Your routing number is printed on the bottom left of every check you write

The easiest place to find your routing number is the bottom left corner of any check from your account. It is a nine-digit code printed between two colons, like this: :123456789:. If you have checks in front of you right now, that number is your routing number.

If you do not have checks or prefer not to dig through your checkbook, your bank's website, your mobile app, or a phone call to customer service will give you the number in seconds. Most banks also print it on statements and deposit slips.

Key Takeaways

  • Your routing number appears on the bottom left of every check, between two colons, as a nine-digit code.
  • Your bank's website, mobile app, and customer service phone line all display your routing number without requiring you to log in.
  • The routing number is specific to your bank and branch, not to your individual account.
  • You will need both your routing number and your account number (printed to the right of the routing number on checks) for wire transfers, direct deposit setup, and ACH payments.

Finding your routing number on your bank's website

Go to your bank's main website and look for a link labeled "Routing Number," "Bank Information," or "Wire Transfer Information." Most banks put this in the footer or under a Help or Support section. You do not need to log into your account—banks publish this information publicly because it is not sensitive on its own.

If you cannot find it on the main site, search "[Your Bank Name] routing number" in Google. The bank's official page will appear at the top of the results. Write down the nine-digit number and keep it somewhere you can find it again, since you may need it more than once.

Using your mobile banking app

Open your bank's mobile app and log in. Look for a section called "Account Details," "Account Information," or "Settings." Tap into your checking account and scroll down—the routing number is usually listed right below the account number or in an "Account Details" section.

Some apps display it immediately on the account summary screen. If you cannot find it in the app, the phone number to call customer service is usually listed in the app's Help section or on your statements.

Calling your bank directly

Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your most recent statement. Tell the representative you need your routing number. They will ask you to verify your identity—usually your name, account number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number—then read the nine-digit code to you.

This method takes five to ten minutes but requires no internet access and gives you a human voice to confirm you have the right number. Write it down as they read it to you.

What to do if you have multiple accounts or banks

Each checking account has its own routing number if the accounts are at different banks. If you have multiple accounts at the same bank, they may share the same routing number, but you should confirm this with your bank because some institutions assign different routing numbers to different branches or account types.

The account number, by contrast, is unique to each individual account. You will see both numbers on your checks: the routing number on the left, your account number in the middle, and the check number on the right. When you need to set up direct deposit or a wire transfer, you will need both numbers.

Understanding the difference between routing and account numbers

Your routing number identifies your bank and branch. Think of it as the bank's address. Your account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Together, they tell the financial system exactly where your money is.

You can share your routing number freely—it is public information. Your account number should be treated more carefully, though it is not as sensitive as your PIN or password. When you give someone your routing and account numbers, you are essentially giving them the information needed to send you money or set up automatic payments, so only provide them to sources you trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my routing number the same as my bank's main routing number?

Not always. Some large banks have multiple routing numbers for different regions or branches. The routing number on your checks is the correct one for your specific account. If you are unsure, call your bank and confirm the number matches what is printed on your checks.

Can I use someone else's routing number to send them money?

Yes, if you have their routing number and account number, you can send them money through a wire transfer or ACH payment. The routing number tells the system which bank to send the money to, and the account number tells that bank which account to deposit it into.

What if the routing number on my check is different from what the bank's website shows?

Use the number on your check. Your bank may have consolidated branches or changed systems, and the website number might be outdated or for a different location. The number printed on your checks is always the correct one for your account.

Do I need my routing number to check my account balance?

No. You only need your routing number when you are sending or receiving money through wire transfers, setting up direct deposit, or authorizing ACH payments. For logging into your account or checking your balance, you need your username and password or online banking credentials.