Which numbers on check are routing numbers

August 2, 2022 |3 min read

A routing number is a key element in all sorts of banking transactions. It tells banks where the money should go or come from during a transaction.

Learn all about bank routing numbers, where to find them and how to use them.

Key Takeaways

• Routing numbers are found on a check. You may also find them by signing into your account online and in mobile apps.
• Routing numbers are different from account numbers.
• A routing number is needed for transactions involving checks, automated payments and direct deposits.
• There are a few places you can go to find your routing number, including checkbooks or online accounts.

What Is a Routing Number?

A routing number is a nine-digit string of numbers that functions as a bank’s identifier or ID number. The American Banking Association created the system in 1910 and assigns the numbers to financial institutions. Routing numbers are only used in the U.S., but other countries might have number systems of their own that serve the same purpose.

Routing numbers are issued to state-chartered or federal financial institutions that have accounts with the Federal Reserve Bank, and they’re public information. 

Some banks may have separate routing numbers for electronic transactions. These are known as Automated Clearing House (ACH) routing numbers, or electronic routing numbers. 

Larger, national financial institutions may have different routing numbers in different states.

Where Is the Routing Number on a Check?

The routing number is the first of three groups of numbers in the bottom left-hand corner of a check. The second set of numbers is the checking account number, and the third set of numbers is the check number.

There are a few ways you can find your routing number if you don’t have checks:

• Visit your bank’s website.
• Check online or through your mobile banking app—you may be able to find it under your account information.
• Look at your bank statement.
• Contact your bank.

To locate the routing number for your Capital One account, you can sign in online, click on the account you need the routing number for and hit “View Details.”

Why Routing Numbers Are Important

Routing numbers are critical for ensuring funds go to or come from the right financial institution during a transaction. You may need to use your routing number for:

• Direct deposits
• Wire transfers
• Paying bills over the phone or online
• Setting up automatic payments or scheduling electronic payments
• Making or receiving payments via payment apps
• Transferring funds between accounts at different banks
• Retirement account deposits
• Ordering checks

Routing Numbers in a Nutshell

Routing numbers are nine-digit numerical codes that identify banks and other financial institutions. Routing numbers are needed for many different types of banking transactions, so it’s a good idea to make sure your routing number is correct. If it’s incorrect, it can prevent the transaction from going through.

If you’re searching for your account routing number, you can find it on the paper checks that come with your checking account. And if you’re new to banking, you can learn how to write a check to help you get started.

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When you're providing funds for an online transaction or filling out form for direct deposit, you'll often be asked for your bank's routing number. That's a nine-digit number provided by the American Banker's Association (ABA) that uniquely identifies the location of you bank account. Fortunately, it's easy to find.

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   Look in the lower left hand corner of the check. That's where routing numbers are located.

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   Look for an icon on the check. The icon is a character is from the BankerScriber MICR font.[1] It's unintelligible and is not part of the routing number.

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   Identify the first nine numbers. All routing numbers are nine numbers. The first nine numbers in the lower, left-hand part of your check after the MICR character is your routing number.

   • Be sure to exclude any preceding MICR characters when determining your routing number.
   • Following your routing number, the next set of numbers, up until the next MICR character, is your account number.
   • The number following the MICR character at the end of the account number should match your check number.

4. 

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   Confirm your routing number by using symbols. The MICR symbols designating your routing number looks like a vertical line on the left, with two squares, one on top of the other, on the right. The numbers between those characters is your routing number.

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   Examine the first digit of your routing number. All routing numbers begin with the number 0, 1, 2 or 3.

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   Check online for your bank's routing number. Remember, the routing number isn't secure, so it's publicly available. You can often find it online.

   • Visit your bank's website and look for a link that will provide information about routing numbers. Often, banks have routing number information published online.
   • Google your bank's name plus the words "routing number." If you can't find it by looking directly at your bank's website, try Google. You might be surprised at how often you can find something with Google that you can't find easily at a company site.

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   Call your bank and ask for the routing number. One of the most reliable ways to get an accurate routing number is to talk to someone who's actually experienced in providing that information.

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   Visit your bank and ask a customer service representative for the routing number. If you'd like to work with someone locally, instead of at a call center, you should visit your bank and talk to someone who can provide you with your routing number.

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• The symbols used to delineate your routing number and account number do not represent any specific numeral. When identifying your routing number, it is not necessary to note the presence of the symbol.

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• If your bank routing number begins or ends with the number 0, be sure to include it when you supply your routing number.

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• Don’t rely on a deposit slip to find your routing number. Depending on the bank, the numbers listed on a deposit slip may be different from the numbers listed on a check.

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Article SummaryX

To locate a routing number on a check, look at the bottom, left hand corner of your check. The routing number will start with a 0, 1, 2 or 3. If you’re still unsure that you have the right numbers, Google your bank's name plus the words "routing number" or call your bank’s customer service. For more detailed descriptions of how to find the routing number and to know what those other numbers are on the bottom of your check, keep reading.

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