The routing number is the first set of nine digits at the bottom left of your check
Open your checkbook and look at the bottom left corner of any check. You will see three groups of numbers separated by vertical lines. The first group — always nine digits — is your routing number. It identifies which bank or credit union issued your checks.
The routing number stays the same for every check you write from that account. If you switch banks, your new checks will have a different routing number. The format is always the same: nine digits, printed in magnetic ink, positioned before your account number.
You do not need to own checks to find this number. If you have a checkbook at home, grab any check. If you do not have checks, your bank can tell you the routing number over the phone or you can find it on your bank's website — usually in the account details or FAQ section.
Key Takeaways
- The routing number is the first nine-digit group at the bottom left of any check, printed in magnetic ink.
- This number identifies your specific bank or credit union and never changes as long as you keep the same account.
- If you do not have checks, call your bank's customer service line or log into your online banking portal to find the routing number.
- The routing number is different from your account number, which appears as the second group of digits on the check.
- Some banks print the routing number in multiple places on the check for redundancy, but the bottom left is the standard location.
Why banks print the routing number on checks
The routing number tells the banking system where to send money when you write a check or set up a direct deposit. Without it, a payment cannot reach the right bank. The nine-digit code is part of the Federal Reserve's system for moving money between financial institutions.
Banks print it in a special magnetic ink so that check-processing machines can read it automatically. This is why the number looks slightly different from the regular printed text on your check — the machine needs to scan it quickly and accurately.
What to do if you cannot find the routing number on your check
If your checks are old, faded, or the print is unclear, call your bank's customer service number. You can find this on your bank's website, on your debit card, or in any statement they sent you. Have your account number ready — the representative will confirm your identity and give you the routing number in seconds.
Online banks and credit unions that do not issue paper checks still have routing numbers. Log into your account online and look for "account details," "bank information," or "wire transfer details." The routing number will be listed there. If you cannot find it, email customer service or call the number on your statement.
The difference between routing number and account number
These are two separate pieces of information, and you need both for most banking tasks. The routing number (nine digits, first group) identifies your bank. The account number (usually ten to twelve digits, second group) identifies your specific account within that bank.
Think of it this way: the routing number is like the address of the bank building, and the account number is like your mailbox inside that building. Both are required for direct deposits, wire transfers, and setting up automatic payments.
When you need to provide your routing number
You will need the routing number when setting up direct deposit for paychecks, tax refunds, or government payments. You also need it to receive wire transfers from other people or organizations, and when you set up automatic bill payments from your checking account.
Some employers ask for it on a form when you start a job. The IRS asks for it if you want your tax refund deposited directly into your bank account instead of receiving a check in the mail. Insurance companies, utilities, and other businesses may ask for it if you want them to send refunds or credits directly to your bank.
Routing numbers vary by bank and location
Different banks have different routing numbers. If you have accounts at two banks, each one will have its own routing number. Some large banks have multiple routing numbers depending on which state or region your branch is in.
Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and other national banks each have their own routing numbers. Credit unions have their own routing numbers too. If you are unsure which routing number belongs to which account, check the bottom left of the checks for that account — the routing number printed there is always correct for that specific account.
How to verify you have the correct routing number
Before you give your routing number to an employer, the IRS, or anyone else, double-check it against your check or your bank's website. A wrong routing number will cause a direct deposit to fail or go to the wrong bank, which delays your money and creates extra work to fix.
If you are setting up direct deposit for a paycheck or refund, most employers and government agencies will confirm the routing and account number before processing. They may send a small test deposit first to make sure the information is correct. Do not ignore these test deposits — they are there to catch mistakes before your real money is sent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any check from my checkbook to find the routing number?
Yes. Every check from the same account has the same routing number printed at the bottom left. It does not matter if the check is old, new, or unused — the routing number will be identical on all of them.
What if my bank has multiple routing numbers?
Large banks sometimes have different routing numbers for different regions or for different types of accounts. Always use the routing number printed on your actual check or listed in your online banking portal for your specific account. When in doubt, call your bank and confirm which routing number applies to your account.
Is the routing number the same as the bank code?
The routing number is sometimes called the ABA routing number or bank routing code — these terms mean the same thing. It is a nine-digit code specific to your bank and branch. Do not confuse it with a SWIFT code, which is used for international wire transfers and is different.
Can someone steal money using just my routing number?
A routing number alone is not enough to access your account or transfer money out. Someone would also need your account number and usually additional verification. However, do not share your routing and account number together with people you do not trust, especially online.
Where else can I find my routing number besides my check?
Log into your online banking account and look for account details or wire transfer information. Call your bank's customer service line. Visit your bank's website and search for "routing number." Some banks print it on statements or debit cards. Your bank can also email or mail it to you if you request it.