The fastest way: check your checks or bank's website
Your routing number is printed on the bottom left of every check you have. It is a nine-digit code that comes before your account number. If you do not have checks in front of you, log into your bank's website or mobile app — most banks display your routing number in the account details or settings section, often labeled "Account Information" or "Bank Details."
If you cannot find it online, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Have your account number ready, and they will give you the routing number in under a minute.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of your checks, before your account number.
- Most banks show your routing number in their online banking portal under account details or settings.
- Calling your bank's customer service line is the fastest way to confirm the number if you cannot locate it yourself.
- The routing number is specific to your bank's branch or processing center, not to you personally, so it does not change when you move accounts.
- Do not share your routing number with anyone you do not trust, though it is less sensitive than your full account number.
Where banks display routing numbers online
Most major banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and others — show your routing number in the account summary or details page of their website or app. The exact location varies by bank, but it is usually grouped with your account number and other account information.
Some banks hide it one level deeper: you may need to click "View account details," "Account information," or "Routing and transit number" to see it. If you are logged in and cannot find it after checking the main account page and settings, the search function in your bank's help center will point you to the exact page.
Credit unions and smaller regional banks sometimes require you to call or visit a branch, especially if they do not maintain a full online banking platform. If your bank's website does not show the number, a phone call to customer service is the next step.
What to do if you do not have checks
If you have never ordered checks or your checks are long gone, you have three reliable options. First, log into your online banking account and look for account details — the routing number is almost always there. Second, call your bank's customer service line, which you can find on your debit card, bank statement, or the bank's website. Third, visit a branch in person with your ID and ask a teller to write down your routing number.
You can also search for your bank's routing number using the Federal Reserve's routing number database or your bank's official website, which often lists routing numbers by branch location. If your bank has multiple branches, make sure you are looking up the routing number for the branch where you opened your account or where your account is processed — some large banks use different routing numbers for different regions.
Understanding routing numbers across different banks
Each bank has one or more routing numbers depending on how many processing centers it operates. A large national bank like Chase may have dozens of routing numbers, one for each major region or processing facility. A smaller regional bank or credit union typically has just one.
Your routing number is tied to the bank or credit union itself and the branch or processing center that handles your account, not to you personally. This means your routing number will not change if you move to a different state, change your address, or open a new account at the same bank — as long as the account is processed through the same facility.
If you switch banks entirely, you will need a new routing number because it belongs to the new institution. If you are unsure whether you have the correct routing number for your specific account, your bank can confirm it in seconds.
Using your routing number safely
Your routing number is not secret — it is printed on every check and is public information. However, you should not share it with anyone you do not trust. The routing number alone cannot be used to withdraw money from your account, but combined with your account number, it allows someone to set up unauthorized transfers or payments.
When you provide your routing number for legitimate purposes — setting up direct deposit, arranging a wire transfer, or authorizing an ACH payment — make sure you are dealing with a trusted organization. Verify that you are on the correct website or speaking to the correct department before you share both your routing number and account number together.
Routing numbers for wire transfers and direct deposit
The routing number you use for a wire transfer is the same one you use for direct deposit or ACH transfers — it is the same nine-digit code. However, some banks distinguish between a "routing number" for ACH transfers and a "SWIFT code" for international wire transfers. The SWIFT code is different and longer; your bank can provide it if you need to send money internationally.
When setting up direct deposit with an employer or government agency, you will need both your routing number and your account number. Double-check both before you submit the form, because an error in either one will send your deposit to the wrong account or cause the transfer to fail.
What to do if you cannot find your routing number
If you have tried checking your checks, your online banking account, and your bank's website and still cannot locate the number, call customer service. Have your account number, Social Security number, and a form of ID ready. The representative will verify your identity and provide your routing number immediately.
If you are trying to find the routing number for a closed account or an account at a bank that no longer exists, contact the bank that acquired it or the Federal Reserve's routing number database. For very old accounts, you may need to contact your state's banking regulator or the FDIC if the bank failed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my account number?
No. Your routing number identifies your bank or credit union; your account number identifies your specific account within that institution. Both appear on your checks, with the routing number on the far left and the account number in the middle. You need both for direct deposit and wire transfers.
Do I need a different routing number for each account I have?
No. If you have multiple accounts at the same bank, they all share the same routing number because they are processed through the same institution. Each account has its own account number, but the routing number stays the same.
Can someone steal money using just my routing number?
Not with the routing number alone. A thief would need both your routing number and your account number to set up an unauthorized transfer. Protect both pieces of information, especially when providing them online or over the phone.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
After a merger, your routing number may change if your account is transferred to the acquiring bank's processing system. Your bank will notify you of any change and provide your new routing number. Update any recurring direct deposits or payments with the new number to avoid missed transfers.
Why do some banks have multiple routing numbers?
Large banks operate multiple processing centers across different regions. Each center has its own routing number. Your specific routing number depends on which processing center handles your account, usually based on where you opened it or your branch location.