What Is a Routing Number? Definition and Where to Find Yours - NerdWallet (2024)

Your routing number is one of the long strings of numbers at the bottom of your checks. You need to know your number to set up direct deposit for your paycheck or benefits. But what exactly is a routing number, which number is it on the bottom of checks, and how else might you need to use it? Read on to find out.

What is a routing number?

Routing numbers are nine-digit numbers that identify the 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. Some banks have one specific routing number only, while bigger banks can have several routing numbers assigned to them. Using the numbers reduces the chances of miscommunication in money transfer requests. So even if two banks have similar names, they’re distinct from one another because of their different routing numbers.

Read ahead to see lists of routing numbers at a few of the largest banks in the country as well as some online banks and credit unions.

When you’ll need your routing number

You’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 if you want to receive your tax refund as a direct deposit or to debit a tax payment from your account. If you plan on transferring money between accounts at two different banks, you'll need it then, too.

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 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.

You 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. Called the magnetic ink character recognition line, that string of numbers contains your routing number, account number and check number in that order.

If you don’t have a check handy, you can also find the routing number in the following places:

Be aware that routing numbers can change. Financial institutions can close branches, reorganize operations or change the purpose of a routing number, all of which can affect the number connected to your account. If your bank has undergone changes (such as merging with another bank, for example) since you opened your account, confirm the routing number with your bank before using it.

Bank of America routing numbers

Confirm that your state's routing number below is the same on your checks or in your 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 numbers

Chase routing numbers for personal accounts aren't available on Chase’s public-facing website. You can find your routing number by referencing your Chase bank account checks or by logging in to your account online.

Wells Fargo routing numbers

Confirm that your state's routing number below is the same on your Wells Fargo checks or logged-in online account.

Disclaimer: The Wells Fargo routing numbers below are for checking accounts that aren't used for wire transfers. There are two for California, but the one listed below works across the state.

Online bank and credit union routing numbers

Confirm that your routing number below is the same in your logged-in online account. Unless otherwise noted, these are the routing numbers for electronic payments and checks.