Every electronic payment and paper check relies on two numbers: a routing number that names your financial institution and an account number that names your specific account. Together they tell the banking system exactly where to pull money from or send it to. They appear on the bottom of every check and inside your banking app. Understanding what each does helps you set up direct deposit, pay bills, and avoid errors that delay your money.
What a routing number is
A routing number, also called an ABA routing transit number, is a nine-digit code that identifies the bank or credit union holding your account. It was created decades ago to route paper checks and now directs electronic payments as well. Every institution has at least one, and large banks may use different routing numbers by region or by payment type. The number includes a built-in check digit that helps systems catch typos before a payment is misrouted.
What an account number is
Your account number identifies your individual account within the bank, distinguishing it from every other customer's. It is typically 8 to 12 digits, though the length varies by institution. While a routing number is public and shared by all customers of a bank, your account number is specific to you and should be shared only with trusted parties. Together, the routing number gets a payment to the right bank and the account number gets it to the right account.
Reading the numbers on a check
On a standard check, the string of digits printed at the bottom in magnetic ink follows a set order. The nine-digit routing number comes first on the bottom left, your account number is next, and the check number is usually last. This magnetic ink line lets machines read checks automatically. If you are unsure which number is which, your banking app and monthly statement also display both clearly.
Using the right number
For direct deposit, autopay, and ACH transfers you provide both your routing and account numbers, and entering either incorrectly can delay or misdirect the payment. Some banks use a different routing number for wire transfers than for ACH, so confirm which one a sender needs. Because a routing number is public, sharing it is low risk, but your account number should be given only to legitimate payers and billers. Double-checking both numbers before submitting prevents the most common setup errors.
To set up direct deposit, you give your employer the bank's nine-digit routing number and your account number from your banking app. If you instead needed to receive a wire, you would confirm the bank's wire routing number, which can differ from the ACH routing number printed on your checks.
Key takeaways
- A routing number is a nine-digit code identifying your bank; an account number identifies your specific account.
- Both are needed for direct deposit, autopay, and ACH transfers.
- On a check, the routing number is first at the bottom left, then the account number, then the check number.
- Some banks use a different routing number for wires than for ACH, so confirm which is needed.
Common mistakes
- Using the ACH routing number for a wire when the bank requires a different one.
- Transposing digits in the account number and delaying a deposit.
- Sharing your account number with untrusted parties as if it were harmless.
FAQ
Is it safe to give out my routing number?
The routing number itself is public and shared by all of a bank's customers, so it is low risk, but pair it with your account number only for legitimate deposits and payments.
Why does my bank have more than one routing number?
Large banks may assign different routing numbers by state or by payment type, such as separate numbers for ACH and wire transfers, so always use the one specified for your purpose.