The routing number is the first set of nine digits at the bottom left of your check
Open a check from your account and look at the bottom left corner. You will see three groups of numbers separated by vertical lines. The routing number — nine digits — is always the leftmost group. It comes before your account number and the check number.
The routing number identifies your specific bank or credit union branch. Every financial institution has its own routing number, and some large banks have multiple routing numbers for different regions or departments. The routing number stays the same across all your checks from that account.
If you do not have a check in front of you, you can find this same number through other methods, but the check is the fastest way to locate it without logging in or calling anyone.
Key Takeaways
- The routing number is the first nine-digit group at the bottom left of any check, before your account number.
- Every bank and credit union branch has a unique routing number that appears on all checks from that institution.
- You can also find your routing number on your bank's website, by calling customer service, or through your online banking portal.
- The routing number is public information and is safe to share — it is printed on every check you write.
Why banks print the routing number on checks
The routing number tells the Federal Reserve and other banks where to send money when you receive a deposit or when someone pays you by check. Without it, the banking system would not know which institution to route the payment to, and your deposit could be delayed or sent to the wrong place.
Banks print it in magnetic ink at the bottom of every check so that check-processing machines can read it automatically. The format and position are standardized across all U.S. banks, which is why you will always find it in the same spot on the bottom left.
Other places to find your routing number if you do not have a check
Log into your online banking portal or mobile app. Most banks display your routing number in the account details section, often labeled "Account Information" or "Routing & Account Numbers." You may need to click through to a specific account to see it.
Call your bank's customer service line — the number is usually on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement. A representative can give you the routing number over the phone in under a minute.
Visit your bank's website and search for "routing number." Most banks have a page where you can search by state or branch location. Credit unions typically have a similar tool on their website.
Check your bank statement. Paper statements and digital statements both list the routing number, usually near the top or in the account summary section.
The difference between routing number and account number
The routing number identifies your bank. The account number — the second group of digits on your check — identifies your specific account within that bank. Together, they tell the banking system exactly where your money should go.
If you are setting up direct deposit or a wire transfer, you will need both numbers. The routing number tells the system which bank, and the account number tells it which account at that bank. Giving out your routing number alone is safe — it is printed on every check you write and is public information. Your account number is more sensitive and should be shared only when necessary.
What to do if you cannot find your routing number
If you have lost your checks and cannot access your online banking, call your bank directly. Have your account number or Social Security number ready so they can pull up your account. They will give you the routing number immediately.
If you are switching banks or opening a new account, the routing number for your new bank will be provided in your welcome materials or on the bank's website before you even receive your first check.
Some banks and credit unions have different routing numbers for different types of transactions — for example, one for ACH transfers and another for wire transfers. If you are setting up a specific type of payment, ask your bank which routing number to use for that transaction.
How routing numbers are organized
The Federal Reserve assigns routing numbers to banks and credit unions. The first four digits identify the Federal Reserve district and the bank itself. The next four digits identify the specific branch or processing center. The last digit is a check digit used to verify the number is correct.
Large national banks often have one routing number that works nationwide. Regional banks and credit unions may have different routing numbers for different branches or states. If you have accounts at multiple branches of the same bank, they may share the same routing number or have separate ones — your bank can tell you which applies to your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to give someone my routing number?
Yes. Your routing number is public information printed on every check you write. It only identifies your bank, not your account. However, do not share your account number or the full check details with someone you do not trust.
Do all my checks have the same routing number?
Yes, if they are from the same account at the same bank. All checks from one account will have the same routing number and account number printed on them. If you open a new account or switch banks, the routing number will change.
What if the routing number on my check does not match what the bank website says?
Contact your bank. This is rare, but it can happen if you have very old checks or if your bank merged with another institution. Your bank will tell you which number is correct for your current account.
Can I use the routing number from an old check?
Usually yes, but not always. If your bank has merged, relocated, or changed its routing number, an old check may have outdated information. When in doubt, use the routing number from your bank's current website or call to confirm.