Where to find your routing number right now
Your bank's routing number is printed on the bottom left of every check you have. Look at the first set of nine digits before the account number — that is your routing number. If you do not have checks, you can find it in three other places: your bank's website, a call to your bank's customer service line, or your mobile banking app.
The routing number is the same for all customers at your bank, so you do not need to look up anything personal — you are just finding your bank's identifier. Different branches of the same bank use the same routing number. Your routing number is public information and cannot be used to withdraw money on its own.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number is the nine-digit code on the bottom left of your checks, before your account number.
- Every customer at your bank shares the same routing number, so it does not change based on your account type or balance.
- If you do not have checks, your bank's website, mobile app, or customer service can provide the routing number in under a minute.
- Wire transfers, direct deposit setup, and ACH payments all require your routing number plus your account number.
Finding it on your checks
Open your checkbook and look at the bottom of any check. You will see three groups of numbers separated by colons or symbols. The first group — always nine digits — is your routing number. The second group is your account number. The third is the check number.
This method works only if you have physical checks. If your bank stopped sending you checks or you have never ordered them, move to one of the other methods below. The routing number will be identical on every check from your bank, so you only need to look at one.
Finding it on your bank's website
Log into your bank's website and look for a section called "Account Details," "Account Information," or "Routing Number." Most banks put this in the account settings or under a help section. Some banks display it right on the dashboard after you log in.
If you cannot find it on the main pages, search the bank's website for "routing number" using your browser's search function (Ctrl+F on Windows, Cmd+F on Mac). You can also look for a "Wire Transfer Information" or "Direct Deposit Setup" page — these pages always list the routing number because customers need it to complete those transactions. The routing number will be clearly labeled so you know exactly which nine digits to use.
Finding it through your mobile app
Open your bank's mobile app and go to your account details or settings. Most apps show the routing number in the same place as your account number. Tap on "Account Information" or a similar option, and the routing number should appear on the screen.
If the app does not display it, you can usually request it through the app's messaging feature or contact support directly from within the app. The bank will send it to you within minutes. Some banks also allow you to copy the routing number directly from the app so you can paste it where you need it.
Calling your bank directly
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. They will verify your identity with a few security questions and give you the number over the phone. This takes about five minutes.
Have a pen ready to write down the number. Ask the representative to spell it out if you are unsure, and repeat it back to confirm you have it correct. You can also ask them to confirm which transactions require the routing number so you know how to use it.
What to do with your routing number
Once you have your routing number, you will use it along with your account number for wire transfers, setting up direct deposit, making ACH payments, or authorizing automatic bill payments. The routing number tells the financial system which bank to send money to; your account number tells that bank which account within the bank should receive it.
Keep a record of your routing number in a safe place. You may need it more than once, and looking it up each time takes longer than writing it down. Store it somewhere you can find it quickly when you are setting up a new payment or transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my account number?
No. Your routing number identifies your bank; your account number identifies your specific account at that bank. You need both for most transactions. The routing number is nine digits and appears first on your checks; the account number is longer and appears second.
Do all branches of my bank use the same routing number?
Yes. Every branch of the same bank uses the same routing number. The routing number does not change based on which branch you use or where you opened your account.
Can someone take money from my account if they have my routing number?
No. Your routing number alone is not enough to withdraw money. A person would need both your routing number and your account number, plus authorization from you or a court order. Your routing number is public information — it is printed on every check you write.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
After a merger, your routing number may change. Your bank will notify you of the change and provide your new routing number. Update any automatic payments or direct deposits with the new number to avoid delays or failed transactions.
Do I need a different routing number for wire transfers versus direct deposit?
No. The same routing number works for wire transfers, direct deposit, ACH payments, and other electronic transactions. You do not need to look up different numbers for different transaction types.