The two numbers that identify your bank and your account

Your routing number and account number appear at the bottom of every check you write. The routing number identifies which bank or credit union holds your account. The account number identifies your specific account at that bank. Together, they tell the person or organization cashing or depositing your check exactly where to send the money.

You need both numbers to set up direct deposit, arrange automatic bill payments, or receive wire transfers. They are also the numbers you give when someone asks for your "banking information" — not your PIN, password, or card number.

These numbers are printed in a special machine-readable format at the bottom of the check, but they are also readable to the human eye if you know where to look.

Key Takeaways

  • The routing number is the nine-digit code on the far left of the bottom of your check, printed between two colons.
  • The account number is the longer code printed to the right of the routing number, also between colons.
  • Both numbers are printed in magnetic ink in a standardized format so banks can process checks electronically.
  • You can also find these numbers on your bank's website, your monthly statement, or by calling your bank's customer service line.

Reading the routing number from your check

Look at the bottom left corner of any check. You will see three groups of numbers separated by colons. The first group — always nine digits — is your routing number. It looks like this: :123456789:

The routing number is specific to your bank or credit union and the branch or region where you opened your account. Two people with accounts at the same bank may have different routing numbers if their accounts were opened at different branches or if the bank has merged with another bank since the account was opened.

The routing number never changes for your account, even if you move to a different state or your bank changes its name.

Reading the account number from your check

The account number is the second group of numbers at the bottom of your check, printed immediately to the right of the routing number. It is longer than the routing number — usually between 10 and 12 digits, though the exact length varies by bank. It looks like this: :9876543210:

Your account number is unique to you. No one else at your bank has the same account number. If you have multiple accounts at the same bank — a checking account and a savings account, for example — each one has its own account number.

The account number stays the same for the life of the account, even if you close it and reopen it later at the same bank. If you move your account to a different bank, you will receive a new account number.

Why these numbers are printed in a special format

The routing and account numbers at the bottom of your check are printed in MICR ink — magnetic ink character recognition. This special ink allows bank machines to read the numbers electronically and sort checks automatically without human intervention.

The numbers are printed in a specific font and position so that sorting machines can find them reliably, even on checks that are worn, folded, or slightly damaged. This is why the numbers look slightly different from the rest of the text on your check — they are designed to be read by machines first and humans second.

The MICR line also includes a third set of numbers on the far right, which is the check number. This is not part of your banking information; it is just the sequential number printed on that particular check.

Finding these numbers if you do not have a check

If you do not have a check in front of you, you can find your routing and account numbers in several other places. Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for a section labeled "Account Information," "Account Details," or "Routing Number." Most banks display both numbers prominently.

You can also find them on your monthly bank statement, usually printed near the top or bottom. If you have a debit card, the back of the card sometimes lists the routing number, though not always.

The fastest way if you are not sure is to call your bank's customer service number — it is on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. A representative can read both numbers to you over the phone in under a minute.

What not to confuse with your account and routing numbers

Your account and routing numbers are not the same as your debit card number, credit card number, or PIN. The card number is printed on the front of your debit or credit card and is used for purchases and cash withdrawals. Your PIN is a password you create and should never share with anyone.

Your account and routing numbers are safe to share with employers (for direct deposit), with billers (for automatic payments), and with anyone else who needs to send money to your account. They cannot be used to withdraw money or make purchases without access to your actual account.

If you see your account and routing numbers printed on a check you wrote, that is normal and expected. The check itself is the authorization to move money, not the numbers alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone take money from my account if they have my routing and account numbers?

Not without additional authorization. Your routing and account numbers alone cannot be used to withdraw money or make purchases. However, they can be used to set up unauthorized automatic payments or ACH transfers if someone has access to your account. If you share these numbers with someone you do not trust, contact your bank immediately.

Do I need both numbers, or just one?

You need both. The routing number tells the bank which institution to send the money to; the account number tells that institution which account to deposit it into. Without both, the transfer cannot be completed.

What if my bank merged with another bank?

Your routing number may change after a merger, but your account number usually stays the same. Check your most recent statement or log into your online banking to confirm your current routing number. If you have old checks printed with the old routing number, they may still work, but it is safer to use new checks or provide your current routing number directly.

Are the numbers at the bottom of my check in a different order than I think?

The order from left to right is: routing number (nine digits), account number (10 to 12 digits), check number (four to five digits). If you see a different arrangement, double-check that you are looking at the bottom of the check and not somewhere else on the page.