The fastest way to find your routing number
Your routing number is printed on the bottom left of every check you have from that bank. Look at the first set of nine digits on the left side of the check — that is your routing number. If you do not have checks, you can find it in three other places: your bank's website (usually under account information or settings), a call to your bank's customer service line, or by logging into your online banking app.
The routing number is specific to your bank's location or branch, not to you personally. If you have accounts at multiple banks, each one has its own routing number. The number stays the same whether you are sending money out or receiving it.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears as the first nine digits on the bottom left of any check from your bank account.
- If you do not have checks, log into your online banking portal or mobile app — most banks display the routing number in the account details section.
- Calling your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card will get you the routing number in under a minute.
- Your bank's website usually has a search tool or FAQ page listing routing numbers by branch location.
Finding it on your checks
Open your checkbook and look at the bottom of any check. You will see three groups of numbers separated by vertical lines. The first group, on the far left, is your routing number — always nine digits. The middle group is your account number, and the third group on the right is the check number itself.
The routing number is printed in a special magnetic ink that banks use to sort checks automatically. It identifies which bank and which branch holds your account. Even if you have not written checks in years, an old check from the same account will still have the correct routing number.
Checking your online banking account
Log into your bank's website or mobile app using your username and password. Look for a section labeled "Account Information," "Account Details," or "Settings." Most banks display your routing number alongside your account number in this section — sometimes you have to click a link that says "View routing number" or "Account and routing information."
If you cannot find it in the obvious places, use the search function in your bank's website or app and type "routing number." Banks usually have a help article or FAQ page that lists routing numbers by branch. Some banks also let you look up routing numbers for other branches if you need to send money to someone at a different location of the same bank.
Calling your bank directly
The phone number for customer service is on the back of your debit card or credit card from that bank. Call and tell the representative you need your routing number. They will ask you to verify your identity — usually your account number and the last four digits of your Social Security number — and then give you the number over the phone.
This method takes about five minutes and works even if you have lost your checks or forgotten your online banking password. Customer service lines are typically open during business hours and sometimes 24/7, depending on the bank.
Using your bank's website search tool
Many banks have a dedicated page where you can search for routing numbers by branch location. Go to your bank's main website and look for a link that says "Find a routing number," "Routing number lookup," or "Branch information." Enter your state and city or zip code, and the tool will show you the routing number for branches in that area.
This is useful if you are sending money to someone at a different branch of your bank, or if you want to confirm you have the right number before you use it. The routing number for a specific branch does not change, so you can save it for future use.
What to do if you cannot find it
If your bank has merged with another bank or changed names recently, your routing number may have changed too. Call customer service and confirm that the number they give you is current for your account. Do not use an old routing number from a previous bank statement or check — it may not work for transfers.
If you are trying to receive money from an employer or government agency and you are not sure which routing number to give them, ask your bank which one to use for direct deposits. Some banks have multiple routing numbers depending on the type of transaction, though most have one main number that works for everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my account number?
No. Your routing number identifies your bank or branch — it is the same for everyone with an account there. Your account number is unique to you and identifies which specific account at that bank is yours. Both appear on your checks, with the routing number first.
Can I use someone else's routing number to send them money?
Yes. The routing number tells the banking system which bank to send the money to. Combined with the account number, it directs the money to the correct person's account. You need both pieces of information to complete a transfer.
Do I need a different routing number for wire transfers versus ACH transfers?
Most banks use the same routing number for both wire transfers and ACH transfers. However, some banks have separate routing numbers for wire transfers. Before you send money, ask your bank whether the routing number on your check works for the type of transfer you are making.
What if my bank does not have a website or mobile app?
Smaller banks and credit unions may not have online tools to look up routing numbers. Call the main branch number listed on your debit card or check, and a representative will give you the routing number over the phone. You can also visit a branch in person with your ID and ask.
Will my routing number change if I move to a different state?
No, your routing number stays the same as long as you keep the same account at the same bank. If you close your account and open a new one at a different bank, you will have a new routing number. Transferring money between branches of the same bank does not change your routing number.