Where to find your routing number on paper and online
Your savings account routing number is printed on the bottom left of every check your bank issues you. If you have checks, look at the first nine digits on the lower left corner — that is your routing number. The next set of digits is your account number.
If you do not have checks or prefer not to dig through a checkbook, log into your bank's website or mobile app. Most banks display your routing number in the account details or settings section, often labeled "Account Information" or "Routing Number." Some banks require you to navigate to a specific page for wire transfer details, where the routing number appears alongside 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 for your routing number. A representative can tell you the number over the phone in under a minute. This is the fastest option if you need the number right now and do not want to log in online.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of any checks your bank issued, as the first nine digits.
- Online banking portals and mobile apps show your routing number under account details or settings, usually within the wire transfer or account information section.
- Calling your bank's customer service line gets you the number immediately without logging in or searching through documents.
- Your routing number is specific to your bank and branch, not to you personally, so the same number works for all accounts you hold at that bank.
- The routing number and account number are different — you need both for wire transfers, direct deposit setup, and some refund delivery methods.
Why banks use routing numbers and what they identify
A routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the specific bank or credit union where your account lives. The first four digits identify the Federal Reserve district, the next four identify your bank, and the last digit is a check digit that confirms the number is valid. When money moves between banks — whether a wire transfer, direct deposit, or ACH payment — the routing number tells the sending bank exactly where to send it.
Your routing number is not secret and is not unique to you. Every customer at your bank branch uses the same routing number. You can share it freely without risk, because the routing number alone cannot access your account. A person would need both your routing number and your account number to move money, and even then, most transfers require additional verification.
Differences between routing numbers and account numbers
A routing number identifies your bank. An account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Together, they form the pair needed for most electronic transfers. If your bank has multiple branches, they may all share one routing number, or larger banks may assign different routing numbers to different regions — this varies by institution.
When you set up direct deposit for a tax refund or paycheck, you provide both numbers. If you give only the routing number, the transfer will fail because the bank will not know which account to deposit into. If you give only the account number, the transfer will fail because the receiving bank will not know which institution to contact. Both are required.
Finding your routing number if you switched banks or use an online bank
If you recently switched banks and no longer have checks from your old account, you cannot retrieve that old routing number from paper. However, you likely do not need it — most refunds and transfers go to your current account. If you must contact your previous bank for historical reasons, call their customer service line and provide your old account number. They can tell you the routing number even if your account is closed.
Online banks and credit unions that do not issue checks still have routing numbers. Log into your account and look for "Account Details," "Wire Transfer Information," or "Routing Number" in the settings or help section. If you cannot find it online, call the bank's support line. Online banks typically have one routing number for all customers, so it is easy to find once you know where to look.
Some credit unions use the term "routing transit number" instead of "routing number," but it is the same nine-digit code. The process for finding it is identical — check your statements, log into online banking, or call customer service.
Using your routing number for tax refunds and government payments
When you set up direct deposit for a federal tax refund, the IRS asks for your routing number and account number on your tax return or through their online portal. The IRS uses these numbers to deposit your refund directly into your savings account instead of mailing a check. State tax refunds work the same way — you provide the routing and account numbers, and the state revenue department deposits the money electronically.
Some government payments, such as stimulus checks or Social Security deposits, also use direct deposit. If you have already set up direct deposit with your bank for payroll, you can use the same routing and account numbers for government refunds. Make sure the numbers you provide match your current account — if you switched banks since your last refund, update your information with the IRS or your state tax agency before filing.
What to do if your bank does not have a routing number listed online
A very small number of banks or credit unions do not display routing numbers prominently online, usually because they are very small institutions or because their website is outdated. If you cannot find it after checking your checks, your statements, and the account details section of your online banking portal, call customer service. Have your account number ready when you call — it helps the representative locate your account faster.
If you are trying to set up a transfer and your bank refuses to provide a routing number, ask whether they use ACH transfers or wire transfers, and whether they have a different process for receiving electronic deposits. A very small number of institutions do not participate in standard ACH networks, which means they cannot receive direct deposits the way most banks do. In that case, you may need to choose a different delivery method for your refund, such as a check or a prepaid debit card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same for checking and savings accounts?
Yes. Your bank assigns one routing number to all accounts you hold there, regardless of account type. If you have both a checking and savings account at the same bank, they share the same routing number. You use different account numbers to distinguish between them.
Can I use someone else's routing number to send them money?
Yes, if you also have their account number. The routing number tells your bank where to send the money, and the account number tells their bank which account to deposit it into. You need both pieces of information for the transfer to work.
What if I provide the wrong routing number when setting up a refund?
The transfer will fail and bounce back to the sender. The IRS or state tax agency will then reissue your refund, usually by check, which takes several weeks longer. If you realize you made a mistake before your refund is processed, contact the IRS or your state tax agency immediately to correct it.
Do I need my routing number to check my account balance?
No. You only need your routing number when money is moving into or out of your account electronically. For checking your balance, logging into your bank's app or website, or calling customer service, you only need your account number and password.
Will my routing number change if I move to a different state?
Not if you keep the same bank. Your routing number is tied to your bank and branch, not to your location. If you move and your bank has branches in your new state, your routing number stays the same. If you switch to a different bank, you will have a new routing number.