How to Find Your ABA Routing Number

Quick answer

• Your ABA routing number is a nine-digit code used by banks to identify themselves for financial transactions.
• You can usually find it printed on the bottom of your checks, next to your account number.
• It’s also available on your bank’s mobile app or website, often in your account details.
• You can call your bank’s customer service line and ask for it.
• Routing numbers can differ for paper checks versus electronic transactions.
• Never share your routing number and account number with untrusted sources.

Who this is for

• Individuals who need to set up direct deposit for their paycheck or government benefits.
• People looking to pay bills electronically or set up automatic payments.
• Anyone who needs to transfer funds between bank accounts at different institutions.

What to check first (before you act)

Your Goal

Before you look for your ABA routing number, clarify why you need it. Are you setting up direct deposit? Paying a bill? Transferring money? Your specific goal might influence which routing number you need (e.g., for paper checks vs. electronic transfers) and where you should look for it. Knowing your objective will make the search more efficient.

Current Banking Information

You’ll need to know which bank holds the account you’re interested in. If you have multiple accounts, make sure you’re looking up the routing number for the correct one. Having your account number handy can also be helpful when verifying information with your bank.

Security Awareness

Understand that your ABA routing number, along with your account number, can be used to initiate financial transactions. Be cautious about where and to whom you provide this information. Only share it with legitimate institutions or individuals you trust for specific financial purposes.

Step-by-step (simple workflow)

1. Identify Your Bank: Determine the exact name of the financial institution that holds your account. This is crucial as routing numbers are specific to each bank.

• What “good” looks like: You know the full, official name of your bank.
• Common mistake: Using a general bank name (e.g., “Chase”) when the specific branch or a different entity within the bank has a distinct routing number. Avoid this by checking your official bank statements or website.

2. Locate a Check: Find a physical check from the account for which you need the routing number.

• What “good” looks like: You have a check in hand.
• Common mistake: Using an old or voided check. Ensure it’s a current check from the active account.

3. Examine the Bottom of the Check: Look at the magnetic ink characters (MICR line) at the bottom of the check.

• What “good” looks like: You can clearly see the numbers printed on this line.
• Common mistake: Mistaking the account number or check number for the routing number. The routing number is typically the first set of nine digits on the MICR line.

4. Identify the Routing Number: The ABA routing number is the first nine-digit number on the MICR line, usually appearing before your account number.

• What “good” looks like: You have identified the nine digits that are at the beginning of the MICR line.
• Common mistake: Confusing the routing number with your account number or the check number. The routing number is always the first group of nine digits.

5. Verify with Your Bank’s Website or App: Log in to your online banking portal or open your bank’s mobile app.

• What “good” looks like: You are securely logged into your bank’s digital platform.
• Common mistake: Searching for the routing number on a generic search engine. This can lead to outdated or incorrect information. Always use your bank’s official website or app.

6. Navigate to Account Details: Look for a section labeled “Account Information,” “Details,” or “Settings.”

• What “good” looks like: You have found the area that displays specific information about your account.
• Common mistake: Not looking in the right place. Routing numbers are often found under general account details, not necessarily within transaction history.

7. Find the Routing Number Online: Your routing number should be listed in your account details. It may be labeled “Routing Number” or “ABA Number.”

• What “good” looks like: You see the nine-digit routing number displayed clearly on your screen.
• Common mistake: Assuming the routing number shown is for all transaction types. Some banks have different routing numbers for electronic transfers versus paper checks.

8. Contact Customer Service (if needed): If you cannot find the routing number through other methods, call your bank’s customer service line.

• What “good” looks like: You are speaking with a legitimate representative of your bank.
• Common mistake: Providing sensitive information to an unsolicited caller claiming to be from your bank. Always initiate the call yourself by finding the official number on your bank’s website or your bank card.

9. Ask for Clarification: When speaking with customer service, specify if you need the routing number for direct deposit, ACH transfers, or other specific transactions.

• What “good” looks like: The representative clearly states the correct routing number for your needs.
• Common mistake: Not specifying the transaction type. Different types of transactions might use different routing numbers.

10. Record the Number Securely: Write down the correct routing number and store it in a safe place, or save it within your secure digital banking profile.

• What “good” looks like: You have the correct routing number readily available for future use.
• Common mistake: Forgetting the number or writing it down in an easily accessible, insecure location.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Using the wrong routing number	Direct deposits may fail, payments may be rejected, and funds may go to the wrong account.	Double-check the number against your bank’s official sources and verify with customer service if unsure.
Sharing routing number with untrusted sources	Potential for unauthorized transactions or identity theft.	Only provide your routing number to legitimate financial institutions or employers for specific purposes.
Confusing routing number with account number	Transactions will be misdirected or fail entirely.	Learn the difference: routing number is 9 digits, account number varies and identifies your specific account.
Using an old or voided check	May provide an outdated or invalid routing number.	Always use a current check from an active account.
Not checking for different numbers for ACH	Electronic payments or direct deposits may not go through correctly.	Ask your bank if they have a specific routing number for ACH (Automated Clearing House) transactions.
Relying solely on third-party websites	May lead to incorrect or outdated routing numbers.	Always cross-reference with your bank’s official website, app, or customer service.
Not specifying transaction type to bank	Could receive the wrong routing number for your specific need (e.g., wire transfer vs. ACH).	Clearly state whether you need the number for direct deposit, ACH, wire transfers, etc.
Forgetting the routing number	Delays in setting up financial services or making payments.	Save the number in a secure location (password manager, encrypted note) or within your online banking.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If you need to set up direct deposit, then look for the routing number on a current check or in your online banking portal because these are the most reliable sources.
• If you are unsure about the routing number for electronic transactions (like ACH), then contact your bank directly because they can provide the specific number for those types of transfers.
• If you find a routing number on a third-party website, then verify it with your bank’s official channel because third-party information can be outdated or incorrect.
• If you have multiple accounts at the same bank, then ensure you are checking the routing number for the specific account you intend to use because routing numbers can sometimes be account-specific or differ for different account types.
• If you are asked for your routing number by an unknown caller, then do not provide it because it could be a scam to gain access to your financial information.
• If you are about to make a significant electronic payment, then double-check the routing number you are about to enter because a typo can cause the payment to fail or be sent to the wrong recipient.
• If you received a new debit card, then do not assume your routing number has changed unless your bank explicitly states so, because routing numbers are tied to the bank itself, not usually the card.
• If you are setting up automatic bill payments, then ensure you are using the correct routing number for the biller’s bank if they provided one, or your own bank’s routing number if you are authorizing an ACH debit from your account.
• If you are transferring money to another bank, then you will need your bank’s routing number to initiate the outgoing transfer.
• If you are receiving a wire transfer, then you will need to provide the sender with your bank’s routing number, which may be different from the ACH routing number.

FAQ

What is an ABA routing number?

An ABA routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies a financial institution in the United States. It’s used for processing checks, electronic payments, and other financial transactions.

Where can I find my ABA routing number on a check?

Your ABA routing number is typically found at the bottom of your check, on the MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) line. It’s the first set of nine digits, appearing before your account number.

Can I find my routing number online?

Yes, most banks display your ABA routing number on their official website or mobile app. Log in to your online banking account and look for it in your account details or settings.

Do all banks have the same routing number?

No, each bank has its own unique ABA routing number. Some larger banks may have different routing numbers for different regions or types of transactions.

Is my routing number the same as my account number?

No, they are different. The routing number identifies your bank, while your account number identifies your specific account within that bank.

Do I need a routing number for direct deposit?

Yes, you will need to provide your ABA routing number and your account number to your employer or the agency issuing your benefits to set up direct deposit.

What if I can’t find my routing number?

If you can’t find it on a check or online, call your bank’s customer service. They can assist you after verifying your identity.

Is it safe to share my routing number?

It is generally safe to share your ABA routing number with trusted institutions like your employer, government agencies, or bill payment services for legitimate financial purposes.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• International wire transfer instructions. For this, you’ll need to consult your bank for their SWIFT/BIC code and any specific international transfer procedures.
• Specific details about other countries’ banking identification systems. Each country uses different codes for identifying banks.
• How to open a new bank account. This involves a separate application process with your chosen financial institution.
• Detailed explanations of different types of electronic payments (ACH, wires, etc.). Understanding the nuances of each transaction type is a separate topic.