The fastest way to find your routing number
Your bank's routing number is printed on the bottom left of every check you have. If you have a checkbook in front of you right now, look at the first set of nine digits on the bottom of any check — that is your routing number. It stays the same for your bank and branch, so you only need to find it once.
If you do not have checks, your bank's website has a routing number lookup tool. Log into your online banking account, go to the settings or account information section, and search for "routing number." Most banks display it next to your account number. You can also call your bank's customer service line — the number is on your debit card or bank statements — and ask them to read it to you over the phone.
The Federal Reserve also maintains a public routing number database at frbservices.org. Enter your bank name and state, and the system will show you the routing number for your specific branch.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of any check you own, printed as the first nine-digit sequence.
- Log into your bank's website and check the account information or settings section to find your routing number without a checkbook.
- Call your bank's customer service line and ask directly — they will provide it immediately.
- The Federal Reserve's routing number database at frbservices.org lets you search by bank name and state if other methods do not work.
- Your routing number belongs to your bank and branch, not to you personally, so it does not change when you move money between accounts.
Reading the routing number on a check
A check has three sets of numbers on the bottom. The first nine digits, on the far left, are the routing number. The second set, in the middle, is your account number. The third set, on the right, is the check number itself.
The routing number tells the banking system which bank and which branch processed the check. When you send money by wire transfer or set up direct deposit, you give the receiving bank this routing number so they know where to pull the money from. If you use the wrong routing number, the transfer may go to the wrong bank or be rejected entirely.
Not all checks show the routing number in the same place or format, but it is always the first nine-digit group at the bottom. If your checks are very old or from a bank that has merged with another, the routing number may have changed — ask your bank whether your current routing number matches what is printed on your checks.
Finding the routing number online
Log into your bank's website using your username and password. Look for a section called "Account Information," "Account Details," "Settings," or "My Accounts." The routing number is usually listed near your account number, often labeled as "ABA routing number" or just "routing number."
Some banks put this information on the main dashboard after you log in. Others hide it one or two clicks deeper. If you cannot find it on the website, try the mobile app — many banks display routing information more prominently in the app than on the website.
If your bank's website does not show the routing number anywhere, or if you cannot log in, move to the phone call or Federal Reserve database instead. Do not guess or use a number from another bank's website — using the wrong routing number will cause delays or failed transfers.
Calling your bank to get the routing number
Find the customer service phone number on your debit card, bank statement, or the bank's website. Call and tell the representative you need your routing number. They will ask you to verify your identity — usually by providing your account number, Social Security number, or the last four digits of the number associated with the account.
This is the fastest method if you are in a hurry. A representative can give you the number in under a minute, and you can write it down immediately. If you are setting up direct deposit or a wire transfer and need the number right away, calling is often faster than logging in online.
Ask the representative to confirm that the routing number matches your branch location. If you have moved or your bank has merged with another, the routing number may have changed since your last transaction. The representative can tell you whether your checks still have the current routing number printed on them.
Using the Federal Reserve routing number database
Go to frbservices.org and look for the routing number lookup tool. Enter your bank's name and the state where your branch is located. The database will return the routing number for that bank and state combination.
This method works when you do not have a checkbook, cannot log into your bank's website, or want to double-check a routing number you found elsewhere. The Federal Reserve maintains this database for all banks that participate in the U.S. banking system, so it covers nearly every bank in the country.
The database shows one routing number per bank per state. If your bank has multiple branches in the same state, they all share the same routing number. If your bank operates in multiple states, each state may have a different routing number — make sure you select the correct state before you look up the number.
What to do if your bank has merged or changed names
If your bank was bought by another bank or merged with a competitor, your routing number may have changed. The old routing number may still work for a short time, but it is not may provide. Check your most recent bank statement or log into your online account to see the current routing number.
Call your bank and ask whether your routing number changed as a result of the merger. If it did, update any automatic payments, direct deposits, or wire transfer instructions that use the old number. Continuing to use an old routing number can cause payments to be delayed or rejected.
If you have old checks printed with the old routing number, do not use them for wire transfers or direct deposit setup. You can still use them to pay bills or make purchases in person, but for electronic transfers, use the new routing number from your bank's website or a phone call to customer service.
Routing number versus account number
Your routing number identifies your bank. Your account number identifies your specific account within that bank. You need both pieces of information to set up direct deposit, wire transfers, or automatic bill payments.
The routing number is the same for everyone at your bank and branch — if you and a friend both bank at the same branch, you have the same routing number. Your account number is unique to you. On a check, the routing number comes first (nine digits on the left), and the account number comes second (usually 10 to 12 digits in the middle).
When you give someone your banking information, always provide both numbers. Giving only the routing number is like giving someone your city but not your street address — they know where to look, but not exactly where to send the money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the routing number from someone else's check?
Only if you both bank at the same branch. The routing number identifies the bank and branch, not the individual account. If you and a friend use the same bank and branch, you have the same routing number. But you must use your own account number, not theirs.
Does my routing number change if I move to a different state?
Not if you keep the same bank and branch. Your routing number is tied to your branch location, not your home address. If you move but keep your account open at the same branch, the routing number stays the same. If you close that account and open a new one at a different branch in a different state, the new branch may have a different routing number.
What if I cannot find my routing number anywhere?
Call your bank's customer service line. They can provide it immediately and confirm it is correct for your branch. If you do not have the phone number, search your bank's name plus "customer service" online, or check your debit card or most recent bank statement for the number.
Is it safe to share my routing number?
Yes. Your routing number is not secret — it is printed on every check you write and is publicly available in the Federal Reserve database. You need to share it to set up direct deposit or receive wire transfers. Never share your account number or PIN, but the routing number alone cannot be used to access your account.
Do I need a different routing number for wire transfers versus direct deposit?
No. The same routing number works for all electronic transfers — wire transfers, direct deposit, automatic bill payments, and ACH transfers. Use the routing number for your bank and branch, along with your account number, for any electronic transaction.