The fastest way to find your routing number
Your bank 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 bottom line — that is your routing number. If you do not have checks, you can find it in seconds by logging into your online banking account, calling your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card, or visiting your bank's website and searching for "routing number".
The routing number is specific to the branch or region where you opened your account, so it matters which bank you use and sometimes which location. A Wells Fargo account in California may have a different routing number than a Wells Fargo account in Texas. If you have accounts at multiple banks, each one has its own routing number.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears as the first nine digits on the bottom left of any check from your account.
- Online banking portals show your routing number under account details or settings, usually labeled "routing number" or "ABA number".
- Calling your bank's customer service line (the number on your debit card) will give you the routing number in under a minute.
- The routing number is tied to your specific bank and branch, so it stays the same for all transactions from that account.
Finding it through your bank's website
Most banks post routing numbers on their main website without requiring you to log in. Go to your bank's homepage, look for a link labeled "routing number," "ABA number," or "bank information," and search for your state or branch location. Some banks list all their routing numbers on one page; others ask you to enter your zip code first.
If the public page does not show it, log into your online banking account. The routing number usually appears in the account details or settings section, sometimes under a tab called "Account Information," "Transfer Details," or "Wire Instructions." If you cannot find it there, look for a link to download or view your account statements — many banks print the routing number at the top of the PDF.
Calling your bank directly
The phone number on the back of your debit card connects you to customer service, and they can tell you your routing number in under a minute. You will need to verify your identity with your account number or Social Security number, but the process is straightforward. This method works even if you do not have online banking set up or do not have checks.
If you are calling from outside the country or have an older account, customer service may take slightly longer to locate the information, but they will have it. Write down the routing number they give you and confirm it matches what you see on a check if you have one available.
What to do if you have multiple accounts
If you have more than one account at the same bank — a checking account and a savings account, for example — they share the same routing number. The routing number identifies the bank and branch, not the individual account. Your account number is what distinguishes one account from another.
If you have accounts at different banks, each bank has its own routing number. Write down which routing number goes with which bank so you do not mix them up when you need to set up a transfer or direct deposit. A simple spreadsheet or note on your phone works well for this.
Understanding the routing number format
A routing number is always nine digits. On a check, it sits between the bank's logo and your account number at the bottom. The format looks like this: the first four digits identify the Federal Reserve district, the next four identify the specific bank, and the last digit is a check digit that verifies the number is correct.
You do not need to understand how the digits break down to use your routing number — you just need to copy all nine digits exactly as they appear. A single wrong digit will cause a transfer to fail or go to the wrong account, so double-check before you submit it.
Routing number versus account number
Your routing number and account number are different and serve different purposes. The routing number tells the banking system which bank to send money to. Your account number tells that bank which specific account within the bank should receive the money. You need both pieces of information to set up direct deposit, wire transfers, or automatic payments.
On a check, the routing number is the first nine digits on the bottom left, and your account number is the second set of digits, usually 10 to 12 digits long. If you are setting up a transfer and the form asks for both, make sure you put each one in the correct field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my SWIFT code?
No. Your routing number is used for domestic transfers within the United States. A SWIFT code is used for international transfers and is different from your routing number. Your bank can provide your SWIFT code if you need it for a wire transfer to another country.
Can I use someone else's routing number to send them money?
Yes. If you are sending money to someone else's account, you need their routing number and their account number. The routing number tells the system which bank to use, and the account number tells that bank which account to deposit the money into. You do not need their permission to use their routing number — it is public information.
What if the routing number on my check does not match what the bank website shows?
This can happen if you moved or your bank merged with another bank after you ordered your checks. Use the routing number from your bank's website or customer service, not the one on old checks. Call your bank to confirm which number is current 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 a transfer, direct deposit, or wire. For checking your balance, logging into your online account or calling customer service requires only your account number and password or PIN.