What Is a Routing Number?

A routing number — also called an ABA routing number or routing transit number (RTN) — is a 9-digit code that identifies a specific bank or credit union in the United States. Every financial institution that processes electronic transfers has at least one routing number assigned by the American Bankers Association (ABA).

What Does a Routing Number Do?

Routing numbers serve as an address for your bank in the electronic payment system. When money is transferred electronically — via direct deposit, wire transfer, or ACH payment — the routing number tells the payment network which financial institution should receive the funds.

Think of it like a zip code for banks: the routing number identifies the institution, and your account number identifies your specific account within that institution.

The 9-Digit Format

Every routing number follows a specific format:

• Digits 1-4: Federal Reserve routing symbol — identifies the Federal Reserve district and processing center
• Digits 5-8: ABA institution identifier — unique to each bank
• Digit 9: Check digit — a mathematical verification number calculated from the first 8 digits

You can verify a routing number is valid using the check digit formula:

(3×d1 + 7×d2 + 1×d3 + 3×d4 + 7×d5 + 1×d6 + 3×d7 + 7×d8 + 1×d9) mod 10 = 0

Where to Find Your Routing Number

On a Check

The routing number is the first set of 9 digits printed at the bottom left of every check, enclosed in special symbols (⑆). See our guide on how to find your routing number for detailed instructions.

In Your Bank's App

Most banking apps display your routing number in the account details or settings section.

On Your Bank's Website

Banks publish their routing numbers on their website, often on a "Routing Numbers" or "Account Information" page.

On VoidedCheck.com

Search for your bank on VoidedCheck.com to find the correct routing number for your region.

Why Banks Have Multiple Routing Numbers

Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have multiple routing numbers — sometimes dozens — because routing numbers are tied to geographic regions. When you opened your account, it was assigned the routing number for that region's processing center.

If you opened your Chase account in California, your routing number is different from someone who opened theirs in New York.

Always use the routing number associated with where your account was opened, not where you currently live.

When You Need Your Routing Number

• Direct deposit — Your employer needs it to deposit your paycheck
• Wire transfers — Required for domestic wire transfers (international wires use SWIFT codes)
• ACH payments — Needed for automatic bill payments and online transfers
• Tax refunds — The IRS needs it for direct deposit of tax refunds
• Voided checks — A voided check displays your routing number automatically

Routing Number vs. Account Number

Your routing number and account number work together but serve different purposes:

| | Routing Number | Account Number |

|---|---|---|

| Identifies | Your bank | Your specific account |

| Length | Always 9 digits | Varies (8-17 digits) |

| Uniqueness | Shared by all customers at that bank/region | Unique to you |

| Public | Published by the Federal Reserve | Private |

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my routing number the same as my account number?

No. Your routing number identifies your bank; your account number identifies your specific account. You need both for electronic transfers.

Can I find my routing number without a check?

Yes. Check your bank's mobile app, online banking portal, website, or call customer service.

Do routing numbers change?

Rarely. Routing numbers may change if banks merge or are acquired. Your bank will notify you if this happens.

Is my routing number public information?

Yes. Routing numbers are published in the Federal Reserve's FedACH directory and printed on every check. They identify the bank, not your personal account.

Can someone steal money with just my routing number?

No. A routing number alone identifies only the bank. To initiate a transfer, someone would also need your account number and authorization.

Need to provide your routing number to an employer? Generate a voided check →