Quick answer: Your routing number is printed on the bottom left of a personal check. You can also find it in your bank’s mobile app, online banking portal, or by calling your bank directly. It is always 9 digits long.
You will need your routing number when setting up direct deposit, authorizing ACH payments, sending a wire transfer, or linking an external account to a payment app. Here is exactly where to find it.
On a Personal Check
The fastest way to find your routing number is to look at the bottom of one of your checks. The bottom of every personal check contains three sets of numbers printed in magnetic ink:
- Bottom left: Your 9-digit routing number, surrounded by special transit symbols
- Bottom middle: Your account number
- Bottom right: The check number
The routing number is always first and always 9 digits. If you are unsure which set of numbers is which, count from the left — the first 9 digits are your routing number.
In Your Bank’s Mobile App
Most banks display your routing number inside their mobile app. The exact location varies by bank but is usually found under account details, account information, or direct deposit settings.
- Chase: Tap the account, then Account Details
- Bank of America: Select the account, then Information and Services
- Wells Fargo: Tap the account, then Account Details
- Capital One: Select the account, then View Account Details
- US Bank: Tap the account, then Manage Account
- PNC: Select the account, then Account and Routing Numbers
Through Online Banking
Log in to your bank’s website and navigate to your account summary or account details page. Most banks display the routing number alongside your account number on this screen. Some banks label it as ABA number or transit number — these all refer to the same thing.
On Your Bank’s Website (Without Logging In)
Most banks publish their routing numbers publicly on their website. Because routing numbers identify the bank rather than your specific account, they are not considered sensitive information. A quick search for your bank’s name and routing number will typically return the correct number directly from the bank’s official site.
Use the links below to find routing numbers for the most common US banks and credit unions:
- Chase routing numbers by state
- Bank of America routing numbers
- Wells Fargo routing number
- US Bank routing number
- PNC routing number
- Capital One routing number
- Navy Federal routing number
- PenFed routing number
- Alliant routing number
- BECU routing number
- Golden 1 routing number
- SchoolsFirst routing number
By Calling Your Bank
If you do not have a check and cannot access online or mobile banking, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card. The representative can confirm your routing number over the phone. You will typically need to verify your identity before they provide account details.
Why Some Banks Have Multiple Routing Numbers
Large national banks such as Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo use different routing numbers depending on the state where the account was opened. This is a legacy of regional banking systems that were merged over time.
If your bank has multiple routing numbers, use the one for the state where you originally opened your account — not necessarily the state where you currently live. When in doubt, confirm with your bank directly or check inside your mobile app, which will always show the correct number for your specific account.
Routing Number vs Account Number
Your routing number identifies your bank. Your account number identifies your specific account. Most transactions require both. For a full explanation of the difference, see routing number vs account number explained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my routing number the same as my account number?
No. Your routing number identifies your bank and is shared with all customers at the same institution. Your account number identifies your specific account and is unique to you.
Can I use my routing number without my account number?
Not for most transactions. ACH transfers, direct deposit, and wire transfers require both your routing number and your account number. The routing number alone only identifies the bank — it does not tell the bank which account to use.
Is it safe to give out my routing number?
Your routing number is public information and safe to share on its own. However, sharing your routing number together with your account number gives someone the information needed to initiate ACH debits from your account. Only provide both numbers to trusted institutions and verified payees.
What if I do not have checks?
You can find your routing number in your bank’s mobile app under account details, through online banking, on your bank’s public website, or by calling customer service. You do not need a physical check to find your routing number.
Related Guides
- Routing number vs account number
- Routing numbers directory
- Direct deposit guide
- How to set up direct deposit
- ACH transfer guide
Bottom Line
Your routing number is on the bottom left of any personal check, inside your bank’s mobile app under account details, and on your bank’s website. It is always 9 digits. Large banks may have different routing numbers by state, so always confirm you are using the number tied to the state where your account was opened.
