The fastest place to look is the bottom left corner of any check you have
Your routing number is printed on every check in your checkbook. Look at the bottom left of the check — you will see a series of numbers. The first nine-digit number is your routing number. It identifies which bank or credit union holds your account and which Federal Reserve processing center handles your transactions.
If you do not have checks on hand, your bank's website, mobile app, or a phone call to customer service will give you the number in under a minute. The routing number is the same for all accounts you hold at that institution, so you only need to find it once.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears as the first nine digits at the bottom left of any check you own.
- Your bank's website or mobile app displays your routing number in the account details or settings section.
- Calling your bank's customer service line will give you the routing number over the phone without requiring you to visit a branch.
- The routing number stays the same across all your accounts at the same bank, even if you have multiple checking or savings accounts.
- Do not confuse your routing number with your account number — they are different nine-digit sequences printed on the same check.
Finding it online through your bank's website or app
Log into your bank's website or open the mobile app and navigate to your account details or settings. Most banks display the routing number alongside your account number in a section labeled "Account Information," "Bank Details," or "Direct Deposit Setup." Some banks require you to click into a specific account to see its details, while others show it on the dashboard.
If you cannot find it in the obvious places, look for a section about direct deposit, wire transfers, or ACH payments — these pages almost always list the routing number because you need it to receive money from outside sources. If the app or website does not show it, move to calling customer service.
Calling your bank or credit union directly
Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Tell the representative you need your routing number. They will ask you to verify your identity — usually your account number, Social Security number, or answers to security questions — and then read it to you. This takes about two minutes.
You do not need to visit a branch in person. Phone service is faster and available during extended hours, including evenings and weekends at many institutions. Have a pen ready to write down the number, or ask the representative to repeat it twice so you can confirm you have it right.
Visiting your bank branch in person
If you prefer to handle this face-to-face, any teller at your bank can write down your routing number for you. Bring your debit card or a form of ID. This is the slowest option because it requires you to travel to a branch during business hours, but it works if you are already there for another reason.
Some branches may ask you to fill out a form or may print a small card with your routing and account numbers. Ask for a copy to keep at home for future reference.
Using the Federal Reserve's routing number lookup tool
The Federal Reserve maintains a public database of routing numbers at frbservices.org. Go to the routing number lookup page, enter your bank's name and state, and the system will return the routing number. This works if you know your bank's name but do not have access to your checks or online account.
This tool is most useful if you have switched banks recently or if you are setting up a new account and need the routing number before your first statement arrives. The lookup is free and does not require you to log in or provide personal information.
Understanding what the routing number is used for
Your routing number tells the financial system where to send money when you receive a direct deposit, set up automatic bill payments, or receive a wire transfer. It is also used when you give someone your banking information to send you a refund or payment. The routing number is public information — it is safe to share it because it only works in combination with your account number, and neither one alone can be used to withdraw money from your account.
Different branches of the same bank may have different routing numbers, though most large national banks use a single routing number for all locations. If you have accounts at multiple banks, each one has its own routing number. Credit unions also have routing numbers, and the process for finding yours is identical.
What to do if you cannot find your routing number
If your bank's website is down, you do not have access to your phone, or customer service is closed, you can still find the number through the Federal Reserve lookup tool mentioned above. You only need your bank's name and state — you do not need your account number or personal information.
If you are in a hurry to set up a direct deposit or payment and cannot reach your bank, ask the person or organization requesting the routing number whether they can look it up for you. Many payroll departments and government agencies have access to routing number databases and can find it if you give them your bank's name.
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 within that bank. Both are nine-digit numbers printed at the bottom of your check, but the routing number comes first on the left.
Can someone use my routing number to take money from my account?
No. Your routing number alone cannot be used to withdraw money. A person would need both your routing number and your account number, and even then, most banks require additional verification before processing transfers. Sharing your routing number is safe.
Do I need a different routing number for each account I have?
No. All checking and savings accounts you hold at the same bank share the same routing number. The routing number identifies the bank; your account number identifies which account within that bank.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
Your routing number may change after a merger. Check your most recent statement or log into your online account to confirm. If you have automatic payments or direct deposits set up, contact your bank to see whether you need to update the routing number with your employer or billers.
Can I find my routing number on my debit card?
No. Your debit card shows your card number and expiration date, but not your routing number. You need to check a check, your online account, or call your bank.