Yes, on a standard US check the routing number comes first. It’s the left-most group of numbers printed along the bottom of the check, followed by your account number, and then the check number on the far right.
The Three Numbers on a Check
Look at the bottom of any personal check and you’ll see three groups of numbers printed in a special magnetic ink. Reading left to right, here’s what each one is:
- Routing number (first): A nine-digit number that identifies your bank or credit union. The American Bankers Association assigns these, and every financial institution has at least one. You’ll need this number for direct deposits, wire transfers, and setting up automatic payments.
- Account number (second): This identifies your specific account at that bank. Account numbers vary in length depending on the institution, typically ranging from eight to twelve digits.
- Check number (third): This matches the number printed in the upper-right corner of the check. It’s the shortest group, usually three or four digits.
When the Order Is Different
Some banks and credit unions swap the check number to the far left, before the routing number. This means the short number appears first, followed by the nine-digit routing number, and then the account number. This layout is less common but not unusual, especially on checks printed by certain financial institutions or third-party check printers.
If you’re not sure which number is which, the routing number is always exactly nine digits. That’s the easiest way to identify it regardless of where it sits. The check number will match the number in the top corner of the check, so you can use that as a second reference point to sort out the sequence.
How to Confirm Your Routing Number
If you need your routing number for a direct deposit form or an online payment and you don’t have a checkbook handy, you have a few options. Most banks display it on the account details page in online banking or in the mobile app. You can also find it by searching your bank’s name on the American Bankers Association’s routing number lookup tool, or by calling your bank directly.
Keep in mind that a single bank may use different routing numbers depending on the state where you opened your account or the type of transaction. A routing number for wire transfers, for example, can be different from the one printed on your checks. When filling out forms, make sure you’re using the routing number that matches the specific purpose.
Canadian Checks Use a Different Layout
If you’re looking at a Canadian check, the format is noticeably different. Instead of a single nine-digit routing number, Canadian checks break that information into two parts: a five-digit branch transit number and a three-digit institution number. The account number follows. These numbers still appear at the bottom of the check, but they won’t match the US format, so don’t try to use one interchangeably with the other on payment forms that ask for a US routing number.