Where to find your routing number right now
Your bank's routing number is printed on the bottom left of every check you have. Look at the first set of nine digits before the account number — that is your routing number. If you do not have checks, you can find it in three other places: your bank's website, a call to your bank's customer service line, or your online banking portal.
The routing number is the same for all customers at your bank in your state. It does not change based on which branch you use or which account you hold. If you bank with a large national chain like Chase, Bank of America, or Wells Fargo, the routing number depends on which state your account was opened in — so confirm your state before you search.
You need the routing number when you set up direct deposit for paychecks or tax refunds, when you authorize an automatic bill payment, or when someone sends you money through an ACH transfer. It tells the sending bank which institution to route the money to.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number is printed on the bottom left of your checks as the first nine-digit sequence.
- The routing number is the same for all customers at your bank in your state, but may differ by state for large national banks.
- You can find your routing number on your bank's website, in your online banking portal, or by calling customer service.
- You need your routing number whenever you set up direct deposit, automatic payments, or receive ACH transfers.
Finding it on your bank's website
Most banks publish their routing numbers on their website. Go to your bank's main website and look for a link labeled "Routing Number," "Bank Codes," "Swift Codes," or "Wire Transfer Information." This link is usually in the footer of the page or under a section called "Customer Service" or "Banking Basics."
When you find the page, you will see a list of routing numbers organized by state. Select your state, and you will see the routing number for accounts opened in that state. Write down the nine-digit number exactly as it appears — do not add dashes or spaces.
If you cannot find the routing number on the main website, try searching "[Your Bank Name] routing number" in a search engine. The bank's official page usually appears in the top results.
Checking your online banking portal
Log into your online banking account and look for account details or account information. Many banks display the routing number alongside your account number on the account summary page. Some banks hide it under a link that says "Account Details," "View Account Information," or "Wire Transfer Details."
If you see your account number but not the routing number, try clicking on the account itself or looking for a dropdown menu. Some banks require you to click "More Information" or a similar link to reveal the routing number.
Calling your bank directly
Pick up the phone and call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement. Tell the representative you need your routing number. They will give it to you over the phone and may also offer to send it to you by email or text.
Have your account number or the last four digits of your Social Security number ready when you call — the bank will ask for one of these to confirm your identity. The call usually takes less than five minutes.
Understanding routing numbers for different account types
If you have a savings account and a checking account at the same bank, they share the same routing number. The routing number identifies the bank, not the account type. Your account number is what distinguishes one account from another.
If you have accounts at multiple banks, each bank has its own routing number. You cannot use one bank's routing number to send money to an account at a different bank — the money will go to the wrong place or be rejected.
Credit unions also have routing numbers, sometimes called "transit numbers." The process for finding a credit union routing number is the same as for a bank: check your checks, visit the credit union's website, or call customer service.
What to do if you cannot find your routing number
If your bank's website does not list routing numbers and you cannot reach customer service, try the Federal Reserve's routing number database at frbservices.org. Enter your bank's name and state, and the database will return the routing number. This is a public government resource and is free to use.
Another option is to ask your employer's payroll department or the organization sending you money — they often have your routing number on file from a previous direct deposit setup. They can tell you what number they have for you, which confirms whether you are using the right one.
Common mistakes when using your routing number
The most common error is using the wrong routing number for your state. If you opened your account in one state and moved to another, your routing number is still tied to the state where you opened it. Confirm your account's home state before you use the routing number.
Another mistake is confusing your routing number with your account number. The routing number is nine digits and comes first on your check. Your account number is longer and comes after the routing number. If you reverse them, the transfer will fail.
Do not add dashes, spaces, or leading zeros when you enter your routing number. Enter it exactly as it appears — nine digits with no formatting. Many online forms will reject it if you add anything extra.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my bank's SWIFT code?
No. Your routing number is used for domestic transfers within the United States. A SWIFT code is used for international wire transfers. They are different numbers, and you need the correct one for the type of transfer you are making.
Can I use someone else's routing number to send them money?
Yes. If you are sending money to someone at the same bank as you, you can use your shared routing number along with their account number. The routing number tells the bank where to send the money; the account number tells it which account within that bank.
What if I give the wrong routing number by mistake?
If you enter the wrong routing number, the transfer may be rejected, or it may go to the wrong bank. Contact the organization that sent the money immediately and provide the correct routing number. They can usually cancel the transfer and resend it.
Do I need a routing number for mobile payment apps like Venmo or PayPal?
No. Apps like Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App link to your bank account using your account number and login credentials, not your routing number. You only need your routing number for direct deposit, wire transfers, and ACH payments set up directly with your bank or employer.