Your routing number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, or you can call your bank's customer service line to ask
The routing number for a savings account is a nine-digit code that tells the banking system which bank holds your account. It is the same for all customers at that bank, regardless of account type — your savings account, checking account, and money market account all use the same routing number. You do not need to log into online banking or visit a branch to find it. Three methods work fastest: check your paper checks, call your bank's phone number on the back of your debit card, or log into your online banking portal.
Most people find their routing number in under five minutes using one of these three routes. If you do not have checks or online access, the Federal Reserve maintains a free public database you can search by bank name and state.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of any paper checks your bank issued, printed as the first set of nine digits before your account number.
- Calling your bank's customer service line — the number on your debit card or bank statement — takes two minutes and requires only your account number or Social Security number to verify.
- Online banking portals usually display your routing number in the account details or settings section, though not all banks show it prominently.
- The Federal Reserve's routing number database at frbservices.org and your bank's official website both let you search by bank name and state if you cannot reach customer service.
Finding your routing number on a paper check
If you have a checkbook, your routing number is printed on the bottom left edge of any check. Look at the very bottom of the check — you will see three groups of numbers separated by vertical lines. The first group, on the far left, is your routing number. It is always nine digits.
The second group is your account number, and the third group is the check number itself. The routing number is the same on every check in your book, so you only need to look at one. If your checks are old or faded, the numbers should still be readable — banks print them in a special machine-readable format that lasts.
Calling your bank to ask for the routing number
If you do not have checks or prefer to speak with someone, call your bank's main customer service line. The phone number is printed on the back of your debit card, on your most recent bank statement, or on your bank's website. When you call, tell the representative you need your routing number for your savings account.
The bank will ask you to verify your identity — usually by providing your account number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, or answers to security questions you set up when you opened the account. Once verified, the representative will read your routing number to you over the phone. Write it down or ask them to repeat it to confirm all nine digits.
Checking your online banking account
Many banks display your routing number in the account details section of their website or mobile app. Log into your online banking portal and look for a section labeled "Account Details," "Account Information," "Routing and Account Numbers," or "Wire Transfer Information." Not all banks make this easy to find — some bury it under settings or a help section — but it is usually there.
If you cannot find it in your account portal after a quick search, call customer service instead. It is faster than hunting through menus. Some banks only show the routing number when you initiate a wire transfer or set up a direct deposit, so the information may not be visible on the main account page.
Using the Federal Reserve's routing number database
The Federal Reserve maintains a public database of routing numbers at frbservices.org. You can search by your bank's name and the state where your branch is located. This method works if you know your bank's name but do not have a check or access to your online account.
Keep in mind that large banks often have multiple routing numbers — one for each region or processing center. If your search returns more than one result, call your bank to confirm which routing number applies to your specific branch or account. Using the wrong routing number for your region can delay transfers by a day or more.
Confirming the correct routing number for your branch
Banks with multiple locations sometimes assign different routing numbers to different regions. If you found a routing number online or on a check but are not certain it is correct for your branch, call customer service and provide your branch location. The representative will confirm whether that routing number is the right one for your account.
This matters most if you are setting up a wire transfer or direct deposit. Using a routing number that belongs to a different branch of the same bank can cause the transfer to be delayed or sent to the wrong account. When in doubt, always verify with your bank before sending money.
What to do if you cannot reach your bank
If your bank's phone lines are busy or you cannot reach them during business hours, try their website first. Most banks list their routing number somewhere on their site — often in a FAQ section or a page about wire transfers. You can also search "[Your Bank Name] routing number" in a search engine, and the bank's official page usually appears at the top of the results.
If you are in a hurry and need the number right away, the Federal Reserve database is your fastest backup. Search by bank name and state, and you will have a routing number to use. Just confirm it with the bank later if the transfer does not go through on schedule or if you want to be certain you have the right one for your specific branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the routing number the same for checking and savings accounts at the same bank?
Yes. All accounts at the same bank — checking, savings, money market, and others — share the same routing number. The routing number identifies the bank, not the account type. Your account number is what distinguishes your savings account from your checking account.
Can I use a routing number from an online search, or do I need to call the bank?
You can use a routing number from an online search or the Federal Reserve database without calling first. However, if the transfer fails or is delayed, call your bank to confirm the routing number is correct for your branch. Large banks sometimes have multiple routing numbers by region.
What if I find two different routing numbers for my bank online?
Large banks often have multiple routing numbers assigned to different branches or processing centers. Call your bank and tell them your branch location — they will tell you which routing number is correct for your account. Using the wrong one can delay the transfer by a day or more.
Do I need my routing number to transfer money between my own accounts?
Not always. If both accounts are at the same bank, you can usually transfer money through online banking without entering a routing number — the bank's system already knows both accounts are yours. You need the routing number when transferring to an account at a different bank.
Will my routing number change if I move to a different branch of the same bank?
Usually not, but it depends on the bank. Most banks keep your routing number the same even if you move branches. However, if you move to a different state or region, some large banks assign a new routing number. Call your bank after you move to confirm your routing number has not changed.