Routing number: What it is and how to find yours

Banking transactions like online bill payments, check processing, wire transfers and peer-to-peer payments like Venmo and CashApp require a bank routing number. This nine-digit string of numbers identifies your bank for these electronic transactions.

Learn how to find your routing number and why it’s important for your financial transactions.

What is a routing number?

A routing number is a nine-digit bank identification number that serves as an electronic address for your financial institution.

Think of it as a numerical address that allows banks to send and receive money from other financial institutions. The routing number identifies the bank responsible for the payment and ensures that the money goes to the right place.

Routing numbers were developed by the American Bankers Association (ABA) in 1910 for processing paper checks. They’re also known as ABA routing numbers or routing transit numbers. Today, routing numbers are used in numerous banking transactions, including:

• Direct deposits of paychecks and government benefits
• Wire transfers
• ACH transfers between accoutns
• Peer-to-peer payments via apps like Venmo or Cash App
• Online bill payments
• Processing checks
• Paying by phone

Each routing number is unique to one financial institution and helps avoid confusion. Routing numbers ensure that checks intended for Citibank don’t go to CIT Bank, for example.

A bank or credit union may have more than one routing number. This is often the case with big banks such as Bank of America, Chase Bank and Wells Fargo which have two routing numbers in some states.

Banks can also have separate routing numbers for different types of transactions — one for processing paper checks and another for wire transfers, for example.

How to find a routing number

Because bank routing numbers are used for so many transactions, you should know how to find yours. Here are several ways to locate your bank’s routing number.

How to find a routing number with a check

If you have a paper check, finding your routing number is easy. It appears in the bottom left corner of your check. It’s the first set of nine numbers and typically begins with a 0, 1, 2 or 3.

On a check, you’ll find three sets of numbers at the bottom:

1. The routing number (9 digits) comes first on the left
2. Your account number is in the middle
3. The check number appears on the right

These sets of numbers are clearly separated with special symbols or spaces between them.

How to find a routing number without a check

If you don’t have a checkbook or paper check, there are several other ways to find your routing number:

• Online: Log into your bank account online and go to “account information” or “account summary.” The routing number is typically listed in account details, though the exact location varies by bank.
• Mobile banking app: Most mobile banking apps display routing numbers in account information sections. Look under settings, account details or direct deposit information.
• Bank statement: Some banks include the routing number on your monthly paper or electronic bank statement, though not all do.
• Call customer service: You can ask a customer service representative to give you the routing number or confirm one you found online.
• Visit a branch: Bank tellers can provide your routing number in person. Some banks also display routing numbers in the lobby for customers’ convenience.
• Bank’s website: Many banks list their routing numbers on their public websites, often in the FAQ section or on pages about direct deposit or wire transfers.

Routing number vs. account number: What’s the difference?

While both routing numbers and account numbers are essential for banking transactions, they serve different purposes:

You can think of your bank account like your street address, and the routing number like the city and state. You need both sets of information for money to get properly routed into (and out of) your account. Using both unique identifiers helps reduce fraud as your account number is specific to you and your bank’s routing number is specific to them.

Learn more: Understanding checking account basics

Most larger banks have multiple routing numbers that differ by state or region. Here are the routing numbers for some of the largest banks in the U.S. that have footprints in all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia.

Bank of America routing numbers

Source: Bank of America

Chase Bank routing numbers

Source: Chase Bank

Note: For states not listed, check with a local branch, call Chase to confirm your routing number, or refer to a check or the Chase mobile app.

Wells Fargo Bank routing numbers

Source: Wells Fargo

For states not listed or to verify your specific routing number, check with your bank directly. Banks occasionally update their routing numbers, so it’s always a good idea to confirm current information.

How to verify a routing number

When sending money, especially large amounts, it’s very important to make sure you have the correct routing number. Here are some reliable ways to verify a routing number:

1. Contact the bank directly: The most reliable method is to call the bank’s customer service or visit a branch. You can also look online via the bank’s official website.
2. Use the ABA routing number lookup: The American Bankers Association maintains an official Routing Number Verification tool to verify routing numbers.
3. Check the Federal Reserve’s website: The Federal Reserve E-Payments Routing Directory provides information on routing numbers.

Remember that routing numbers are public information, so verification doesn’t require sharing any personal account details.

FAQs

Do credit unions have routing numbers?

Yes, credit unions use routing numbers just like banks do. Credit union routing numbers follow the same nine-digit format and are used for the same reasons as bank routing numbers. You can find your credit union’s routing number using the same method as you would with a bank.

Can my routing number change?

Yes, routing numbers can change, though it doesn’t happen often. Your routing number might change if:

• Your bank merges with another financial institution
• Your bank is acquired by another company
• You move and your account is transferred to a branch in a different region
• Your bank restructures its internal systems

If your routing number changes, your bank will notify you in advance and provide advice on updating any automatic payments or direct deposits.

Are routing numbers always nine digits?

Yes, in the United States, routing numbers are always exactly nine digits. The format was established by the American Bankers Association and follows a specific pattern. The first four digits are assigned by the Federal Reserve and identify the Federal Reserve Bank district and processing center. The next four digits identify the specific financial institution, and the final digit is a check digit used to verify the authenticity of the routing number.

Bottom line

A routing number is an important piece of information for many banking transactions. While it may seem like just another number to remember, knowing your routing number and where to find it can save you time and hassle when setting up direct deposits, paying bills online or transferring money between accounts.

Unlike your account number, routing numbers are public information that identifies your bank, not your individual account. For most everyday banking needs, you’ll use your routing number along with your account number to ensure money moves to and from your account correctly.