Every savings account comes with a routing number
Yes, your savings account has a routing number. It is a nine-digit code that identifies the specific bank or credit union where your account lives. You need it whenever you set up direct deposit, arrange a wire transfer, or authorize an automatic payment from your savings account.
The routing number is the same for all accounts you hold at that bank — whether you have a checking account, savings account, money market account, or certificate of deposit. The number does not change based on which account type you use. What changes is your account number, which is unique to each individual account.
Banks and credit unions are required to have routing numbers by the Federal Reserve. The number tells the financial system which institution to send money to and which institution to pull money from. Without it, transfers between banks would not work.
Key Takeaways
- Your savings account routing number is a nine-digit code specific to your bank or credit union, not to the individual account.
- The routing number stays the same across all account types you hold at that bank — checking, savings, money market, and others.
- You can find your routing number on the bottom left of your checks, on your bank's website, by calling customer service, or through the Federal Reserve's routing number search tool.
- When you move money between banks, you will need both the routing number and the account number — they work together to identify where the money goes.
Where to find your savings account routing number
The fastest place to look is the bottom left corner of any check you have from that account. The first set of nine digits printed there is your routing number. The second set of digits is your account number.
If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app. Most banks display the routing number in the account details section, often labeled "Bank Information" or "Account Information." Some banks put it on the main dashboard; others require you to click into a specific account.
You can also call your bank's customer service line — the number is usually on the back of your debit card or on your monthly statement. A representative can tell you the routing number in under a minute. Credit unions often have the routing number printed on member cards as well.
If you need to verify the routing number is correct, the Federal Reserve maintains a searchable database at frbservices.org. Enter your bank name and state, and the system will return all routing numbers associated with that institution. This is useful if your bank has multiple routing numbers for different regions or account types.
Routing number versus account number — what is the difference
The routing number identifies your bank or credit union. Think of it as the address of the financial institution. The account number identifies your specific savings account within that bank. Together, they form a complete mailing address for your money.
When you set up direct deposit at work, you provide both numbers. Your employer uses the routing number to find your bank, then uses the account number to deposit your paycheck into the correct account. If you give the right routing number but the wrong account number, the money goes to the right bank but the wrong account — and you will have to contact the bank to recover it.
Your account number is typically 10 to 12 digits long and appears on your checks, statements, and in your online banking portal. It is unique to that one account. If you open a second savings account at the same bank, it will have a different account number but the same routing number.
When you need your savings account routing number
You need the routing number whenever money moves between banks. This includes setting up direct deposit from your employer, arranging an automatic transfer from another bank to your savings account, or sending a wire transfer out of your savings account.
You also need it if you are setting up automatic bill payments from your savings account, though many billers will accept just the account number if you provide your bank's name. Some investment firms and insurance companies ask for the routing number when you link a bank account for deposits or withdrawals.
You do not need the routing number for transactions within the same bank — moving money between your checking and savings accounts at the same institution, for example. You also do not need it to withdraw money at an ATM or to make a purchase with your debit card.
What happens if you give the wrong routing number
If you provide an incorrect routing number, the transfer usually fails before any money moves. The sending bank's system checks the routing number against the Federal Reserve database. If the number does not match a real bank, the transfer is rejected and the money stays in the sending account.
In rare cases, a routing number might be valid but belong to a different bank than the one you intended. If this happens, the money goes to the wrong bank, and you will need to contact that bank to recover it. This is why it is worth double-checking the routing number before you authorize a large transfer.
If you accidentally give the wrong account number but the correct routing number, the money reaches your bank but goes into the wrong account. Your bank can usually trace the transfer and move it to the correct account, but this takes a phone call and a few business days.
Routing numbers for different types of transfers
Most banks use the same routing number for all types of transfers — ACH transfers, wire transfers, and direct deposits. However, some larger banks maintain separate routing numbers for wire transfers versus ACH transfers. This is rare, but it is worth confirming with your bank if you are setting up a wire transfer for the first time.
Credit unions sometimes use different routing numbers depending on which credit union network they belong to. If you are a member of a smaller credit union, ask whether the routing number changes based on the type of transfer you are making.
When you set up a transfer through your bank's website or app, the system usually handles the routing number automatically. You select the destination bank from a list, and the routing number is filled in behind the scenes. This reduces the chance of error.
How to verify your routing number is correct
Before you authorize a large transfer, verify the routing number using the Federal Reserve's search tool at frbservices.org. Enter your bank name and the state where your branch is located. The search returns all routing numbers associated with that bank.
You can also call your bank directly and ask a representative to confirm the routing number. This takes two minutes and eliminates any doubt. If you are setting up direct deposit with an employer, ask your payroll department to confirm they have the correct routing and account numbers before your first paycheck is processed.
Some banks print the routing number on your debit card or in your welcome packet. If you have either of these documents, the number printed there is may provide to be correct for your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a different routing number for each savings account I have?
No. If you have multiple savings accounts at the same bank, they all share the same routing number. Each account has its own account number, but the routing number stays the same. The routing number identifies the bank; the account number identifies which account within that bank.
Can I find my routing number on my bank statement?
Yes, most banks print the routing number on your monthly statement, usually near the top or bottom of the page alongside your account number. If you cannot find it there, check your online banking portal or call customer service.
What if my bank merged with another bank — does my routing number change?
Sometimes. When two banks merge, the smaller bank's routing number may be retired and replaced with the larger bank's routing number. Your bank will notify you of any change and may send you new checks. Update any automatic payments or direct deposits with the new routing number.
Is it safe to share my routing number?
Yes. Your routing number is public information — it is printed on your checks and available through the Federal Reserve database. However, never share your full account number with anyone you do not trust. A scammer with both your routing number and account number can potentially withdraw money from your account.
Do online banks have routing numbers?
Yes. Online banks and online savings accounts have routing numbers just like traditional banks. You can find the routing number on the bank's website, in your account details, or by calling customer service. Online banks are part of the same Federal Reserve system as brick-and-mortar banks.