Your routing number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, or you can find it through your bank's website, app, or by calling customer service
The routing number is a nine-digit code that tells the banking system which bank holds your account. You need it when you set up direct deposit for tax refunds, insurance payments, or government benefits. It is not secret — banks print it on every check and display it online — but you have to know where to look.
The fastest way depends on what you have in front of you right now. If you have a checkbook, the number is already there. If you do not, your bank's website or mobile app will show it in seconds. If neither of those works, a phone call to your bank's customer service line gets you the answer in under a minute.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of any check from your account, printed as the first of three numbers.
- Your bank's website or mobile app displays your routing number in the account details or settings section, usually labeled "Account Information" or "Routing Number".
- Calling your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement will get you the routing number in one call.
- The routing number is specific to your bank and branch, so different banks have different numbers even if you use the same account type.
- You may need both your routing number and your account number together when setting up direct deposit or authorizing electronic transfers.
Finding the routing number on a check
If you have a checkbook, look at the bottom of any check. You will see three groups of numbers separated by vertical lines. The first group, on the far left, is your routing number. It is always nine digits long.
The second group is your account number, which is usually longer. The third group is the check number. Write down only the first nine digits — that is your routing number.
If your checks are old or faded, the numbers may be hard to read. In that case, move to your bank's website or app instead of squinting at the paper.
Finding the routing number on your bank's website or app
Log into your bank's website or open the mobile app on your phone. Look for a section called "Account Information," "Account Details," or "Settings." Most banks put the routing number right there alongside your account number.
Some banks hide it one click deeper. If you do not see it on the main account page, try clicking "View Account Details" or "More Information." A few banks label it as "Transit Number" or "Bank Code" instead of "Routing Number," but it is the same nine-digit code.
If you cannot find it online after a few minutes, do not spend longer searching. Call your bank instead — it is faster than digging through menus.
Calling your bank for the routing number
Find the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on a recent bank statement. Call that number and tell the representative you need your routing number. They will ask you to verify your identity — usually your account number and the last four digits of your Social Security number — and then give you the nine-digit code.
This takes about two minutes. You do not need an appointment or to visit a branch. The representative will also confirm which branch the routing number belongs to, which can matter if your bank has multiple locations.
Understanding routing number variations by bank and location
Each bank has its own routing number, and some large banks have different routing numbers for different regions or branches. If you have accounts at two different banks, each one has a separate routing number. If you have two accounts at the same bank but at different branches, they might share the same routing number or have different ones depending on how the bank is structured.
When you look up your routing number, make sure you are looking it up for the specific bank where your account is held. If you are not sure which bank that is, check your debit card or a recent statement — the bank name is printed on both.
What to do if you cannot find your routing number
If your bank's website is down, you do not have a checkbook, and you cannot reach customer service by phone, you can search for your bank's routing number online using a routing number lookup tool. Type your bank name and your state into a search engine, and you will find the routing number for your bank's main office.
Be aware that if your account is at a branch location, the routing number you find online might belong to the main office rather than your branch. When you call customer service later, confirm that the number you found matches your specific account. Most of the time it will, but it is worth checking before you submit it for a refund or direct deposit.
Routing number versus account number
Do not confuse your routing number with your account number. The routing number identifies your bank. The account number identifies your specific account within that bank. When you set up direct deposit for a tax refund or insurance payment, you usually need both numbers.
Your routing number is nine digits. Your account number is usually longer — often 10 to 12 digits — and appears on your checks to the right of the routing number. If you are unsure which is which, ask the person or organization requesting the information. They can tell you which number goes in which field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same at every branch of my bank?
Usually yes, but not always. Most large banks use the same routing number across all branches in a state or region. Some banks assign different routing numbers to different locations. When you look up your routing number, confirm it matches your specific branch by calling customer service or checking your bank statement.
Can I use someone else's routing number to send them money?
Yes. The routing number is not secret or personal — it is the same for everyone who banks at that institution. You can safely give your routing number to anyone who needs to send you money, such as an employer setting up direct deposit or a government agency sending a refund.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
After a merger, your routing number may change. Your bank will notify you and update your account information. If you set up direct deposit before the merger, contact the organization sending the payment and give them your new routing number. Your old number may stop working within a few months.
Do I need my routing number to receive a check by mail?
No. Routing numbers are only for electronic transfers and direct deposit. If a refund is being mailed to you as a paper check, you do not need to provide your routing number. You only need it when the payment is going directly into your bank account.
Can I find my routing number on my debit card?
No. Your debit card shows your account number and card number, but not your routing number. The routing number is printed on checks, shown in your bank's app or website, or available by calling customer service.