Your routing number is the same for all your accounts at one bank
The routing number for a savings account is the same nine-digit code used for checking accounts, money market accounts, and any other account you hold at that bank. It does not change based on the type of account. A routing number identifies the bank or credit union itself, not the individual account.
If you have multiple accounts at the same institution — a savings account and a checking account, for example — they share one routing number. The account number is what distinguishes one account from another within that bank.
You need the routing number when you set up direct deposit, arrange wire transfers, or authorize automatic payments. It tells the sending bank where to send the money. Without it, the transfer cannot reach your account.
Key Takeaways
- Your savings account routing number is the same as any other account type at your bank — it identifies the bank, not the account.
- You can find your routing number on the bottom left of a check, on your bank's website, or by calling customer service.
- The routing number is nine digits and is different from your account number, which appears to the right of the routing number on a check.
- Credit unions use routing numbers the same way banks do, and the number is printed on checks and available through the credit union's website.
Where to find your routing number on a check
If you have checks from your savings account, the routing number is printed on the bottom left edge of each check. It is always nine digits. To the right of the routing number is your account number, which is longer and unique to that one account.
The order on a check is always: routing number (left), account number (middle), check number (right). This layout is standard across all U.S. banks and credit unions.
If you do not have checks or cannot locate them, you do not need to order new ones just to find your routing number — other methods are faster.
Finding your routing number online
Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details or account information. Most banks display the routing number alongside your account number in a section labeled "Account Details," "Account Information," or "Routing and Account Numbers."
If you cannot find it in your account dashboard, visit your bank's website and search for "routing number" or "find my routing number." Most banks have a dedicated page or tool where you can enter your state and branch location to retrieve the number. Some banks also let you search by branch address.
Credit unions work the same way — log in to your account online or visit the credit union's website and search for routing number information.
Calling your bank or credit union directly
Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Tell the representative you need the routing number for your savings account. They will provide it immediately.
You do not need to explain why you need it. Customer service representatives give out routing numbers dozens of times per day. Have a pen ready to write down the nine-digit number.
If you are calling a credit union, the process is identical. The routing number is public information — there is no security risk in sharing it.
Understanding the difference between routing and account numbers
The routing number identifies your bank or credit union. It is the same for every customer at that institution. The account number identifies your specific account within that bank. It is unique to you.
When you give someone your routing number alone, they cannot access your account — they need both the routing number and the account number to send money to you. Think of the routing number as the address of the bank building and the account number as your mailbox inside that building.
On a check, the routing number comes first (bottom left), then the account number (bottom middle). Both are printed in a special magnetic ink that sorting machines can read.
Routing numbers for different banks and credit unions
Each bank and credit union has its own routing number. If you switch banks, your new bank will have a different routing number. If you move to a different branch of the same bank, the routing number usually stays the same — most banks use one routing number for the entire institution, regardless of branch.
Some large banks with multiple routing numbers use different numbers for different regions or for different types of transactions. If you are unsure whether your branch has a unique routing number, ask your bank or check their website.
Credit unions that are part of a shared branching network may have one routing number for the entire network, or separate numbers by location. Check your credit union's website or call to confirm.
What to do if you cannot find your routing number
If you have tried your bank's website and cannot locate the routing number, call customer service. They can confirm the routing number in under a minute. Have your account number or Social Security number ready so they can pull up your account.
If you are setting up a direct deposit or wire transfer and need the routing number right away, calling is the fastest option. Do not delay the transfer waiting for mail or a statement — the information is available by phone immediately.
If you recently opened the account and have not received checks yet, the bank's website or a phone call are your only options. Both will give you the correct number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the routing number the same for savings and checking accounts at the same bank?
Yes. The routing number identifies the bank itself, not the account type. All your accounts at one bank share the same routing number. The account number is what distinguishes a savings account from a checking account.
Can someone access my account if they have my routing number?
No. A routing number alone cannot access your account. Someone would need both your routing number and your account number to send money to you, and even then they can only deposit money, not withdraw it. Routing numbers are public information.
Do credit unions have routing numbers?
Yes. Credit unions use routing numbers the same way banks do. You can find your credit union's routing number on checks, on the credit union's website, or by calling member services.
What if my bank has multiple routing numbers?
Some large banks use different routing numbers for different regions or transaction types. Check your bank's website or call to confirm which routing number applies to your branch and account type. The number on your checks is always correct for your account.
Do I need a routing number to transfer money between my own accounts at the same bank?
Not always. Many banks let you transfer between your own accounts using just the account numbers within their app or website. However, if you are setting up an automatic transfer or using a third-party service, you may need the routing number. Check with your bank about their specific process.