A routing number is a nine digit code that identifies a bank or credit union in the United States payment system, used with the account number to route domestic transfers and direct deposits.
General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.
How a routing number works
A routing number is a nine digit code assigned to a financial institution in the United States and used to identify it when money moves between accounts. When a domestic payment is made, the network uses the routing number to find the correct institution and the account number to find the individual account within it. The nine digits are structured so that the first part points to a Federal Reserve routing region and the institution, and the final digit is a check digit that validates the number. Routing numbers are used for domestic United States payments, current as of 3 December 2025.
Routing number and account number
In the United States an account is identified by two numbers used together: the routing number, which identifies the bank or credit union, and the account number, which identifies the individual account at that institution. Both are needed to set up a direct deposit, send or receive an ACH transfer, or pay a bill. The routing number is the same for everyone who holds the relevant type of account at that institution, while the account number is unique to the account holder.
ACH and wire routing numbers
A bank may use different routing numbers for different purposes, for example one for ACH transfers and direct deposits and another for domestic wire transfers, and large banks may assign routing numbers by the state where the account was opened. For payments sent from outside the United States, the account is usually identified by a SWIFT BIC code rather than a routing number. A business should confirm which routing number to use for each payment type with its own bank and with anyone it is paying.
Frequently asked questions
What is a routing number?
What is the difference between a routing number and an account number?
Why does my bank have more than one routing number?
Where can I find my routing number?
Definitions, fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 3 December 2025. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.