Everything you need to know about routing numbers and how to find yours.
What Is a Routing Number?
A routing number (also called ABA routing number or RTN) is a unique 9-digit code that identifies a financial institution in the United States. Think of it as your bank’s “address” in the banking system.
Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Length | Always 9 digits |
| Format | Numbers only (no letters) |
| Also called | ABA number, RTN, routing transit number |
| Managed by | American Bankers Association (ABA) |
| First used | 1910 |
Routing Number vs Account Number
| Routing Number | Account Number | |
|---|---|---|
| Identifies | Your bank | Your specific account |
| Length | Always 9 digits | 8-17 digits (varies) |
| Unique to | Bank/region | You |
| Can share? | Yes (public info) | Never share publicly |
| On check | First 9 digits (bottom left) | Middle numbers (bottom) |
How to Find Your Routing Number
1. On Your Check
⌊ 123456789 ⌋ ⌊ 0000123456 ⌋ 1234
Routing Account Check
Number Number Number
The routing number appears first on the bottom left.
2. In Your Bank’s App
| Bank | Where to Find |
|---|---|
| Most banks | Settings → Account Details |
| Chase | Account info tile |
| Bank of America | Account details |
| Wells Fargo | Account summary |
| Citi | Account information |
3. On Your Bank’s Website
Log into online banking → Account details → Routing number
4. Call Your Bank
Customer service can verify your routing number over the phone.
5. Bank Statements
Often printed on monthly statements.
Major Bank Routing Numbers
Banks may have different routing numbers by state. Verify with your bank.
National Banks
| Bank | Primary Routing Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chase | 021000021 | NY-based, varies by state |
| Bank of America | 026009593 | Varies by state |
| Wells Fargo | 121000248 | CA-based, varies by state |
| Citi | 021000089 | NY-based |
| US Bank | 122235821 | Varies by state |
| PNC | 043000096 | Varies by state |
| TD Bank | 031101266 | Northeast |
| Capital One | 051405515 | VA-based |
Online Banks
| Bank | Routing Number |
|---|---|
| Ally Bank | 124003116 |
| Discover Bank | 031100649 |
| Marcus (Goldman Sachs) | 124085024 |
| SoFi | 026073150 |
| Chime | 031101279 or 103100195* |
| Varo | 091311229 |
*May vary; check your app
Always verify with your specific bank before using.
When You Need Your Routing Number
| Transaction | Routing # Needed? |
|---|---|
| Direct deposit setup | Yes |
| Wire transfer (receiving) | Yes |
| Wire transfer (sending) | Yes |
| ACH payment | Yes |
| Automatic bill pay | Yes |
| Tax refund direct deposit | Yes |
| Linking external accounts | Yes |
| Venmo/PayPal setup | Yes |
| Writing a check | Already printed |
| ATM withdrawal | No |
| Debit card purchase | No |
| Zelle | No (uses email/phone) |
Types of Routing Numbers
Some transactions require specific routing numbers:
| Type | Used For |
|---|---|
| ACH routing number | Direct deposit, bill pay, ACH transfers |
| Wire routing number | Domestic wire transfers |
| International wire | SWIFT/BIC code (different system) |
Important Note
Your bank may have different routing numbers for ACH vs wire transfers. Always confirm which one you need.
Routing Number Structure
The 9 digits have meaning:
| Digits | Position | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | First two | Federal Reserve district (01-12) |
| 3-4 | Third-fourth | Federal Reserve bank and office |
| 5-8 | Fifth-eighth | Bank identifier |
| 9 | Ninth | Check digit (validation) |
Federal Reserve Districts
| Code | Region |
|---|---|
| 01 | Boston |
| 02 | New York |
| 03 | Philadelphia |
| 04 | Cleveland |
| 05 | Richmond |
| 06 | Atlanta |
| 07 | Chicago |
| 08 | St. Louis |
| 09 | Minneapolis |
| 10 | Kansas City |
| 11 | Dallas |
| 12 | San Francisco |
Safety Tips
Do’s
| Action | Why |
|---|---|
| Verify routing numbers before transfers | Prevent misdirected funds |
| Use official bank sources | Avoid scam numbers |
| Double-check digits | One wrong digit sends money elsewhere |
Don’ts
| Action | Risk |
|---|---|
| Share account number publicly | Fraud risk |
| Trust routing numbers from emails | Phishing scam |
| Use unverified sources | Could be outdated |
Common Questions
Can someone steal money with just my routing number?
No. The routing number alone isn’t enough—they’d also need your account number. However, together these can enable unauthorized ACH debits, so keep both secure.
Why do big banks have multiple routing numbers?
Large banks that grew through mergers may have different routing numbers for:
- Different states/regions
- Different account types
- Legacy systems from acquired banks
What if I use the wrong routing number?
- ACH/direct deposit: Usually returned, may take several days
- Wire transfer: May be lost or significantly delayed
- Always double-check before sending
Related: How to Set Up Direct Deposit | How to Wire Money | Best Checking Accounts