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In a nutshell
Your routing number and bank account number are different and serve different purposes. Your routing number identifies your bank, whereas your account number identifies your account.
Both numbers can both be found on your bank's website or mobile app.
- You can find your account and routing numbers on your bank's website, mobile app or at the bottom of a paper check.
- If you are unsure, your bank's customer service department can help.
What is a routing number?
A routing number is a nine-digit number that identifies your bank for digital transactions. It is also called an ABA number (American Bankers Association). Banks often have different routing numbers for each state or region.
To transfer money from one bank to another, you need both your routing number and account number.
What is an account number?
Your account number identifies your specific account with a bank. They are typically between eight and 12 numbers and are issued when you open the account.
This is different from your debit card number. Your debit card is linked to your checking account, but the two have different identifying numbers. The bank uses your account number to track transactions in and out of your account.
Routing number vs. account number
To facilitate a digital transaction, you'll need both your routing number and your account number. The routing number identifies your bank while the account number identifies your specific account.
If you compare the routing number and account number to a street address, the routing number would be the street and city name and the account number would be the house number.
How to find your routing and account numbers
If you have paper checks it's fairly easy to identify both your routing and account numbers because they are listed on the bottom of each check.
If you look at a paper check you'll see three sets of numbers across the bottom. Typically, the routing number is the first set, the account number is the second set and the check number is third — but not always. Note that the routing number is always nine digits, which may help identify which is which.
If you don't have a paper check on hand, don't worry, you can still locate your routing and account numbers. You can find both numbers on your bank's website or mobile app. Your account number should also be listed in full on your bank statement. It will also be on the paperwork you got when you opened the account if you still have that lying around. If all else fails, you can always call customer service for your bank and they will be able to assist you.
Here's how to find your routing number and account number at three of the largest banks in the U.S. Even if you don't bank with one of these banks, the process at your bank is likely similar.
Chase
With Chase, you can find your routing number and account number both on the Chase website and mobile app.
On the website you'll need to log in and then select the desired account. Next, click on "see full account number" and a box will open displaying both your account number and routing number.
On the mobile app, log in and then select the desired account. On the next screen choose "Show details" and your account number and routing number will display.
Bank of America
You can find your Bank of America routing number and account number either on their website or on the mobile app.
On the website you will need to log in and then navigate to the desired account. Click on the "Information and Services" tab. Here you will see your routing number listed, and you will have the option to display your account number if desired.
On the mobile app you will first need to log in. From the accounts overview section, select "View" next to the desired account. Scroll down until you see the "Account Info" section. Here you will see the routing number and have the option to display the account number if desired.
Wells Fargo
You can find your Wells Fargo account number and routing number on their website or in the mobile app.
On the website you'll need to log in and then select the desired account. On the next screen you'll see the last four digits of the account number under the account name in the top left. Click on those numbers and a box will appear displaying the account number. Next to the account number click with words "routing number" and the routing number will display.
On the mobile app, log in and then select the desired account. Click on the "Routing & balance info" tab and routing numbers will be displayed. You'll also have the option to display the account number if desired.
When to use a routing number and account number
You'll need your routing number and account number when you want to send or receive money digitally. For example, you may need to fill out the information to set up your direct deposit at work or to receive an ACH deposit.
You also will need your routing number if you are making a payment directly out of your checking account. For example, you'll need to provide this information if you are setting up autopay on your credit card.
You may also need to provide it when linking bank accounts. For example, if you have a checking account at one bank and a high-yield savings account at another, you'll need the routing number and account number to link them so you can transfer money back and forth between the accounts.
How to keep your routing number and account number secure
Since it is possible to withdraw funds from an account using the routing number and account number, you'll want to keep these secure. These two numbers are the keys to the account, so if they fall into the wrong hands you may become the victim of fraud.
The best way to keep these numbers secure is to only provide them to those you trust and only when absolutely necessary. Providing your debit card information instead is safer, since a debit card can be easily canceled if fraud occurs. Closing and moving your whole checking account will be a much larger inconvenience.
It's also good practice to regularly monitor your accounts for suspicious transactions. If you ever see a transaction you don't recognize, contact your bank right away. Most banks have fraud protection that will return your funds if they are stolen.
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Your routing number and account number together are used to identify your account when making digital transactions, such as direct deposits or ACH transfers.
You can find both of these numbers on the bottom of a paper check if you have them, or it will be on your bank's website or mobile app. If you are having trouble locating your information you can always call your bank's customer service department and they will be able to help you.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is a bank transit ABA number?
A bank transit ABA number is another name for a routing number. This number is needed, along with the account number, for digital transactions such as ACH transfers.
How many digits is an account number?
An account number is usually between eight and 12 numbers, but can sometimes go up to 17 depending on the bank.
What if I put the wrong routing number but the correct account number?
If you put the wrong routing number, the transaction will most likely be canceled and the money returned to the sender.
However, if by chance or bad luck there is an account with your same account number at the bank that holds that routing number then the transaction will go through. If this happens, you need to contact that bank and begin the process of getting your funds returned to you.
The bank is not required to return the funds, as the transaction was legitimately sent to that account. If this happens, you may need to pursue legal action.
Will a bank transfer go through if the account number is wrong?
Probably not. The only way the transfer will go through is if the wrong account number happens to be associated with an actual account. If there is a name attached to the transaction, the bank will also verify that the names match. This could stop an incorrect transaction from occurring as well.
However, if the transaction does go through, you’ll need to contact the bank to get the issue resolved.
AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.
