Your routing number is printed on the bottom left of every check you write

The easiest place to find your routing number is the bottom left corner of any check from your account. It is a nine-digit code printed between two colons. If you do not have checks in front of you, your bank's website, your mobile app, or a call to customer service will give you the same number in seconds.

Your routing number identifies which bank or credit union holds your account. It stays the same for every transaction you make from that account — it does not change when you move money or close and reopen accounts at the same institution. The number is public information; you share it whenever you set up direct deposit or authorize an automatic payment.

Key Takeaways

  • Your routing number appears on the bottom left of your checks, between two colons, as a nine-digit code.
  • Your bank's website, mobile app, and customer service phone line all display your routing number without requiring you to log in.
  • If you bank at a large national chain, the routing number is often the same across all branches in your state, though some banks use different numbers by region.
  • You need your routing number and account number together to set up direct deposit, automatic bill payments, or wire transfers.

Finding your routing number on your bank's website

Go to your bank's main website and look for a link labeled "Routing Number," "Bank Information," or "Wire Transfer Instructions." Most banks list this on their homepage or in a footer menu. You do not need to log into your account — the routing number is the same for all customers at that bank location or region, so it is posted publicly.

If you cannot find it on the homepage, try searching the site for "routing number" using your browser's search function. Banks often bury this information in FAQs or in pages about setting up direct deposit. If the website search does not work, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card and ask for your routing number — they will give it to you in under a minute.

Checking your mobile banking app

Open your bank's mobile app and look for a menu option labeled "Account Details," "Account Information," or "Settings." Some apps display your routing number on the main account screen; others require you to tap into a specific account to see it. The routing number shown in the app is the same one printed on your checks.

If your app does not show the routing number, you can still call the number on your debit card or visit a branch in person. Many banks have moved routing number information into their apps in recent years, but not all have updated their interface yet.

What to do if you have multiple accounts at the same bank

If you have a checking account and a savings account at the same bank, they share the same routing number. The routing number identifies the bank or 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. For example, if you bank at both Chase and Bank of America, you will have two different routing numbers — one for each institution. Some large banks also use different routing numbers by state or region, so confirm you have the correct one for the branch where you opened your account.

Understanding the nine-digit code on your check

The bottom of a check contains three separate numbers in this order: routing number (nine digits), account number (up to 17 digits), and check number. The routing number always appears first, between two colons. For example, a routing number might look like 021000021 — that is Chase Bank's routing number for New York.

The account number that follows is unique to your specific account. Never share your account number with anyone except your employer (for direct deposit) or a business you are paying. Your routing number, by contrast, is safe to share — it is not sensitive information and you will need to give it out regularly.

Routing numbers for wire transfers and ACH payments

When you set up a wire transfer or an automatic payment (called an ACH transfer), you will be asked for both your routing number and your account number. The routing number tells the system which bank to send the money to; the account number tells that bank which account within the bank to deposit it into.

Some banks publish a separate routing number specifically for wire transfers, different from the one used for ACH payments. Before you wire money, ask your bank whether the routing number you have is correct for wire transfers, or check the bank's website for a "wire transfer routing number" section. Using the wrong routing number can delay your transfer by several days while the receiving bank sorts out where the money was supposed to go.

What happens if you use the wrong routing number

If you use an incorrect routing number, the payment will either be rejected immediately or sent to the wrong bank. If it is rejected, you will see an error message and can correct it and try again. If it reaches the wrong bank, that bank will eventually return it to your bank, which can take three to five business days.

If you are setting up direct deposit and use the wrong routing number, your paycheck will not arrive on payday. Contact your employer's payroll department right away with the correct routing number and ask them to resubmit. Most employers can update direct deposit information within one or two pay periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my routing number the same at every branch of my bank?

Usually yes, but not always. Large banks like Bank of America and Wells Fargo often use the same routing number statewide. However, some regional banks and credit unions assign different routing numbers to different branches. Check your checks or call your specific branch to confirm.

Can I find my routing number without a check?

Yes. Visit your bank's website (no login required), call the customer service number on your debit card, use your mobile app, or visit a branch in person. All three methods take less than five minutes.

Do I need my routing number to transfer money between my own accounts?

Not usually. If both accounts are at the same bank, you can transfer money through your app or online banking without entering a routing number. You only need the routing number when sending money to a different bank or setting up direct deposit from an employer.

What is the difference between a routing number and a SWIFT code?

A routing number is used for domestic transfers within the United States. A SWIFT code is used for international wire transfers. If you are sending money outside the U.S., ask your bank for the SWIFT code instead of the routing number.

Can someone steal money from my account if they have my routing number?

No. A routing number alone cannot access your account. Someone would need both your routing number and your account number, and even then they would need authorization from you or your bank to move money. Never share your account number, but your routing number is safe to give out.