Your routing number is on the bottom left of every check you have
The easiest place to find your bank routing number is the bottom left corner of any check from your account. It's a nine-digit code printed before your account number. If you have checks in front of you right now, open a box and look at the first set of numbers on the left side of the bottom line.
If you don't have checks or can't locate them, your bank's website has your routing number listed in seconds. Log into your online banking account, go to the settings or account information section, and look for "routing number" or "ABA number" — they mean the same thing. Most banks also print it on statements, deposit slips, and savings account cards.
You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number. Have your account number ready, and they'll give it to you over the phone. This takes about two minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of every check, printed as a nine-digit code before your account number.
- Log into your bank's website and check the account information or settings section to find it without a check.
- Your bank's customer service line can tell you your routing number in one phone call if you have your account number ready.
- The routing number is specific to your bank's location or branch, so different banks have different numbers even if you bank with the same company in another state.
- Deposit slips, savings account cards, and bank statements also display your routing number if you need a backup source.
Finding it online without logging in
If you don't have online banking set up or can't remember your password, you can still find your routing number on your bank's website without logging in. Go to your bank's main website, look for a link labeled "routing number," "ABA number," or "bank information," and enter your state and city or zip code. The bank will show you the routing number for your branch.
Some banks organize this under "customer service" or "contact us." Others put it on a page called "wire transfer information" or "ACH details." If you can't find it after a quick search, call the bank's main number listed on their website and ask them to direct you to the routing number page.
What to do if you bank at a credit union or online-only bank
Credit unions and online banks work the same way as traditional banks — they have routing numbers, and you find them the same places. Log into your account online, call customer service, or check your statements. Some credit unions print the routing number on membership cards or deposit slips.
Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, or Chime display the routing number in your account settings or on a dedicated page for wire transfer and ACH information. If you're setting up a direct deposit or transfer and need the number immediately, the fastest route is usually the settings page in your account.
Understanding which routing number you need
Your bank may have multiple routing numbers depending on where you opened the account or which service you're using. A routing number is tied to a specific bank location or processing center, not to you personally. If you opened your account at a branch in Texas but now live in California, you still use the routing number from the Texas location where the account was opened.
For wire transfers, ACH transfers, and direct deposits, use the routing number associated with your account. If you're unsure which one is correct, ask your bank — they'll tell you which number to use for the specific transaction you're making. Using the wrong routing number can delay a transfer or send money to the wrong place, so it's worth confirming before you submit.
Routing number versus account number
Your routing number and account number are two different things, and you need both for most bank transactions. The routing number identifies your bank or credit union. The account number identifies your specific account within that bank. On a check, the routing number is on the left (nine digits), and the account number is in the middle (usually 10 to 12 digits).
When you set up direct deposit, make a wire transfer, or authorize an ACH payment, you'll need to provide both numbers. The routing number tells the sending bank where to send the money. The account number tells your bank which account to deposit it into. If either number is wrong, the transaction can fail or go to the wrong account.
Checking your routing number is correct before using it
Before you give your routing number to an employer, lender, or payment service, double-check it against your check or your bank's website. A single wrong digit can cause a direct deposit to bounce or a payment to land in someone else's account.
If you're setting up direct deposit for the first time, many employers offer a test deposit of a small amount (sometimes one cent) before they start regular paychecks. This confirms your routing and account numbers are correct. If the test deposit fails, contact your bank and your employer's payroll department to verify the numbers before the next pay cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my bank's main routing number?
Not always. Your routing number is tied to the specific branch or processing center where your account was opened. Your bank may have multiple routing numbers. Check your check or account information to find the routing number for your account, not just the bank's general number.
Can I find someone else's routing number?
Yes, routing numbers are public information. You can search for any bank's routing number by state and city on the bank's website or on public routing number databases. Routing numbers alone don't give access to anyone's money — you also need their account number and authorization to move funds.
What if my check shows a different routing number than my bank's website?
Use the number from your check or your current account information. Routing numbers can change if your bank merges with another bank or restructures its processing centers. Contact your bank to confirm which number is current for your account.
Do I need a routing number to transfer money between my own accounts at the same bank?
Not usually. Transfers between your own accounts at the same bank typically use your account numbers only. You only need a routing number when you're sending money to a different bank or setting up direct deposit from an employer.
What happens if I use the wrong routing number?
The transfer may fail and bounce back to the sender, or it may be delayed while the bank tries to sort it out. In rare cases, it could go to the wrong account. Always verify your routing number before submitting a transaction, and contact your bank immediately if a transfer goes to the wrong place.