The fastest place to look is the bottom left corner of your checks
Your routing number is printed on every check you have. Look at the bottom left of the check — you will see two numbers separated by a colon. The first number, usually nine digits, is your routing number. The second is your account number. If you have checks in front of you right now, that is the quickest answer.
The routing number identifies your specific bank branch. It stays the same for every transaction you make with that bank, whether you are setting up direct deposit, making a wire transfer, or authorizing an ACH payment. Banks use it to route money to the correct place.
If you do not have checks or cannot find them, there are several other reliable places to get this number without calling anyone.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of any check you have, as the first of two numbers separated by a colon.
- Your bank's website has a routing number lookup tool, usually under account information or customer service, and works even if you do not have checks.
- Calling your bank's customer service line or visiting a branch in person will give you the number in minutes, and staff can confirm it is correct for your specific account.
- The routing number is different from your account number — routing identifies the bank branch, while the account number identifies your specific account.
- Wire transfer routing numbers and ACH routing numbers are sometimes different for the same bank, so confirm which type you need before you use it.
Log into your online banking and look under account details
Most banks display your routing number in the account information section of their website or mobile app. Log in, then look for a tab or menu labeled "Account Information," "Account Details," "My Accounts," or "Settings." The routing number is usually listed right next to your account number.
If you cannot find it in the obvious place, try the "Help" or "FAQ" section of the website — many banks have a dedicated routing number lookup tool. Type in your account type (checking) and your state, and the tool will return the routing number for your branch. This method works even if you have never received a check from that bank.
Some banks also send routing information in the welcome packet they mailed when you opened the account. If you kept that paperwork, the number is usually on the first page or on a card labeled "Account Information."
Call your bank's customer service line
The phone number for customer service is on the back of your debit card, on your bank statements, or on the bank's website. When you call, tell them you need your routing number. They will ask you to verify your identity — usually your account number, Social Security number, and date of birth — then give you the number over the phone.
This is the safest method if you are unsure whether you have the right number, because the representative can confirm it is correct for your specific account and branch. They can also tell you if your bank uses different routing numbers for wire transfers versus ACH payments, which matters if you are setting up a specific type of transaction.
Wait times vary by bank and time of day. Calling early in the morning on a weekday usually means a shorter hold.
Visit a branch in person
Walk into any branch of your bank with your debit card or ID. Tell a teller you need your routing number. They will write it down for you on a piece of paper or print it on a receipt. This takes less than five minutes and requires no phone call or online login.
This method is useful if you are uncomfortable giving personal information over the phone or if you want to confirm the number face-to-face. The teller can also answer questions about whether you need a different routing number for wire transfers or international payments.
Understand the difference between routing numbers and account numbers
Your routing number identifies your bank and branch — it is the same for everyone who banks at that branch. Your account number identifies your specific checking account within that bank. Both appear on your checks, in the same order: routing number first (on the left), account number second (in the middle).
When you give someone your routing and account numbers together, you are giving them enough information to send money to your account or set up automatic payments. Never share these numbers with someone you do not trust, just as you would not share your debit card number.
Some banks use different routing numbers for different types of transactions. A wire transfer routing number might be different from an ACH routing number, even though they are the same bank. If you are setting up a specific type of payment, ask your bank which routing number to use.
What to do if your bank has merged or changed names
If your bank was acquired by another bank or changed its name, your routing number may have changed. The old routing number might still work for a while, but it is safer to get the current one from your bank directly.
Log into your online banking or call customer service and ask for your current routing number. Do not assume it is the same as it was five years ago. Banks update routing numbers when they merge, change their charter, or reorganize their branches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same at every branch of my bank?
No. Each branch has its own routing number. If you opened your account at a branch in one city and later moved to another city, your routing number is tied to the branch where you opened the account, not where you currently live. If you need the routing number for a different branch, ask that branch directly or look it up on your bank's website.
Can I use an old routing number if my bank merged?
Old routing numbers sometimes work for a short time after a merger, but they are not reliable. Get your current routing number from your bank before you set up any new payments or transfers. Using an outdated number can cause delays or failed transactions.
Why do I need a routing number for direct deposit?
Your employer or the organization sending you money needs to know which bank and branch to send it to. The routing number tells their system where to direct the deposit. Without it, they cannot complete the setup.
Is the routing number on my debit card the same as the one on my checks?
No. Your debit card does not have a routing number printed on it. You have to get it from your checks, your bank's website, or by calling customer service. The routing number is only used for bank-to-bank transfers and direct deposits, not for debit card purchases.
What if I see two different numbers on my check?
The first number (on the left) is your routing number. The second number (in the middle) is your account number. They are always in that order on a check. If you see more than two numbers, one of them is probably a check number, which is different from both.