The routing number on a check is the first set of nine digits printed along the bottom-left edge. It sits between two special symbols that look like vertical lines with colons (|:), making it easy to spot once you know what to look for. The other numbers along that bottom line are your account number and the check number, reading left to right.
Where Exactly to Find It
Flip your check over so the front faces you and look at the very bottom. You’ll see a row of numbers printed in a blocky, stylized font. This font is called MICR (magnetic ink character recognition), and banks use it so machines can read the numbers automatically during processing.
The routing number is the first group in that row. It’s always exactly nine digits, and it’s framed by symbols that resemble |: on each side. Right after that second symbol, the next set of numbers is your account number. At the far right, the shortest number is the individual check number, which matches the number printed in the upper-right corner of the check.
Here’s the left-to-right order:
- Routing number (9 digits): Identifies your bank or credit union
- Account number: Identifies your specific account (length varies by bank)
- Check number: Identifies this particular check
What the Routing Number Actually Does
The routing number tells the banking system which financial institution holds your account. There are roughly 22,000 active routing numbers in the United States, each one assigned by the American Bankers Association. When someone deposits your check, their bank reads the routing number to figure out where to send the request for funds.
You’ll also need this number when setting up direct deposit, paying bills online, or linking your checking account to apps and services. Any time a form asks for your “routing number” or “ABA routing number,” this is the nine-digit number it means.
Paper Checks vs. Electronic Transfers
The routing number printed on your check is specifically tied to paper check processing. If you need a routing number for an electronic transfer, like an ACH payment (the system used for direct deposits and online bill pay), it may or may not be the same number. Some banks use one routing number for everything, while others assign a separate routing number for ACH or wire transfers.
If you’re setting up a direct deposit or making an online payment, the number on your check will usually work. But if you’re sending or receiving a wire transfer, check your bank’s website or call them directly to confirm the correct routing number. Using the wrong one can delay or misdirect your transfer.
What If You Don’t Have a Check Handy
You don’t need a physical check to find your routing number. Most banks display it in their online banking portal or mobile app, typically under account details. You can also find it by searching your bank’s name along with “routing number” on their website. Keep in mind that large banks sometimes use different routing numbers depending on the state where you opened your account, so make sure you’re looking at the right one for your specific account.
Your routing number also appears on bank statements and deposit slips, though the placement on those documents is less standardized than on checks.