Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank or credit union
Your routing number is a nine-digit code assigned to your bank or credit union by the Federal Reserve. It tells the financial system which institution holds your account. When money moves between banks—whether you're setting up direct deposit, sending a wire transfer, or arranging an automatic payment—the routing number directs that money to the right place.
Every bank and credit union has its own routing number, and some large institutions have multiple routing numbers for different regions or branches. The routing number is not secret; it appears on your checks and is public information. You need it when you want someone outside your bank to send money to your account.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, usually as the first set of nine digits.
- You can find your routing number by calling your bank's customer service line or logging into your online banking account.
- The Federal Reserve maintains a public database where you can search for a routing number if you know your bank's name and state.
- Routing numbers are different from account numbers; you often need both when setting up transfers or direct deposit.
- Your routing number does not change unless you switch banks or move to a branch in a different region.
Where to find it on your checks
If you have a checkbook, the easiest place to find your routing number is on the bottom left corner of any check. Look for nine digits printed in a specific order: the routing number comes first, followed by your account number (usually 10 to 12 digits), then the check number on the far right.
The routing number is always nine digits and always appears in the same position on every check from your account. If you have not ordered checks yet or have run out, you do not need to order new ones just to find this number—other methods are faster.
Finding it through your bank's website or app
Log into your online banking account and look for a section labeled "Account Details," "Account Information," or "Routing and Account Numbers." Most banks display both numbers in one place. If you cannot find it in the main account section, check under settings or help.
If your bank has a mobile app, the routing number is usually in the same location as the website version. Some banks also send this information in your account welcome packet or in statements, though you may have to scroll through a PDF to find it.
Calling your bank directly
Pick up the phone and call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. 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 in a hurry.
Have your account number or the last four digits of your Social Security number ready when you call, so the bank can confirm your identity. You do not need to explain why you need it; banks give out routing numbers to customers all the time.
Using the Federal Reserve's routing number database
The Federal Reserve maintains a public database called FedACH where you can search for any bank's routing number. Go to frbservices.org, select "Fedwire" or "FedACH," and search by your bank's name and the state where your branch is located. The database will return the routing number for that location.
This method works if you know your bank's name and state but have lost your checks and cannot access online banking. It is also useful if you are trying to find the routing number for someone else's bank—for instance, if you need to send them money and they have not provided it.
Routing number versus account number
Your routing number identifies your bank. Your account number identifies your specific account within that bank. When you set up direct deposit or arrange a wire transfer, you usually need both. The routing number tells the system which bank to go to; the account number tells it which account at that bank to use.
On a check, the routing number appears first (nine digits), then the account number (usually 10 to 12 digits). If someone asks for your "banking information," they are asking for both numbers. Giving out your routing number alone is safe—it is public and does not let anyone access your money—but account numbers should be shared only with people or organizations you trust.
What to do if your routing number changes
If you switch banks, your new bank will assign you a new routing number. If you move to a different region and your bank has regional routing numbers, your routing number may change even though you stay with the same institution. Contact your bank to confirm whether your routing number has changed.
If you have set up automatic payments or direct deposit with your old routing number, update those arrangements with your new one. Banks sometimes honor old routing numbers for a period of time, but it is not may provide. The safest approach is to update any recurring transfers as soon as your routing number changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to give someone my routing number?
Yes. Your routing number is public information and does not give anyone access to your money. However, only share it with organizations you trust—employers setting up direct deposit, billers you authorize to withdraw payments, or people sending you money. Never share your full account number unless necessary.
Can I use the same routing number for wire transfers and direct deposit?
Yes. The routing number works the same way regardless of the type of transfer. Whether money is coming in through direct deposit or going out through a wire transfer, the routing number directs it to your bank and account.
What if I have multiple accounts at the same bank?
All your accounts at the same bank share the same routing number. The account number is what distinguishes one account from another. When you set up a transfer, the routing number gets the money to your bank, and the account number specifies which of your accounts receives it.
Do credit unions have routing numbers?
Yes. Credit unions are assigned routing numbers just like banks. You can find your credit union's routing number on your checks, through your online account, by calling their member services line, or by searching the Federal Reserve database.
Can I look up someone else's routing number?
Yes, if you know their bank's name and state. Use the Federal Reserve's FedACH database to search by institution name and location. You can also ask the person directly—they can find it on their checks or through their bank's website in seconds.