How to Find Your Routing Number on a Check
The Numbers at the Bottom of Your Check
Every personal check printed in the United States has three sets of numbers printed along the bottom in MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) font. This special typeface allows automated check-sorting equipment to read the numbers optically and magnetically. Here is what each set of numbers means:
Routing Number — Far Left
The routing number is the nine-digit number in the lower-left corner of your check, surrounded by special symbols that look like colons or brackets. These are MICR transit symbols — they tell the check-sorting equipment where the routing number begins and ends.
The routing number always appears as nine digits. If your check shows something like ⑆021000021⑆, the routing number is 021000021. The symbols before and after are delimiters, not part of the number.
Account Number — Middle
To the right of the routing number is your bank account number. Account numbers vary in length depending on the bank — they can be anywhere from 5 to 17 digits. Your account number is unique to your specific checking account at that bank.
Check Number — Far Right
The check number printed in the bottom-right corner matches the check number printed in the upper-right corner of your check. This is simply the sequential number of that specific check in your checkbook.
Why the Order Matters
The order — routing number, account number, check number — is standardized across all US checks by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the MICR standards body. This standardization is what allows millions of checks per day to be automatically sorted and processed without human intervention.
Routing Number vs. Account Number: A Common Mistake
Many people confuse the routing number and account number, especially when filling out a direct deposit form. Remember: the routing number is always exactly nine digits and always comes first (leftmost). Your account number follows it, and it may be shorter or longer than nine digits depending on your bank.
When your employer or the IRS asks for your routing number and account number for direct deposit, you can find both on any voided check. If you do not have a check, you can find your routing number on your bank's website, in your mobile banking app, or on your monthly statement.
What If I Do Not Have Checks?
If you have a checking account but do not use paper checks, you can still find your routing number through:
- Your bank's mobile app — most apps display the routing number in account details
- Your bank's website — log in and look for account details or direct deposit information
- Customer service — call the number on the back of your debit card
- This website — search by bank name to find the routing number for your state