Where to find your routing number right now
Your bank's routing number is printed on the bottom left of every check you have from that bank. 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 seconds by logging into your online banking account, calling your bank's customer service line, or visiting your bank's website and searching for "routing number".
The routing number is the same for everyone at your bank, regardless of which branch you use or what type of account you have. It never changes. If you are waiting for a refund and the form asks for your routing number, this is the number you need.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of your checks as a nine-digit code, before your account number.
- You can find your routing number by logging into online banking, calling your bank, or searching your bank's website.
- The routing number is the same for all customers at your bank and does not change based on your account type or branch.
- When you provide your routing number for a refund or payment, pair it with your account number so the money goes to the correct account.
Checking your paper checks
Open a checkbook from your current account. At the bottom of any check, you will see three sets of numbers separated by vertical lines. The first set, on the far left, is your routing number. It is always nine digits long.
The middle set is your account number, which is unique to you. The third set on the right is the check number. If your checks are old or faded, the numbers may be hard to read — in that case, use one of the other methods below.
Using your bank's website or app
Log into your online banking account through your bank's website or mobile app. Most banks display your routing number in the account details or settings section. Look for a tab labeled "Account Information," "Account Details," or "Routing Number." Some banks put it under "Wire Transfer Information" because routing numbers are commonly used for wire transfers and direct deposits.
If you cannot find it in the obvious places, use the search function within the app or website and type "routing number." Your bank's help section will usually have a page dedicated to this information. You do not need to call or visit a branch.
Calling your bank directly
Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement. Tell the representative you need your routing number. They will give it to you immediately — this is one of the fastest ways if you are on the phone already.
Have your account number or card number ready when you call, though most banks will ask for it anyway to verify your identity. If you are calling from a number different than the one on file, they may ask additional security questions.
Finding it on your bank statement
Your monthly bank statement often includes your routing number in the account information section at the top or bottom of the first page. Check your most recent statement, whether it arrived by mail or email. The routing number will be listed alongside your account number and the bank's address.
If you have statements from multiple banks, make sure you are looking at the statement from the bank account where you want the refund to land. Each bank has its own routing number.
Searching the Federal Reserve database
If you know your bank's name and state but cannot reach them or access your account, you can search the Federal Reserve's routing number database online. Go to the Federal Reserve's website and use their routing number lookup tool. Enter your bank's name and the state where your branch is located, and the database will return the routing number.
This method works for any bank in the United States, but it requires you to know which bank you use and where your branch is located. If you have multiple accounts at different banks, search for each one separately.
What to do if you have multiple accounts
If you have accounts at more than one bank, each bank has a different routing number. When you are filling out a form for a refund or direct deposit, make sure you are using the routing number that matches the bank where you want the money to go.
Write down the routing number and account number together and keep them in a safe place. When you provide them to a government agency, employer, or insurance company, double-check both numbers before submitting. A mistake in either number can send your refund to the wrong account or delay it while the error is corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same at every branch of my bank?
Yes. Your routing number is the same whether you use the main branch downtown or a branch across town. It is tied to your bank as a whole, not to a specific location. Some very large banks may have multiple routing numbers for different regions, but your personal routing number does not change based on which branch you visit.
Can I use someone else's routing number if we bank at the same place?
Yes, because the routing number is the same for everyone at that bank. However, you must use your own account number. The routing number tells the system which bank to send the money to; your account number tells it which account within that bank. Using someone else's account number will send your refund to their account instead of yours.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
After a merger, your account may keep the old routing number or switch to the new bank's routing number. Check your most recent statement or log into online banking to confirm which routing number is currently active for your account. If you are unsure, call customer service — they can tell you which number to use for incoming transfers like refunds.
Do I need my routing number to check my refund status?
No. To track a tax refund, stimulus payment, or insurance refund, you typically need your Social Security number, filing status, or claim number — not your routing number. The routing number is only needed when you are setting up where the money should be sent, not when you are checking on it.
What happens if I give the wrong routing number?
The refund may be sent to a different bank or rejected entirely. If this happens, contact the agency or company sending the refund and provide the correct routing and account numbers. They can usually reissue the payment, though it may take an additional one to two weeks. This is why it is important to double-check both numbers before submitting any form.