A bank routing number is a nine-digit code that tells the financial system which bank or credit union holds your account.
Every bank and credit union in the United States has its own routing number. When money moves between accounts—whether you're setting up direct deposit, paying a bill online, or receiving a wire transfer—the routing number directs that money to the correct institution. Without it, the payment system wouldn't know where to send your funds.
The routing number is not secret. Banks print it on the bottom left of every check you receive. It's also called an ABA number, after the American Bankers Association, which assigns them. You'll need this number whenever someone asks for your "bank routing number" or "ABA number"—they're the same thing.
Key Takeaways
- A routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank or credit union to the payment system.
- The routing number appears on the bottom left of your checks and is the same for all customers at that bank.
- You need your routing number to set up direct deposit, make wire transfers, and authorize automatic bill payments.
- Your routing number is different from your account number—the account number identifies you, while the routing number identifies your bank.
Where the routing number appears on a check
Look at the bottom of any check your bank issued. On the far left, you'll see nine digits printed in a special magnetic ink. That's your routing number. It comes before your account number, which appears in the middle section of those printed numbers at the bottom.
The routing number is the same on every check from your account. If you have a checking account and a savings account at the same bank, they share the same routing number—the account number is what separates them.
Why banks use routing numbers
The U.S. payment system processes hundreds of millions of transactions every day. Before computers, banks used routing numbers to sort checks by hand. A postal worker or bank clerk could read the nine digits and know exactly which bank to send the check to. That system still works today, just electronically.
When you set up direct deposit at your job, your employer's payroll system uses your routing number to find your bank, then uses your account number to find your specific account. The same process happens when you pay a bill online or send money through your bank's website. The routing number is the address; your account number is the apartment.
Routing numbers are not the same across all branches
Most banks use one routing number for the entire institution, no matter how many branches they operate. Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase each have one main routing number that works for all their locations nationwide.
Some larger banks or credit unions have multiple routing numbers based on the state where your account was opened or the type of account you hold. If you're unsure whether your bank uses more than one, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or check your bank's website. They can confirm which routing number applies to your specific account.
How to find your routing number if you don't have a check
Log into your online banking account. Most banks display your routing number in the account details section, sometimes labeled "bank information" or "account information." You may need to click through a few menus to find it.
Call your bank's customer service line. The number is on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. A representative can give you your routing number in seconds.
Visit your bank's website and search for "routing number." Most banks publish a list of their routing numbers online, organized by state or account type. You can also use the Federal Reserve's routing number search tool at frbservices.org, though you'll need to know your bank's name.
Routing numbers and security
Your routing number is public information. It's printed on every check you write, and you're expected to share it when setting up direct deposit or automatic payments. Sharing your routing number alone does not put your account at risk.
However, your routing number plus your account number together can be used to make unauthorized transfers from your account. Never share both pieces of information with someone you don't trust. If you're sending money to a new payee or setting up a payment with an unfamiliar company, verify their legitimacy first through an official website or phone number you find independently.
Routing numbers for wire transfers and ACH payments
When you send a wire transfer—a fast, direct transfer of money between banks—you'll need both your routing number and account number. The receiving bank uses the routing number to identify itself, and the receiving account number to identify the person getting the money.
ACH payments, which are slower but cheaper than wire transfers, also use routing numbers. ACH is how most direct deposits work and how many online bill payments are processed. The system batches these transactions and processes them in groups, usually taking one to three business days.
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 within that bank. The routing number is the same for all customers at your bank. Your account number is unique to you.
Can someone steal money using just my routing number?
Not with the routing number alone. A thief would need both your routing number and your account number to move money from your account. Your routing number is meant to be shared—it's printed on every check you write.
Do I need a different routing number for checking versus savings?
Usually no. Most banks use one routing number for all account types held at that bank. However, some credit unions or regional banks may assign different routing numbers by account type or state. Contact your bank to confirm which routing number applies to your specific account.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
Your routing number may change after a merger. Your bank will notify you and may issue new checks with the updated routing number. Update any automatic payments or direct deposits with the new routing number to avoid payment delays.
Can I use any routing number from my bank's website?
Only if it matches your account type and location. If your bank lists multiple routing numbers, use the one that corresponds to your account. When in doubt, call your bank or check the routing number printed on your checks.