Where to find your account and routing numbers
Your routing number and account number are printed on the bottom left of every check you write. The routing number comes first (nine digits), then your account number (usually 10 to 12 digits). If you do not have checks in front of you, your bank's website shows both numbers in the account details section, usually under "Account Information" or "Account Summary." You can also call your bank's customer service line and they will read them to you over the phone.
Some banks print these numbers on your debit card or in your monthly statement, though not all do. If you cannot find them anywhere else, logging into your online banking portal is the fastest way — most banks display them prominently on the dashboard or in a dedicated account details page.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number (nine digits) and account number (10 to 12 digits) appear on the bottom left of every check, in order from left to right.
- Your bank's website, mobile app, or customer service line can provide both numbers if you do not have a check available.
- The routing number identifies which bank or credit union holds your account; the account number identifies your specific account within that bank.
- You will need both numbers to set up direct deposit, receive wire transfers, or authorize automatic payments.
Reading the numbers on a check
Look at the bottom of any check. You will see a series of numbers printed in a special magnetic ink format. Reading from left to right, the first nine-digit number is your routing number. Immediately after it comes your account number, which is typically longer. At the far right is your check number.
The routing number never changes for your bank — every customer at your bank has the same routing number. Your account number is unique to you and stays the same for as long as you hold that account. If you switch banks, you get a new routing number and a new account number. If you open a second account at the same bank, you get a second account number but keep the same routing number.
The magnetic ink format makes these numbers machine-readable, which is why they look slightly different from the regular printed numbers above them. You can read them with your eyes just fine, but the special format allows banks to process checks automatically.
What each number does
Your routing number tells the banking system which financial institution to send money to. It is a five-digit code assigned by the Federal Reserve to every bank and credit union in the United States. When you receive a direct deposit paycheck or a wire transfer, the routing number directs that money to your bank. When you set up an automatic bill payment, the routing number tells the payment processor where to pull the money from.
Your account number tells your bank which specific account within that bank should receive or send the money. Without it, the routing number alone would not be enough — your bank needs to know which of its thousands of accounts the transaction belongs to. Together, the two numbers form a complete address for your money.
Finding your routing number if you do not have a check
Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for "Account Information," "Account Details," or "Account Summary." Most banks display your routing number and account number together in this section. If you cannot find it online, call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Have your account number or debit card ready, and the representative will read both numbers to you.
You can also search online for "[Your Bank Name] routing number" — the bank's official website will have a routing number lookup tool. Some banks have different routing numbers for different regions or branches, so make sure you are looking up the routing number for the specific branch where you opened your account, or use the one from your online banking portal to be certain.
Routing numbers for credit unions and online banks
Credit unions work the same way as traditional banks — they have a routing number and you have an account number. If you belong to a credit union, your routing number is assigned by the Federal Reserve just like any other financial institution. You can find it on checks, in your online account, or by calling the credit union directly.
Online banks (banks with no physical branches) also have routing numbers. Because they do not have branch locations, there is usually only one routing number per online bank, not multiple ones for different regions. Check your online account or the bank's website for the routing number.
What to do if your numbers do not match what you expected
If you are setting up direct deposit or a wire transfer and the routing number you find does not match what your employer or the other party gave you, double-check that you are looking at the right bank. Some large banks operate under multiple names or have acquired smaller banks — your account might be at a subsidiary with a different routing number than the parent company.
If you recently switched banks or merged accounts, your old routing number will no longer work. Make sure you are using the routing number for your current bank. If you are still unsure, contact your bank directly — they can confirm your routing number and account number are correct before you submit them anywhere.
Keeping your account and routing numbers safe
Your routing number is public information — it is printed on every check and is not a secret. However, your account number should be treated more carefully. Do not share your account number with anyone unless you are setting up a legitimate transaction like direct deposit or a wire transfer. Scammers can use your account number to attempt unauthorized transfers if they also have your routing number and other personal details.
When you provide these numbers online, make sure you are on your bank's official website or a trusted company's secure payment page. Look for "https://" in the address bar and a lock icon, which indicate an encrypted connection. Never send your account number via email or text message unless you initiated the contact and you are certain you are communicating with your bank or a known, trusted company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my routing number without my account number?
No. Your routing number tells the banking system which bank to send money to, but your account number tells that bank which specific account should receive it. Both are required for any transaction. Providing only a routing number is like giving someone your city but not your street address.
Do all accounts at my bank have the same routing number?
Yes. Every customer at your bank shares the same routing number. Your account number is what makes your account unique. However, if you have multiple accounts at the same bank (like a checking and a savings account), each one has its own account number but they both use the same routing number.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
Your routing number may change after a merger. Check your most recent statement, your online account, or contact your bank to confirm your current routing number. If you have automatic payments or direct deposits set up, you may need to update them with the new routing number, though many banks handle this automatically.
Is it safe to give my routing number to my employer for direct deposit?
Yes. Your routing number is public information and is necessary for direct deposit to work. Your employer needs both your routing number and account number to deposit your paycheck into the correct account. This is a standard, safe transaction.
Can someone steal money using just my routing number?
Unlikely on its own. A scammer would need your account number as well as other personal information to attempt a transfer. However, do not share your account number carelessly. Only provide it when you are setting up a legitimate transaction with a company or person you trust.