What is a Routing Number on a Check?

The offers and details on this page may have updated or changed since the time of publication. See our article on Business Insider for current information.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to offers listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate banking products to write unbiased product reviews.

• A routing number is a tool for identifying a financial institution.
• You can find a routing number on a check or monthly bank statement.
• Some financial institutions may have different routing numbers for different states.

A routing number is an important number to have if you're setting up an electronic transfer between two U.S. financial institutions.

Here's what you need to know about routing numbers, such as what they are and how to find them. We've also included the routing numbers at some of the best banks to save you time.

Introduction to routing numbers

Definition of a routing number

A routing number is a number that can be used to identify your financial institution. It's also called an ABA routing number (ABA stands for "American Bankers Association").

You might use it to set up direct deposits , establish recurring bill payments, or make transfers between banks in the United States.

History of routing numbers

The American Bankers Association created routing numbers as a way of pinpointing specific payments to a particular financial institution. Banks implemented this system in 1911.

In 1973, the American Bankers Association and the Federal Reserve System worked together to come up with a policy that would define a routing number's purpose, how a routing number could be obtained, and a policy for how many routing numbers a bank could have.

Structure of a routing number

A routing number is nine digits long. It also generally starts with a "0", "1," "2," or "3."

Some national financial institutions have different routing numbers depending on the state. For example, a California resident who opened a bank account at a national bank may have a different routing number than a Texas or New York resident who is a part of the same bank.

How to find a routing number

How to find a routing number on a check

You can find the routing number on the form's bottom left-hand corner if you have a check. You can distinguish the routing number from an account number because the former starts with a "0", "1," "2," or "3."

How to find a routing number without a check

If you don't have a check, here are a few places where you may be able to find the routing number:

• Online through the financial institution's website
• Your mobile banking app
• On your monthly bank statement

Contact customer service if you can't find a routing number through one of the ways listed above.

The American Banker's Association also has an online tool that looks up your routing number if you provide general information about your financial institution. This tool allows you to make two searches per day and 10 searches per month.

Differences between routing numbers and other financial numbers

Routing numbers vs. account numbers

A routing number helps identify a specific financial institution, while an account number is used to determine a person's bank account.

There are several ways you can distinguish routing numbers from account numbers. For example, routing numbers are nine digits long, while account numbers can vary from eight digits to 12 digits. Routing numbers also always start with a  "0," "1," "2," or "3," but bank account numbers can start with different digits.

If you're looking for a bank account number on a check , you'll find it on the bottom middle of the financial instrument. Meanwhile, a routing number is located on the bottom left-hand corner of a check.

Swift codes and IBANs

If you are sending money internationally , you'll use a SWIFT code and International Bank Account Number (IBAN) to make a transfer.

A SWIFT code is similar to a routing number — it's used to identify a bank. Meanwhile, IBAN numbers are like bank account numbers because they determine which bank account you're sending money to.

How to find routing numbers at the biggest banks

Chase routing numbers

Chase Bank doesn't share routing numbers on its website. To find a Chase routing number, you'll have to be a Chase customer and sign in to your account through online or mobile banking.

Bank of America routing numbers

Bank of America routing numbers are available on the bank's website. Bank of America has different routing numbers for different states, plus distinct routing numbers for wire transfers .

Here are the routing numbers at Bank of America to make electronic payments ( ACH transfers , direct deposits, automatic payments):

Wells Fargo routing numbers

Wells Fargo routing numbers are available online through the bank's website. Wells Fargo has many routing numbers, so you'll fill out a quick questionnaire to help you determine which routing number you'll need.

Here are the routing numbers for Wells Fargo checking accounts involving ACH transfers:

*Southern California residents may find a different routing number on their checks. You can use either number.

USAA routing numbers

USAA Bank has one ABA transit routing number: 314074269.

PNC Bank routing numbers

To find a PNC Bank routing number, customers with checking and savings accounts will have to log into online or mobile banking. You'll also find your routing number on the bottom left-hand corner of a check.

If you're initiating an incoming wire transfer, PNC Bank has a unique routing number for this type of transaction. The routing number is 043000096.

TD Bank routing numbers

TD Bank has branches on the East Coast. Here are the bank's routing numbers for each state:

U.S. Bank routing numbers

U.S. Bank has a routing number directory online. Here are the bank's routing numbers for different regions and states:

Routing number FAQs

What exactly is the routing number on a check?

A routing number is nine digits and helps identify U.S. banks. Routing numbers can be used to make everyday transfers like direct deposits or bill payments.

How can I find my bank's routing number?

You can find your bank's routing number on a check or through mobile or online banking.

Are routing numbers the same for all types of transactions?

Some financial institutions, like Bank of America, have one routing number for wire transfers and another for electronic payments like ACH transfers, direct deposits, and automatic payments.

Is there a difference between routing numbers used for domestic and international transactions?

Routing numbers are used for wire transfers between U.S. banks. If you're sending a wire transfer to an international bank, you'll use a SWIFT code instead.

Can routing numbers change?

If you switch banks, you'll have a different routing number because each financial institution has its own number that serves as a form of identification. You might also get a new routing number if your bank is part of a merger or acquisition.

What happens if I use the wrong bank routing number?

If the routing number doesn't exist, it will automatically be rejected. If there's another bank with the routing number you used, your transaction will be processed by that financial institution, although it likely won't go through because it won't match an existing bank account. In the rare instance that it does match an account, your transaction will be processed and you'll have to contact your bank's customer service department to see what you can do.