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 to set up direct deposit, receive wire transfers, or authorize automatic payments. 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 set of numbers is your routing number. If you don't have checks or prefer not to dig through a drawer, your bank's website or app will show it in seconds. You can also call your bank's customer service line — they'll give you the number over the phone.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of your checks as the first set of nine digits.
- You can find your routing number by logging into your bank's website or mobile app under account details or settings.
- Calling your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card will get you the routing number in under a minute.
- The routing number is specific to your bank and branch, so it stays the same even if you move or change accounts at the same bank.
- Never share your routing number with anyone you don't trust, though it is safer to share than your account number or PIN.
Finding it on your checks
Open your checkbook and pull out any check. At the bottom of the check, you'll see three groups of numbers separated by colons or special symbols. The first group — always nine digits — is your routing number. The second group is your account number, and the third is the check number itself.
This method works only if you still have checks. Many people have moved to digital banking and no longer order them. If that's your situation, use one of the other methods below.
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 Details," "Account Information," "Settings," or sometimes "Routing Number." Most banks put this information on your account summary page or under a menu for managing your account.
If you can't find it immediately, use the search function within the app or website and type "routing number." Banks know this is a common question and usually have it easy to locate. The number you find will be specific to your bank and the branch where you opened your account, though many banks use the same routing number for all branches in a state or region.
Calling your bank directly
The phone number on the back of your debit card connects you to customer service. Tell them you need your routing number, and they'll provide it in seconds. You don't need to explain why you need it — banks expect this question regularly.
If you don't have your debit card handy, search online for "[Your Bank Name] customer service phone number." Most major banks have a single national number. Have your account number or the phone number associated with your account ready, as some banks ask for this before giving out routing information.
Using the Federal Reserve's routing number database
The Federal Reserve maintains a public database of routing numbers at frbservices.org. You can search by bank name and state to find the routing number. This method works if you know which bank you use but have lost access to your account temporarily.
Keep in mind that this database shows the main routing number for a bank, which may differ from the specific routing number for your branch. If you're setting up direct deposit or a wire transfer, confirm with your bank that the number from the Federal Reserve database matches what they show in your account.
What to do if you can't locate it
If you've tried the methods above and still can't find your routing number, contact your bank's customer service line. Explain that you need the routing number for your specific account and branch. They can confirm it over the phone or send it to you by email.
Some banks also print the routing number on statements or deposit slips. If you have a recent bank statement, check the top or bottom of the page. Deposit slips — the small papers you used to fill out at the teller window — often have the routing number printed on them as well.
Understanding routing numbers for different account types
Your routing number is tied to your bank and branch, not to the type of account you have. A checking account, savings account, and money market account at the same bank all use the same routing number. If you move money between accounts at the same bank, you won't need a routing number — that's an internal transfer.
If you have accounts at multiple banks, each bank has its own routing number. Write them down or save them in a secure note if you manage accounts across several institutions. This prevents confusion when you're setting up direct deposit or authorizing payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to give someone my routing number?
Your routing number is relatively safe to share because it only identifies your bank, not your specific account. However, only provide it to people and organizations you trust — your employer for direct deposit, your landlord for automatic rent payments, or established financial institutions. Never give it to someone who contacts you unexpectedly asking for account information.
Do I need a routing number for online transfers between my own accounts?
No. If you're transferring money between accounts you own at the same bank, you don't need a routing number. The bank handles it internally. You only need a routing number when sending money to a different bank or when setting up direct deposit from an employer.
What if my bank merged with another bank?
After a merger, your routing number may change. Your bank will notify you of this change and update your account information. If you have automatic payments or direct deposit set up, contact those organizations to provide the new routing number. Your bank can tell you the new number and when the change takes effect.
Can I use any routing number from my bank, or does it have to be for my specific branch?
Most banks use the same routing number for all branches within a state or region. However, some larger banks assign different routing numbers to different branches. When setting up direct deposit or wire transfers, use the routing number your bank provides for your account — it's the safest choice. If you use the wrong routing number, the transaction may be rejected or delayed.
Why do I need a routing number if I have my account number?
Your account number identifies your specific account, but the routing number tells the financial system which bank to send the money to. Together, they form a complete address for your account. Without the routing number, a bank wouldn't know where to direct the funds, even if the account number is correct.