Your routing number is printed on the bottom left of your checks
The easiest place to find your routing number is the bottom left corner of any check from your account. It is a nine-digit code printed between the account symbol (◆) and your account number. If you have checks in front of you right now, that is your answer — you do not need to go anywhere else.
The routing number identifies your specific bank branch, not just the bank itself. Two branches of the same bank in different cities may have different routing numbers. This matters because the routing number tells the sending bank exactly where to send the money.
Key Takeaways
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of any check, as a nine-digit code before your account number.
- Your bank's website has a routing number lookup tool, usually under customer service or account information.
- You can call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number — they will give it to you in under a minute.
- The Federal Reserve maintains a public routing number database you can search by bank name and state.
- Wire transfer routing numbers and ACH routing numbers are usually the same, but some large banks maintain separate codes for each.
Find it on your bank's website
Log into your online banking account and look for a section labeled "Account Information," "Account Details," or "Routing Number." Most banks display it prominently on the account summary page. If you cannot find it there, search the site for "routing number" — the bank's help section usually has a dedicated page.
Some banks also let you look up routing numbers without logging in. Go to the bank's main website, find the customer service or help section, and use their routing number lookup tool. You will need to enter your state and sometimes your city or branch location. This method works even if you do not have online banking set up yet.
Call your bank directly
The fastest way if you are on the phone already is to call your bank's customer service number. It is on your debit card, on your statements, or on the back of your checkbook. Tell them you need your routing number and which branch your account is with. They will give you the nine-digit code in seconds.
If you are not sure which branch your account is at, have your account number ready. The representative can pull up your account and tell you both the routing number and the branch location.
Search the Federal Reserve's routing number database
The Federal Reserve maintains a public database of all routing numbers used in the United States. Go to frbservices.org and click on "Routing Number Lookup." Enter your bank name and the state where your branch is located. The database will return all routing numbers associated with that bank in that state.
This method is useful if you have moved and are not sure which branch your account belongs to, or if you are looking up a routing number for someone else's bank. The database is updated regularly and is free to search.
Check your bank statements
If you have paper statements, the routing number often appears at the top or bottom of the page, usually near your account number. Digital statements in your email or online portal show it in the same places as your online account summary.
Older statements may have a different routing number if your bank merged with another bank or closed a branch. If you are setting up a recurring payment and your statements are more than a year old, verify the number on your bank's website or by calling before you use it.
Understand the difference between routing and account numbers
Your routing number identifies your bank and branch. Your account number identifies your specific account within that branch. Together, they tell another bank exactly where to send money. You need both for wire transfers, direct deposit setup, and ACH payments.
The routing number is the same for all customers at your branch. The account number is unique to you. If you give someone your routing number alone, they cannot access your account — they also need your account number, and even then they can only move money if you have authorized it.
Wire transfer routing numbers and ACH routing numbers
Most banks use the same routing number for both wire transfers and ACH payments (automatic clearing house transfers like direct deposit). However, some large banks maintain separate routing numbers for each type of transaction. If you are setting up a wire transfer and the bank rejects your routing number, ask whether they have a separate wire routing number.
Your bank's customer service line can tell you immediately whether you need a different number. If you are wiring money to someone else's account, always ask them which routing number they use for incoming wires — do not assume it is the same as their checking account routing number.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I do not have checks?
Log into your online banking account and look for account details, or call your bank's customer service number. Both methods take less than five minutes. You can also visit your bank branch in person with your ID and ask them to write it down for you.
Can I use any routing number for my bank, or does it have to be my specific branch?
You should use the routing number for your specific branch. If you use a different branch's routing number, the transfer may be delayed or rejected. Your bank's website or customer service can confirm which routing number belongs to your branch.
Is my routing number the same as my bank's main routing number?
Not always. Large banks have multiple routing numbers, one for each branch or region. The routing number on your checks is the correct one for your account. If you look up your bank online and see a different number, call your bank to confirm which one is yours.
What if I give my routing number to someone by mistake?
A routing number alone cannot be used to access your account or move money. Someone would also need your account number and your authorization. If you are concerned, contact your bank, but there is no immediate risk from sharing just the routing number.
Do I need a different routing number for mobile payments or online transfers?
No. The same routing number works for checks, wire transfers, ACH payments, mobile payments, and online transfers. You only need to enter it once when you set up a new payee or receiving account.