Updated September 1, 2023

Find Your Routing Number on a Check

What Is a Routing Number?

A routing number is a 9-digit "electronic address" for transactions between financial institutions in the U.S. Your routing number, along with your bank account number, ensures the money you send or receive through a bank ends up in the right place.

Banks with branches in more than one state often use multiple routing numbers. Why? Routing numbers are usually linked to the location of the bank where you opened your account. (This won't be the case with online banks, of course.)

You'll also use different routing numbers for different types of transactions. We cover that below.

Routing numbers are also called ABA routing transit numbers (ABA RTN), which stands for American Bankers Association Routing Transit Number.

What Is the Difference Between Routing and Account Numbers?

Every bank account has a routing and account number, but they both serve different functions.

Routing numbers are associated with your specific bank. Each financial institution has its own routing number—and some have several.
Account numbers are associated with your specific account.

If you opened several accounts at the same bank location, they will likely have the same routing number. However, each will always have its own account number.

Here's another important difference: Routing numbers are public information while account numbers are private. You should take great care never to share your account numbers.

Where Can I Find My Routing Number?

Depending on the type of account, here are several ways to identify your routing number. It's important to remember, however, that the routing number you need depends on the type of transaction.

Bank Website
Log in to your account through the bank portal or mobile app and search for the term "routing number." Many financial institutions also list them on their general website.

The numbers listed on most bank websites refer to checking accounts. In many—but not all—cases, the routing numbers will be the same for your savings accounts at that bank. But check to be sure before sending or receiving money with a savings account or IRA.

Checks
For checking accounts, the routing number is the series of digits on the bottom left of every personal check. Be sure not to confuse this with your account number, which is located on the bottom right of the check.

For savings accounts at traditional banks, look for your routing number on the deposit slips you received when opening your account.

Monthly Statement
Your routing and account number should be printed on your checking and savings account statements. These are mailed to your address monthly. If you opt for paperless statements, you can access them online through the bank website or mobile app.

ABA website
The American Bankers Association provides ABA routing information. Search by your bank's name, city, state, and zip code.

Web search
If all else fails, enter the name of your bank and "routing number" into any online search engine. Remember, routing numbers are public information.

You can find your bank's routing number by reading our guides:

Where do you usually look for the bank's routing number?

When Do I Need a Routing Number?

You'll need your routing number to send or receive money directly from your bank account. Here are some common examples:

Direct deposit from an employer
Online banking transactions like scheduling one-time or automatic bill pay
Sending money to family members or friends
Depositing money from a third-party payment app (like Venmo or PayPal)
Transferring money between accounts at different banks or between a bank and a retirement or investment account
Domestic wire transfers

What do you usually need your bank routing number for?

Breaking Down Your Routing Number
The first four digits are connected to the Federal Reserve. The next four are unique to your bank. Consider those the bank's address for the Federal Reserve. The final digit is a mathematical calculation of the first eight digits—it's used to prevent check fraud.

Types of Routing Numbers

Just as banks may have different routing numbers based on location, the type of transaction also matters. Some banks have different routing numbers for Automated Clearing House (ACH), domestic wire, or international wire transfers. Read on to learn more.

Automated Clearing House
ACH transfers are made between financial institutions through third-party clearinghouses. They are the most common types of money transfers. You use them when you:

Move between accounts at different banks
Pay a bill online from your account
Send or receive funds from a third-party payment apps like Venmo, Square, and PayPal

ACH transfers are typically free, but they take several business days to complete. And any transfers started after business hours won't be processed until the next business day.

Domestic Wire Transfers
Domestic wires are direct bank-to-bank transfers that require no third-party clearinghouse. They are great for time-sensitive transactions, since unlike ACH transfers, they are processed in real-time. However, they typically cost between $0—30.

Some banks use different routing numbers for domestic wire transfers. For example, PNC bank uses a routing number for incoming wire transfers that differs from the one displayed on your account. Always check with your bank for the correct routing number before sending/receiving a wire.

Wire transfers are less common than ACH transfers—they are generally used only for large amounts or time-sensitive transactions. If you're unsure what kind to make, the default is an ACH transfer.

International Wire Transfers
These types of transfers use a different type of routing number entirely. SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) codes have eight to eleven digits with letters and numbers, unlike the 9-digit routing number.

If you work overseas and want to send money from your international account to a U.S. account, you'll need a SWIFT code. Call your bank or visit its website to find the SWIFT code for an international wire transfer.

How much do international wire transfers cost?
International wire rates vary depending on the bank and whether you're receiving or sending money. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $0—$65.

Always check with your bank for specific rules and restrictions. Some smaller banks don't allow for international wire transfers while others may allow customers to receive but not send them.

The Bottom Line

Routing numbers are 9-digit codes that enable banks to identify the location of your bank account and make sure your money doesn't get lost.

ACH transfers and domestic wire transfers use routing numbers. If you plan to send money internationally, you'll need a SWIFT code, which is how banks locate each other internationally.

You can find your routing number on a check, on your online account portal, or at your bank's website.

Write to Andrea Sielicki at feedback@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.

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