The fastest way to find your routing number
Your bank routing number is printed on the bottom left of every check you have. Look at the first set of nine digits on the bottom of a check — that is your routing number. If you do not have checks in front of you, call your bank's customer service line (the number is on your debit card or bank statement) and ask for your routing number. They will give it to you over the phone in under a minute.
If you bank online, you can also log into your account and find the routing number in the settings or account information section. Most banks label this as "Routing Number," "ABA Number," or "Bank Routing Code." The exact location varies by bank, but it is usually under Account Details or Transfer Settings.
You can also search for your routing number on your bank's website using the bank name and your branch location. The Federal Reserve maintains a public database you can search at frbservices.org, though this requires knowing your exact branch address.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears as the first nine digits on the bottom left of any check you own.
- Calling your bank's customer service line will get you the number immediately without needing to search.
- Online banking portals usually show your routing number under Account Details or Transfer Settings.
- Different branches of the same bank may have different routing numbers, so make sure you have the one for your specific branch.
- The Federal Reserve's public database at frbservices.org lets you search by bank name and branch address if other methods do not work.
Why your routing number matters for refunds and transfers
Your routing number tells the sending bank which financial institution to send money to. When a tax refund, insurance payout, or business reimbursement is being deposited directly into your account, you need to provide both your routing number and your account number so the money reaches the right place.
Using the wrong routing number is one of the most common reasons direct deposits go to the wrong account or get delayed. The money does not disappear — it eventually gets returned to the sender — but the process can take weeks. Getting the correct routing number for your specific branch before you submit refund paperwork prevents this problem.
Where routing numbers appear on different documents
If you have a physical check, the routing number is always in the same place: the leftmost nine-digit number at the bottom of the check, printed in a special magnetic ink. The account number comes next, followed by the check number on the right.
Bank statements also list your routing number, usually near the top or in the account information section. If you receive statements by mail, look for it near your account number. If you view statements online, check the Account Details or Account Information tab.
Debit cards do not print the routing number on the card itself, so you cannot find it there. You will need to use a check, call your bank, or log into online banking.
What to do if you cannot find your routing number
Call your bank's main customer service number. This is the fastest method if you do not have checks or online access. Have your account number ready (it is on your debit card or any bank statement), and tell them you need the routing number for your branch. They will confirm your identity and provide it immediately.
If you bank at a credit union instead of a bank, the same process applies — call their member services line and ask for your routing number. Credit unions use routing numbers the same way banks do.
If you have moved or changed branches, make sure you ask for the routing number of your current branch, not a previous one. Branch mergers and relocations sometimes change routing numbers, and using an old number can cause delays.
Routing numbers versus account numbers
These are two different numbers that work together. Your routing number identifies your bank and branch — it is the same for everyone at that branch. Your account number identifies your specific account within that bank — it is unique to you.
When you set up a direct deposit for a refund, you need both numbers. The routing number tells the system which bank to send the money to; the account number tells the bank which account within that bank should receive it. Providing only one is not enough.
You can share your routing number freely — it is not sensitive information. Your account number is more private, but both together are needed for legitimate transfers. Never provide either number to someone who contacts you unexpectedly claiming to be from your bank or a government agency.
Routing numbers for online banks and out-of-state accounts
Online banks and banks without physical branches still have routing numbers. If you bank with an online-only institution, you can find the routing number the same way: check any checks they issued you, log into online banking, or call their customer service line.
Some online banks do not issue checks, so you may only have the option to call or check your online account. The routing number is still there — it is just not printed anywhere physical.
If you have accounts at multiple banks or branches, each one may have a different routing number. Make sure you are using the routing number that matches the specific account where you want the refund deposited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same routing number for all my accounts at the same bank?
Only if all your accounts are at the same branch. If you have accounts at different branches of the same bank, they may have different routing numbers. Check which branch each account is at and use the routing number for that specific branch.
What happens if I give the wrong routing number for a tax refund?
The refund will be deposited into the wrong account. The receiving bank will eventually return it to the IRS, and the IRS will reissue the refund to the correct account. This process typically takes four to six weeks. Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to report the error and ask them to reissue it.
Do I need a routing number if I want my refund mailed as a check instead?
No. If you choose to receive a paper check instead of a direct deposit, you only need to provide your mailing address. Routing and account numbers are only needed for direct deposits to a bank account.
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. If you are sending money internationally, ask your bank for the SWIFT code, not the routing number.
Can I find someone else's routing number if I know their bank?
Yes, routing numbers are public information. You can search for any bank's routing numbers by bank name and branch location on the Federal Reserve website or your bank's website. This is why routing numbers are safe to share — they do not give anyone access to your money.