Where to find your routing number on a check
The easiest place to find your routing number is on a check from your checking account. Look at the bottom left corner of any check. You will see three groups of numbers separated by vertical lines or colons. The first group — usually nine digits — is your routing number. The second group is your account number, and the third is the check number itself.
If you have a checkbook but have not written any checks yet, you can still use a blank check from the back of the book. The routing number is the same on every check from your account, so it does not matter which check you look at.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of any check from your checking account as the first nine-digit group.
- You can find your routing number online through your bank's website or mobile app without needing a physical check.
- Calling your bank's customer service line will give you your routing number within minutes if you cannot locate it online.
- Your routing number is specific to your bank and branch, not to your individual account, so it is the same for all your accounts at that bank.
Finding your routing number on your bank's website
Log into your bank's website using your username and password. Most banks display your routing number in the account details or account summary section. Look for a link labeled "Account Information," "Account Details," "Routing Number," or "Wire Transfer Information." The routing number is usually listed alongside your account number.
If you cannot find it on the main account page, check the section for wire transfers or international transfers — banks often list the routing number there because it is required for those transactions. Some banks also include it in downloadable account statements or in the settings area of your account.
Using your bank's mobile app
Open your bank's mobile app and navigate to your checking account. Tap on the account name or a details button — usually shown as three dots, a gear icon, or an information symbol. Your routing number should appear in the account information section, often alongside your account number.
If the app does not show the routing number on the main account screen, look for a "Share Account Details" or "Account Information" option. Some banks require you to tap a "View Full Account Number" button before the routing number becomes visible for security reasons.
Calling your bank to get your routing number
Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Tell the representative you need your routing number for your checking account. They will ask you to verify your identity — usually by providing your account number, Social Security number, or answering security questions — and then give you the routing number over the phone.
This method takes only a few minutes and works during business hours. If you call after hours, some banks have automated systems that can provide routing numbers without speaking to a representative.
Finding routing numbers for online-only banks
Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Chime display routing numbers prominently in the account information section of their websites and apps. Log into your account and look for "Account Details" or "Routing and Account Numbers." Online banks often have multiple routing numbers depending on the type of transaction — one for ACH transfers, one for wire transfers, and one for checks. Make sure you are using the correct routing number for what you need to do.
If you cannot find it online, call the bank's customer service line. Online banks typically have 24/7 phone support, so you can reach them at any time.
What to do if you cannot find your routing number
If you have lost your checkbook, do not have online access to your account, and cannot reach your bank by phone, you can search for your routing number using the Federal Reserve's routing number database. Visit the Federal Reserve's website and use their search tool to look up your bank by name and state. This will give you your bank's main routing number, though some large banks have multiple routing numbers for different branches or transaction types.
Another option is to visit your bank in person with a photo ID. A teller can provide your routing number immediately. This is also a good time to ask whether your bank has multiple routing numbers and which one you should use for your specific purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same for all my accounts at the same bank?
Yes. Your routing number is tied to your bank and branch location, not to individual accounts. If you have a savings account and a checking account at the same bank, they share the same routing number. However, if you bank at two different branches of the same bank, the routing numbers may differ.
Can I use someone else's routing number to send them money?
Yes. When you send money to someone else's account, you use their routing number and account number. You do not need their permission to look up or use their routing number — it is not sensitive information. However, you do need the correct account number to ensure the money goes to the right person.
What if my bank has multiple routing numbers?
Large banks and credit unions sometimes have different routing numbers for different types of transactions — ACH transfers, wire transfers, and checks may each have their own routing number. When you need your routing number, ask your bank which one to use for your specific purpose. Using the wrong one can delay your transaction.
Do I need my routing number to set up direct deposit?
Yes. Your employer or the organization sending you money will ask for both your routing number and account number to set up direct deposit. You can provide these over the phone, through an online form, or on a paper authorization form.