Savings accounts do have routing numbers, but you only need yours when you're moving money in or out
Yes, your savings account has a routing number. It's the nine-digit code that identifies your bank or credit union. You'll need it when you set up direct deposit, transfer money between banks, pay bills by check, or receive an ACH transfer (the electronic system banks use to move money).
The routing number is the same for all accounts you hold at that bank, whether they're checking, savings, money market, or anything else. It doesn't change based on the account type. What changes is your account number, which is unique to that specific savings account.
Most people don't think about their routing number until they need to move money. If you're just depositing cash or using your debit card, you don't need it. But the moment you want to set up automatic transfers or receive a tax refund by direct deposit into your savings account, you'll be asked for both the routing number and the account number.
Key Takeaways
- Every savings account has a routing number that identifies your bank or credit union, and it's the same for all your accounts at that institution.
- You need your routing number when setting up direct deposit, transferring money between banks, or receiving ACH transfers like tax refunds.
- Your routing number is different from your account number — the routing number identifies the bank, while the account number identifies your specific savings account.
- You can find your routing number on the bottom left of your checks, through your bank's website or app, or by calling customer service.
Where to find your savings account routing number
The easiest place to look is your bank's website or mobile app. Log in and go to account details or settings — most banks display the routing number right there alongside your account number. It takes 30 seconds.
If you have checks linked to your savings account, look at the bottom left corner of any check. The first nine digits are your routing number. The second set of numbers (usually longer) is your account number.
You can also call your bank's customer service line. Have your account number ready, and they'll give you the routing number over the phone. Credit unions work the same way — call or check their website.
Routing numbers versus account numbers
These two numbers do different jobs. Your routing number tells the banking system which bank or credit union to send money to. Your account number tells that bank which account within the bank to deposit it into.
Think of it like mailing a letter. The routing number is the city and state. The account number is the specific street address. You need both for the money to land in the right place.
When you're setting up a transfer or direct deposit, you'll be asked for both. If you give the right routing number but the wrong account number, the money goes to your bank but into someone else's account — or it bounces back. If you give the wrong routing number, the money might go to the wrong bank entirely.
When you actually need your savings account routing number
Direct deposit is the most common reason people look up their routing number. If you're having a tax refund, paycheck, or government payment sent directly to your savings account, you'll need to provide both the routing number and account number on the form.
You also need it when you're transferring money from another bank into your savings account. If you're moving funds from a different bank's checking account to your savings account at Bank A, you'll give Bank A your routing number so they know where to send the money.
Bill pay through your bank's website sometimes asks for a routing number if you're paying a person or business that doesn't have an automatic payment setup. ACH transfers between individuals also require routing and account numbers.
If you're just using your debit card, writing checks from a checking account, or depositing cash at an ATM, you won't need your savings account routing number.
Routing numbers are public information
Your routing number is not secret. It's published by the Federal Reserve and is the same for everyone who banks at your institution. You can find routing numbers for major banks on the Federal Reserve's website or through a simple online search.
Because the routing number is public, sharing it is safe. What you should never share is your full account number combined with your routing number, especially with people you don't know. Together, those two pieces of information can be used to set up unauthorized transfers.
Your bank will never ask you to confirm your routing number over the phone or email. If someone contacts you asking for it, that's a red flag.
What happens if you use the wrong routing number
If you accidentally provide an incorrect routing number when setting up a transfer or direct deposit, the money usually doesn't go through. The sending bank's system will reject it because the routing number doesn't match any real institution, or it matches a different bank.
When a transfer is rejected, it typically bounces back to the sender within one to three business days. The sender then has to resubmit with the correct routing number. This delay can be frustrating if you're waiting for a tax refund or paycheck, but the money doesn't disappear — it just doesn't arrive on the first attempt.
If you somehow use a real routing number that belongs to a different bank, the transfer might go through to that bank. The receiving bank will eventually notice the account number doesn't match any of their customers and send the money back. This process can take a week or longer.
Routing numbers for online banks and credit unions
Online banks have routing numbers just like brick-and-mortar banks. If you bank with an online-only institution, you'll find the routing number on their website or in your account settings. The process is identical.
Credit unions also have routing numbers. If you have a savings account at a credit union, the routing number identifies that specific credit union. Some large credit unions have multiple routing numbers if they're part of a shared branching network, so check your statement or call to make sure you have the right one.
The routing number doesn't change if you move to a different branch of the same bank or credit union. It's tied to the institution, not the location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my checking account routing number for my savings account?
Yes, if both accounts are at the same bank. The routing number is the same for all accounts at that institution. However, you must use the correct account number for the specific savings account you want the money to go into.
What if my bank doesn't have a routing number?
Every bank and credit union in the United States has a routing number. If you can't find it, call customer service or check your bank's website. It's always there — you just might be looking in the wrong place.
Do I need my routing number to check my savings account balance?
No. You only need your account number and password to log into your account and check your balance. The routing number is only for moving money in or out.
Can someone steal money from my savings account if they have my routing number?
Not with just the routing number alone. They would also need your full account number. Even with both, they can't access your account through online banking without your password. However, they could potentially set up an unauthorized transfer, which is why you should never share both numbers together with someone you don't trust.
Does my savings account routing number change if I move to a different state?
No. Your routing number is tied to your bank or credit union, not your location. If you move and keep the same bank account, the routing number stays the same.