The routing number is the nine-digit code printed at the bottom left of your check, before your account number
When you look at the bottom of a check, you will see three groups of numbers separated by vertical lines. The first group — always nine digits — is your bank's routing number, also called the ABA routing transit number. It identifies which bank or credit union issued the check. The second group is your account number. The third is the check number itself.
The routing number tells the Federal Reserve and other banks where to send the money when someone deposits or cashes your check. Every bank and credit union has its own routing number, and some large banks have multiple routing numbers depending on which branch or service handles the transaction.
You need this number when you set up direct deposit, arrange automatic bill payments, or receive a wire transfer. It is also the number you provide if someone asks for your bank's routing information.
Key Takeaways
- The routing number is the first nine-digit group at the bottom left of any check, printed in a special magnetic ink.
- It identifies your specific bank or credit union, not your individual account.
- You will need it for direct deposit, automatic payments, wire transfers, and ACH transfers.
- If you cannot find a check or do not have one, you can find your routing number on your bank's website or by calling the bank directly.
How to read the numbers at the bottom of a check
The bottom of a check contains what is called the MICR line — MICR stands for Magnetic Ink Character Recognition. This line is printed in a special magnetic ink that machines can read automatically when checks are processed.
From left to right, you will see: the routing number (9 digits), then a colon or vertical line, then your account number (usually 10 to 12 digits), then another line, then your check number (usually 3 to 4 digits). Some checks also print the routing number in the top right corner in regular ink for easy reference, though this is not required.
The routing number never changes for your account. It belongs to your bank, not to you. If you switch banks, your new bank will have a different routing number.
When you need the routing number and where to use it
You will need your routing number whenever you set up a connection between your bank account and another financial service. Common situations include setting up direct deposit for your paycheck, arranging automatic bill payments to utilities or loan servicers, receiving a wire transfer from another bank, or transferring money between your own accounts at different banks.
Some employers ask for your routing number and account number before they can deposit your paycheck. Insurance companies, government agencies sending refunds or payments, and other organizations may also request it. In each case, the routing number tells their system exactly where to send the money.
You should never share your routing number with someone you do not trust, though it is generally considered safe information — it is printed on every check you write and is public record. Your account number, by contrast, should be kept private.
What to do if you do not have a check
If you do not have a check handy, you can find your routing number through your bank's website. Log into your online banking account and look for a section labeled "Account Information," "Bank Details," or "Routing Number." Most banks display it prominently.
You can also call your bank's customer service line — the number is usually on the back of your debit card or on your bank statements. A representative can give you the routing number over the phone in under a minute. If you are unsure which branch you use, have your account number ready when you call.
The Federal Reserve also maintains a public database of routing numbers at frbservices.org. You can search by bank name and state to find the correct routing number if you need to verify it.
Routing numbers for wire transfers and ACH payments
The routing number on your check works for most transfers, but some banks use a different routing number specifically for wire transfers. This is less common but does happen with larger institutions. If you are sending or receiving a wire transfer, ask your bank whether you should use the routing number from your check or a different wire routing number.
For ACH transfers — the system used for direct deposit, automatic bill payments, and most online transfers between banks — the routing number on your check is correct. ACH is slower than wire transfer (usually one to three business days) but is the standard method for recurring payments.
Why banks have multiple routing numbers
Large banks and credit unions sometimes have more than one routing number. This happens because the bank may have acquired another bank through a merger, or because different departments handle different types of transactions. For example, a bank might have one routing number for consumer accounts and another for business accounts.
If you have accounts at multiple branches of the same bank, they may all share the same routing number, or each branch might have its own. The safest approach is to use the routing number printed on your actual check, since that is the one tied to your specific account.
If you are unsure which routing number to use for a specific transaction, contact your bank directly. They can tell you whether the routing number on your check is correct for what you are trying to do, or whether you need a different one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the routing number the same as the bank code?
The routing number and bank code are related but not identical. The routing number is the nine-digit ABA number specific to your bank or branch. The bank code is sometimes used in international transfers and may be different. For domestic U.S. transfers, use the routing number from your check.
Can I use the routing number from an old check?
Yes. The routing number does not change when you order new checks. An old check from five years ago will have the same routing number as a new one, as long as you still have the same account at the same bank.
What if my check shows two different routing numbers?
Some checks print the routing number twice — once in the MICR line at the bottom in magnetic ink, and once in the top right corner in regular ink for human readability. Both numbers are the same. Use either one.
Do I need the routing number if I am depositing a check at an ATM?
No. When you deposit a check into your own account at an ATM or through mobile deposit, the machine reads the routing number automatically from the MICR line. You only need to provide the routing number when you are sending money out of your account or setting up a new connection.