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The difference between a check routing and account number is that the routing number identifies the bank, while the account number reflects the specific checking account you hold.
If you’re looking for your bank routing and account numbers, they are likely easier to find than you may think: You can locate them on your checks or by logging into your financial institution’s app, for instance.That said, you probably don’t want to broadcast these digits to too many people, as they are sensitive financial details, used for everything from direct deposit to money transfers. Learn more about these digits and how to use and protect them.
Key Points
• A routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies a bank or credit union.
• An account number is a unique identifier for your specific bank account.
• Routing numbers are used for various financial transactions like direct deposit, bill pay, and wire transfers.
• Account numbers are private and should be kept secure to prevent fraud.
• You can find your routing and account numbers on checks, through online banking, in-app, or by contacting your bank.
What Is a Routing Number?
A routing number is a sequence of nine digits that identifies a bank or credit union, and each banking institution has a unique number. Here are some facts about routing numbers and how they work:
• A routing number is also sometimes referred to as an ABA number, in reference to the American Bankers Association, which assigns them. Routing numbers are only issued to federal or state-chartered financial institutions that are eligible to maintain an account at a Federal Reserve Bank.
• Your bank’s routing number and ACH routing number may or may not be the same digits. Check with your bank to be sure.
• The routing number required for making a wire transfer may often differ from the routing number that is printed on your checks. That number can be found online or by contacting your bank.
• A small bank may only have one routing number, while a larger financial institution may have several (they typically vary by state). An online bank, which operates without physical branches, will typically have one routing number.
Purpose of a Routing Number in Banking
The purpose of a routing number is to identify the financial institution that is responsible for the payment and ensure that funds are sent to the right place in a financial transaction.
Routing numbers are generally required when reordering checks, paying bills, setting up direct deposit, or making tax payments. Making sure you have the right digits can help ensure smooth transactions.
What Is an Account Number?
While the routing number identifies the financial institution where your account is held, the bank account number represents your specific account. While anyone can find your bank’s routing number, your account number is private; that’s a key difference in routing vs. account numbers. Here are some other points about account numbers to consider:
• Typically between eight and 12 digits, your account number acts as a road map of sorts for your bank, letting them know where to deposit or withdraw money, whether that’s a checking account or a savings account.
• If you have two different accounts at the same financial institution, you will have two different account numbers. The routing number for these accounts, however, will be the same.
• Because your account number can unlock access to the funds in your checking or savings account, it’s critical that you keep it safe.
Role of an Account Number in Transactions
Whether you are receiving a paycheck, making online purchases, or setting up autopay, your account number plays a key role. While routing numbers identify your bank, account numbers ensure that money is correctly credited to or debited from the right bank account.
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When You Need a Routing Number vs Account Number
There are many times when you may need a routing number vs. account number for everyday financial transactions. These may include:
• Setting up direct deposit of your paycheck
• Setting up autopay
• Setting up direct deposit of Social Security or other government benefits
• Paying a bill by online banking
• Setting up autopay
• Check processing
• Sending or receiving a wire transfer
• Sending up a peer-to-peer payment app or service
• Transferring funds between accounts at different banks
• Making payments from your bank account by phone
• Ordering new checks
• Linking a budgeting app to your bank account
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Finding Your Check Routing and Account Number
If you need to find your routing and account numbers, you likely have several options, from looking at a physical check to logging in to your banking app:
How to Find the Routing vs Account Number on a Check
You can find your routing vs. account number on a check, printed on the bottom.
You’ll see three groups of numbers (often separated by spaces and/or symbols). Typically, reading left to right, the first number (nine digits) is the routing number; the next group of numbers (usually eight to 12 digits) is the account number; the third is the actual check number.
Contacting Your Bank
If you need to find your routing number and account numbers and don’t have access to a check, you can call your bank (or stop into a branch) and ask a customer service representative to provide you with the numbers. Since your account number is private information, you will likely have to provide identifying details to verify your right to gain access to this number.
Note: If all you need is the routing number, you can easily find it on your bank’s website.
Accessing Your Online Account
If you log in to your bank account online or in-app, you should be able to get your banking details. Your account number may be encrypted (meaning you can only see the last four digits). If that’s the case, you can typically get the full number by downloading a recent bank statement. Or there may be a prompt you can click in order to see the full number.
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Protecting Your Routing and Account Numbers
Although anyone can locate your bank’s routing number, your account number is not public information. Just as you are probably mindful about who sees your Social Security number, the same goes for your bank account number. You want to try to make sure that someone doesn’t use your bank account and routing number without authorization, which can be a form of bank fraud.
Tips for Keeping Your Banking Information Secure
Here are some ways to help keep sensitive banking information safe:
• Avoid sharing your banking details unless necessary. To protect yourself from potential bank fraud, you generally don’t want to share your account number with any person or business unless you absolutely need to. Also wise: not sharing pictures of checks you’ve written on social media, even if it is for the first payment on your dream car.
• Store physical checks in a secure place. Since checks contain both your routing and account number, it’s a good idea to keep your checkbook tucked away in a safe place, not sitting out in the open. Also, if you void a check or are getting rid of old checks and paper statements, it can be wise to shred these documents before throwing them away.
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for online banking. Two- or three-factor authentication requires additional information beyond a password — such as a code sent to your mobile phone or a fingerprint scan — for account access. You’ll typically find this option inside the account settings.
• Regularly monitor your accounts. It’s a good idea to review your bank statements monthly and check your online banking once a week. This can help you to pick up on any suspicious transactions and nip any potential issues in the bud.
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What to Do if Your Information Is Compromised
Here are smart steps to take if you suspect fraud or unauthorized access to your bank account:
• Contact your bank immediately. Call customer service and inform the representative of any unauthorized banking transactions as soon as you notice them.
• Change your login credentials: It’s a good idea to choose a new (unique) password for your bank account. Also consider setting up multi-factor authentication if you haven’t already.
• Review your recent transactions: Comb through recent activity on your bank account and make a list of any transactions you don’t recognize, noting the date and details. You’ll typically need this information to file a dispute with your bank.
• Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report: You can contact any one of the three credit bureaus — Equifax®, Experian®, and TransUnion® — to place a fraud alert on all three of your credit reports. A fraud alert is free and notifies creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before extending credit.
The Takeaway
A check routing number indicates the bank where your account is held, while an account number identifies your specific account at that bank. Routing and account numbers work together to identify your account and ensure that your money gets transferred from the right place or that you receive funds intended for you. Knowing the difference between these numbers, where to locate them, and how to protect them can be vital to managing your finances securely.
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FAQ
Do you need both a routing and account number for a wire transfer?
Typically, yes. Transactions like wire transfers require both a routing and account number. The routing number identifies your bank, while the account number specifies your individual account. Together, they ensure that funds are correctly withdrawn from the right institution and account.
What comes first on a check, the routing or account number?
Typically, when you look at the lower portion of a check (reading left to right), you’ll see the routing vs. account number first, followed by the account number, and then the actual check number.
The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the bank, while the account number indicates your specific account within that bank. Checks are typically numbered to help with record-keeping.
Which number do I provide for direct deposit?
For a direct deposit, you generally need to provide both your routing and account numbers. The routing number ensures the deposit is sent to the correct bank, while the account number directs the funds to your specific account. You may also be asked to provide a voided check.
What happens if you use the wrong routing or account number?
Using the wrong check routing number and/or account number can result in a failed transaction or funds being sent to the wrong account. If your bank catches the mistake, it may reject the transaction. If your bank misses it and the account number belongs to someone else, the money could get deposited into the wrong account. If that occurs, you’ll want to contact your bank immediately to try to remedy the problem.
Are routing numbers the same across all bank branches?
Not necessarily. Smaller banks often have a single routing number for all branches. But if a bank has branches located in different states, routing numbers usually won’t be the same across all branches. Your routing number will typically be based on the branch where you first opened your account.
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