Your routing number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, or you can find it through your bank's website, mobile app, or by calling customer service
The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies which bank or credit union holds your account. You need it when you set up direct deposit for tax refunds, insurance payments, or other money coming to you. The fastest way to find it depends on what you have access to right now.
If you have a checkbook, look at the bottom left corner of any check. The first nine digits are your routing number. If you do not have checks or prefer not to use them, your bank's website or app will show it in the account details section, usually under "Account Information" or "Routing and Account Numbers." You can also call your bank's customer service line — the number is on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website — and they will give you the number over the phone.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears as the first nine digits at the bottom left of any check you have.
- Most banks display your routing number in the account details section of their website or mobile app without requiring you to log in.
- If you call your bank's customer service line, they can confirm your routing number in under a minute.
- The routing number is specific to your bank and branch, not to you personally, so it stays the same as long as you keep your account at that bank.
Finding it on your checks
Open your checkbook and 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.
This method works only if you have ordered checks from your bank. If your checks came from a third-party printer or if you have not ordered checks yet, the routing number may not be correct. Stick to your bank's official sources instead.
Checking your bank's website or app
Log into your bank's website or open the mobile app on your phone. Look for a section labeled "Account Information," "Account Details," "Routing and Account Numbers," or sometimes just "Account." The routing number is usually displayed there without any extra steps.
Some banks show it on the main dashboard as soon as you log in. Others require you to click into a specific account or navigate to a settings menu. If you cannot find it after a few clicks, use the search function in the app or website and type "routing number" — most banks have a help page that shows you exactly where to look.
You do not need to be logged in to find your routing number on some bank websites. Many banks publish their routing numbers publicly because the number itself does not give anyone access to your money — they also need your account number and other information to do that. If you are not sure whether your bank publishes it, try searching "[Your Bank Name] routing number" in a search engine.
Calling your bank directly
The phone number for customer service is on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. When you call, tell them you need your routing number. They will ask you to verify your identity — usually by providing your account number, Social Security number, or answers to security questions — and then give you the number.
This is the slowest method if you are in a hurry, because you have to wait on hold. But it is the most reliable if you are not sure whether you are looking at the right number or if you have multiple accounts at the same bank.
Understanding routing numbers for different account types
If you have a checking account and a savings account at the same bank, they usually share the same routing number. The routing number identifies the bank, not the individual account. Your account number is what separates your checking from your savings.
If you have accounts at multiple banks, each bank has its own routing number. Credit unions also have routing numbers, which work the same way as bank routing numbers. If you are setting up direct deposit and you are not sure which account the money should go to, use the routing number for the account you want the deposit to land in.
What to do if you cannot find your routing number
If your bank's website is down, you do not have access to your app, and you cannot reach customer service by phone, you can search for your bank's routing number online. Search "[Your Bank Name] routing number" or "[Your Bank Name] [Your City] routing number" if your bank has multiple branches. The Federal Reserve maintains a database of routing numbers that you can search at frbservices.org, though it requires you to know your bank's name and state.
If you are setting up direct deposit for a tax refund or other payment and you need the routing number right away, call the IRS or the agency sending the payment. They can sometimes accept your application without the routing number and let you add it later, or they can tell you how long you have before the deadline to provide it.
Routing numbers and security
Your routing number is safe to share. It is printed on every check you write and is public information. Someone cannot access your bank account with only your routing number — they also need your account number, and even then most banks require additional verification before allowing transfers.
When you provide your routing number to set up direct deposit for a refund or payment, you are giving it to a government agency or a company you trust. Keep your account number private, but do not worry about the routing number being seen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my account number?
No. Your routing number identifies your bank; your account number identifies your specific account at that bank. Both are printed at the bottom of your checks, with the routing number first (nine digits) and the account number second (usually ten to twelve digits). You need both for direct deposit.
Do I need a different routing number for checking versus savings?
No. Most banks use the same routing number for all account types at that bank. When you set up direct deposit, the routing number tells the system which bank to send the money to, and your account number tells it which account within that bank.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
Your routing number may have changed. Check your most recent statement or log into your online banking to see the current routing number. If you set up direct deposit before the merger, contact the agency sending the payment and give them your updated routing number to make sure future deposits go through.
Can I find someone else's routing number?
Yes, routing numbers are public. But you cannot do anything with only a routing number. You would also need their account number and would have to go through their bank's verification process, which requires additional information like their name, address, and often a PIN or password.
What if the routing number on my check is wrong?
Contact your bank and ask them to confirm your correct routing number. If your checks have the wrong number, order new ones from your bank or a check printer. Do not use checks with an incorrect routing number for direct deposit or bill payments, as the transaction may fail.