments — things savings accounts don't typically do. If you're transferring money between your own accounts at the same bank, you don't need a routing number at all.
Key Takeaways
- Savings accounts have routing numbers assigned by the bank, but most account holders never use them.
- You need a routing number only if you're receiving a direct deposit into savings or sending a wire transfer from savings, which is uncommon.
- Transferring money between your checking and savings at the same bank requires only your account number, not a routing number.
- If you can't find your savings account routing number, call your bank or check your account statements — it's usually printed there.
When you actually need a savings account routing number
Direct deposits into savings accounts are the main reason you'd need the routing number. If your employer, a government agency, or another payer wants to deposit money straight into your savings account instead of checking, you provide them with your routing number and account number.
Wire transfers out of savings are another scenario, though less common. If you're sending money by wire from your savings account to another bank, you'll give the receiving bank your routing number along with your account number so they can process it correctly.
Some banks also require a routing number if you're setting up an automatic transfer from savings to an external account at a different bank. However, many banks now use account numbers alone or other identifiers, so check with your bank first.
How to find your savings account routing number
The easiest place to look is your bank statements. Most banks print the routing number at the bottom left of checks, but savings accounts don't come with checks. Instead, open a recent statement — online or paper — and look for a nine-digit number labeled "routing number" or "ABA number." It's usually near your account number.
Call your bank's customer service line if you can't find it on a statement. Have your account number ready, and they'll give you the routing number in seconds. You can also log into your online banking portal; many banks display it under account details or settings.
If you're opening a new savings account and need the routing number before you receive your first statement, ask the bank representative when you open the account. They'll provide it on the spot.
Routing numbers versus account numbers for savings
The routing number identifies your bank. The account number identifies your specific savings account within that bank. Together, they form the pair needed for external transfers or deposits.
When you transfer money between your own checking and savings accounts at the same bank, you typically need only the account number. The bank's system already knows both accounts belong to you and are at the same routing number, so it doesn't ask for it.
If you're sending money to someone else's savings account at a different bank, you need both their routing number and their account number. If you're receiving money into your savings account from outside your bank, you give the sender your routing number and account number.
What happens if you give the wrong routing number
If you provide an incorrect routing number when setting up a direct deposit or wire transfer, the money typically goes to the wrong bank or the wrong account at your bank. The transaction may be rejected outright, or it may be delayed while the receiving bank tries to sort out where it belongs.
Direct deposits that land in the wrong place usually get returned to the sender within a few business days. Wire transfers can take longer to reverse. If this happens, contact your bank immediately with the transaction details so they can help trace the money and reroute it.
Double-check the routing number before you submit it, especially if you're setting it up for the first time. A single wrong digit sends the money somewhere else.
Savings accounts at online banks and credit unions
Online banks and credit unions also assign routing numbers to savings accounts. The process is identical to traditional banks. The routing number is still a nine-digit code that identifies the institution.
Credit unions use routing numbers the same way banks do, though some credit unions also go by charter numbers. If you're setting up a transfer to or from a credit union savings account, ask whether they prefer the routing number or charter number — most accept both, but some systems work better with one or the other.
Online banks operate the same way as brick-and-mortar banks for routing numbers. You'll find yours on statements or by calling customer service. The only difference is that you can't walk into a branch, so phone or online chat is your fastest option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my savings account routing number for a direct deposit?
Yes. If your employer or a government agency offers to deposit your paycheck or refund into savings instead of checking, provide them with your savings account routing number and account number. The deposit will go directly into your savings account.
Do I need a routing number to transfer money from savings to checking at the same bank?
No. Most banks let you transfer between your own accounts using only the account number. Log into your online banking, select the accounts, and enter the amount. The bank's system handles the routing automatically.
What if my savings account doesn't have a routing number?
It does — every bank account has one. If you can't find it, call your bank or check your statements. Some older statements may not print it clearly, but your bank can confirm it in seconds.
Is the routing number the same for all accounts at my bank?
Usually yes. Most banks use one routing number for all accounts, whether checking or savings. However, some large banks have multiple routing numbers based on the branch or account type. Your statement will show the correct one for your specific account.
Can someone steal money from my savings account if they have my routing number?
Not with just the routing number. They would need both your routing number and your account number, and even then, most banks require additional verification before processing transfers. Treat your account number like a password, but a routing number alone is less sensitive than a full account number pair.