What is a routing number on a check? Routing number definition and how to find yours.

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• A routing number is a tool for identifying a financial institution.
• You can find a routing number on a check or monthly bank statement.
• Some financial institutions may have different routing numbers for different states.

A routing number is an important number to have if you're setting up an electronic transfer between two US financial institutions. 

Here's what you need to know about routing numbers, such as what they are and how to find them. We've also included the routing numbers at some of the largest national banks to save you time. 

What is a routing number? 

A routing number is a number that can be used to identify your financial institution. You might use it to set up direct deposits, establish recurring bill payments, or make transfers between banks in the US. It's also called an ABA routing number (ABA stands for "American Bankers Association").

Some national financial institutions have different routing numbers depending on the state. For example, a California resident who opened a bank account at a national bank may have a different routing number than a Texas or New York resident who is a part of the same bank.

How to find a routing number

How to find a routing number on a check

If have a check, you can find the routing number on the form's bottom left-hand corner. A routing number is nine digits long. It also generally starts with a "0", "1," "2," or "3."

How to find a routing number without a check

If you don't have a check, here are a few places where you may be able to find the routing number: 

• Online through the financial institution's website
• Your mobile banking app
• On your monthly bank statement

Contact customer service if you can't find a routing number through one of the ways listed above. 

The American Banker's Association also has an online tool that looks up your routing number if you provide general information about your financial institution. This tool allows you to make two searches per day and 10 searches per month.

How to find routing numbers at the biggest banks 

Chase routing numbers

Chase Bank doesn't share routing numbers on its website. To find a Chase routing number, you'll have to be a Chase customer and sign in to your account through online or mobile banking.

Bank of America routing numbers

Bank of America routing numbers are available on the bank's website. Bank of America has different routing numbers for different states, plus distinct routing numbers for wire transfers.

Here are the routing numbers at Bank of America to make electronic payments (ACH transfers, direct deposits, automatic payments): 

Wells Fargo routing numbers

Wells Fargo routing numbers are available online through the bank's website. Wells Fargo has many routing numbers, so you'll fill out a quick questionnaire to help you determine which routing number you'll need. 

Here are the routing numbers for Wells Fargo checking accounts involving ACH transfers:

*Southern California residents may find a different routing number on their checks. You can use either number.

USAA routing numbers

USAA Bank has one ABA transit routing number: 314074269.

PNC Bank routing numbers

To find a PNC Bank routing number, customers with checking and savings accounts will have to log into online or mobile banking. You'll also find your routing number on the bottom left-hand corner of a check.

If you're initiating an incoming wire transfer, PNC Bank has a unique routing number for this type of transaction. The routing number is 043000096.

TD Bank routing numbers

TD Bank has branches on the East Coast. Here are the bank's routing numbers for each state: 

U.S. Bank routing numbers

U.S. Bank has a routing number directory online. Here are the bank's routing numbers for different regions and states: 

Routing number FAQs

How many digits are in a routing number?

A routing number for transfers between US banks is nine digits long.

What happens if I use the wrong bank routing number?

If the routing number doesn't exist, it will automatically be rejected. If there's another bank with the routing number you used, your transaction will be processed by that financial institution, although it likely won't go through because it won't match an existing bank account. In the rare instance that it does match an account, your transaction will be processed and you'll have to contact your bank's customer service department to see what you can do. 

Are routing numbers the same for each bank?

No, each financial institution has its own number that serves as a form of identification. Some big banks, like Chase and Bank of America, have multiple routing numbers depending on where you live.