Your routing number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, or you can find it through your bank's website or 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, arrange wire transfers, or authorize automatic payments. The fastest way to find it is to look at a check from your account — the routing number is always the first set of digits on the bottom left, before your account number.
If you don't have checks or prefer not to use them, your bank's website or mobile app will show your routing number in the account details section. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for it directly — they'll confirm it in seconds.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of any check from your account, printed before your account number.
- Most banks display your routing number in the account details or settings section of their website or app.
- Calling your bank's customer service line is the fastest way to confirm your routing number if you're unsure which one is correct.
- Different branches of the same bank may have different routing numbers, so verify you have the right one for your specific branch.
- Your routing number is safe to share — it only identifies your bank, not your account balance or personal information.
Finding your routing number on a check
If you have a checkbook, open it and look at any check. At the bottom of the check, you'll see three groups of numbers separated by vertical lines. The first group on the left is your routing number. It's always nine digits long.
The routing number identifies the specific bank or branch where your account is held. The second group of numbers (your account number) identifies your individual account within that bank. The third group is the check number itself.
This method works for any check from your account, whether it's a personal check, a business check, or a starter check your bank gave you when you opened the account.
Looking it up online through your bank
Log into your bank's website or open the mobile app and navigate to your account details or settings. Most banks list the routing number alongside your account number in a section labeled "Account Information," "Account Details," or "Routing and Account Numbers."
If you can't find it in the obvious place, look for a link that says "Account Settings," "My Accounts," or "Profile." Some banks hide it one level deeper. If you're still stuck, the bank's website usually has a search function — type "routing number" and it will take you to a page that either shows your number or explains how to find it.
This method is especially useful if you've moved branches or if your bank has merged with another bank, because the website will show the correct current routing number for your specific account.
Calling your bank to confirm your routing number
Pick up the phone and call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement. Tell the representative you need your routing number. They'll ask you to verify your identity (usually your account number and Social Security number or date of birth), then give you the nine-digit code.
This is the most reliable method if you're unsure whether the number you found is current or correct. Banks sometimes change routing numbers after mergers or branch reorganizations, and a representative can confirm you have the right one for your account.
Customer service lines are usually open during business hours and sometimes 24/7. If you call outside business hours, you may reach an automated system that can direct you to the information or let you leave a message for a callback.
Why different branches might have different routing numbers
Large banks often have multiple routing numbers — one for each region, state, or major branch. If you opened your account at a branch in one city and later moved to another city, your routing number might be different from what a friend with the same bank uses.
This matters when you're setting up direct deposit or wire transfers. Using the wrong routing number for your bank but the right one for a different branch can cause delays or send money to the wrong place. Always use the routing number that matches the branch where your account is actually held.
Your bank statement will show the correct routing number for your account. If you're not sure, ask your bank directly rather than guessing based on what someone else told you.
What to do if you can't find your routing number
If you've checked your checks, looked online, and still can't locate it, call your bank. This is the safest option because a representative can pull up your account and give you the exact number you need. Have your account number and ID ready when you call.
You can also visit a branch in person and ask a teller. They can write it down for you on the spot. This is especially helpful if you're new to banking or if you've recently switched banks and are still getting used to the new account details.
Some banks also print the routing number on statements, so if you have a recent paper or digital statement, check the top or bottom of the page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to give someone my routing number?
Yes. Your routing number only identifies your bank — it doesn't give anyone access to your money or personal information. You'll need to share it with employers for direct deposit, with creditors for automatic payments, and with other financial institutions for wire transfers. Never share your full account number or PIN, but the routing number alone is safe.
Will my routing number change if I move to a different state?
It depends on your bank. If you move but keep your account at the same branch, your routing number usually stays the same. If you close that account and open a new one at a branch in your new state, the new account may have a different routing number. Check with your bank to be sure.
Can I use any routing number for my bank, or does it have to match my specific branch?
You need the routing number for the specific branch or region where your account is held. Using a different routing number for the same bank can cause transfers to fail or be delayed. Always verify you have the correct one for your account before submitting it.
What if the routing number on my check is different from the one on my bank's website?
This can happen if your bank merged with another bank or reorganized its branches. Use the number from your bank's website or call customer service to confirm which one is current. The website version is usually the most up-to-date.
Do I need my routing number to check my account balance?
No. You only need your routing number when you're setting up direct deposit, making wire transfers, or authorizing automatic payments. To check your balance, log into your account online or call your bank's automated line with just your account number and PIN.