You’ve seen them in relation to your bank account, and shared them with your employers when setting up direct deposit for your paycheck. They’re routing numbers: that string of digits in the bottom left corner of your check. Show
What is a routing number?Routing numbers are nine-digit numbers that identify your bank or credit union in a financial transaction. The numbers were adopted by the banking industry in 1910 to make transactions quicker and more efficient. With each bank having one specific number assigned to it, the chances of miscommunication are reduced. So even if two banks have similar names, they’re clearly distinct from one another because of their different routing numbers. Skip to routing numbers at the three largest banks:
When you’ll need your routing numberYou’ll need your routing number in a variety of situations, including setting up direct deposit, automatic loan payments or recurring transfers like bill payments. You’ll also need it when you file taxes to receive your tax refund or debit a tax payment, or when you conduct Automated Clearing House, or ACH, transfers between accounts at different banks. You will only need your routing number when funds are being directly transferred to or from your bank account — never for debit card or credit card purchases. How to find your routing numberYou can find your routing number at the bottom left corner of your personal checks. It’s the first nine digits of the long line of numbers there. Called the magnetic ink character recognition line, that string of numbers contains your routing number, account number and the check number, listed in that order. If you don’t have a check handy, you can also find your routing number in the following places:
Be aware that routing numbers can change. Financial institutions can close branches, reorganize their operations or change the purpose of a routing number, all of which can affect the number connected to your account. Confirm your routing number with your bank before using it to avoid giving out the wrong number. Each bank has at least one routing number, although larger banks can have more. At a bank with multiple routing numbers, they can change depending on the location where you opened your account and the type of transaction you’re making. If you live in Texas, for example, your routing number to set up direct deposit can be different from your friend’s in California, and different from your mom’s when she’s accepting an incoming wire transfer — even if the three of you use the same bank. Bank of America routing numbersConfirm that your state's routing number below is the same on your checks or logged-in online account. Disclaimer: These are Bank of America routing numbers for checking accounts for electronic payments only. Some states or regions have different routing numbers for checks and electronic payments. In most cases, there are separate routing numbers for wire transfers as well.
Chase routing numbersConfirm that your state's routing number below is the same on your checks or logged-in online account. Disclaimer: These are Chase routing numbers by state for business accounts. NerdWallet independently confirmed that California's personal and business routing numbers are identical but could not confirm all routing numbers for personal accounts by state.
Wells Fargo routing numbersConfirm that your state's routing number below is the same on your checks or logged-in online account. Disclaimer: These are Wells Fargo routing numbers for checking accounts that aren't used for wire transfers. There are two for California, but the one listed below works across the state.
Frequently asked questions Routing number vs. account number: What’s the difference? A routing number identifies a specific bank whereas an account number identifies a personal bank account. The routing number is the first nine-digit number in the bottom left corner of a check. It’s immediately followed by the account number. How do I find my bank's routing number? The routing number is the first nine-digit number in the bottom left corner of a check. How do I find my bank's routing number without a check? You can find your bank’s routing number by contacting its customer service. You can also find it on your bank statement and via the bank’s website or mobile app. How can I see my account and routing number?Look at a check
Your account number is located along the bottom of your check, to the right of the routing number and to the left of the check number.
Where can you find your account number?What are the numbers on a check? At the bottom of a check, you will see three groups of numbers. The first group is your routing number, the second is your account number and the third is your check number.
How do I find out my bank account number without a check?Typically, account numbers are provided in paper bank statements and electronic statements.. Acquire the bank statement (electronic or paper). Identify the first page of the bank statement.. Look at the top of the right column. The number beside “Account:” is your account number.. How do I find my account number on my debit card?Call the number on the back of your credit or debit card or look up their customer service number online. You'll likely have to provide your name, address, and social security number so they can verify your identity. Then, they'll tell you your account number.
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