Everything you need to know about routing and account numbers
According to a 2024 PayrollOrg report, 92% of U.S. workers now receive their wages through direct deposit. The federal government also completed its transition to a fully electronic payroll in 2025.
So, chances are, if you’ve recently set up direct deposit, started a new job, or are waiting for a tax refund, you’re familiar with the two numbers that make these financial transactions possible:
- Your individual bank account number
- Your bank’s routing number
Understanding how these numbers work helps ensure your money is where it’s supposed to be, when you need it to be.
Your bank’s routing number is sometimes also called a routing transit number (RTN) or an Automated Clearing House (ACH) routing number, depending on the type of transaction. These terms all refer to the numbers that help identify where your money needs to go.
“Direct deposit is the industry and government standard because it gives reliability and peace of mind,” Chris Starr, head of deposits at Wells Fargo, said. “Your account and routing numbers are key to making that happen. When people fully understand what these numbers do, they understand the importance of knowing them and keeping them safe and secure.”
Key takeaways
- A routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank.
- A bank account number identifies your specific account where funds are deposited or withdrawn.
- Routing numbers support transfers including direct deposit, ACH payments, and domestic wires.
- Banks may use different routing numbers by state or transaction type.
What is a bank account number?
Your bank account number identifies your specific account where funds are deposited or withdrawn.
What is a routing number?
A routing number, sometimes called an ABA number, is a unique identifier that directs electronic payments to the correct financial institution. Routing numbers also embed Federal Reserve processing information. The first few digits indicate the Federal Reserve district and processing center.
How routing numbers are used
Routing numbers are used for a variety of everyday financial transactions, including:
- Receiving IRS refunds or making federal tax payments
- Direct deposit for payroll or government benefits
- Autopay for utilities, rent, and subscriptions
- Loan, insurance, and credit card payments
- Bank-to-bank transfers
- Domestic wire transfers
- Mobile check deposits
Where to find your routing and account numbers
Knowing where to find these numbers — and which one to use for ACH, wires, or checks — ensures your payments are delivered quickly and accurately.
For personal checks, your routing number typically appears at the bottom left of the check. Your account number appears just to the right. Routing numbers for most banks and credit unions are available online or through mobile apps.
Other ways to find your numbers:
- Account statements
- Customer service
ACH payments and timing
ACH refers to both an electronic money transfer made between banks and credit unions, typically using routing and account numbers, and the network that processes those transfers.
Federal Reserve data released in showed ACH usage use continues to rise, reaching 34.2 billion transfers in 2021. Wire transfers are a fast way to send money from your account to individuals or businesses.
“The ACH network is a secure, fast, and an efficient way to transfer funds,” Starr said. “It allows millions of transactions to clear, on time, each day. Reliability is one of its greatest strengths, giving consumers and businesses peace of mind.”
ACH is used for:
- Direct deposit
- Recurring bill payments
- Online banking payments
- Person-to-person transfers
ACH payments can clear the same day, but they often take one to three business days, depending on bank cutoff times and fraud prevention safeguards. They may be returned (“bounce”) if there isn’t enough money in the account.
International transfers
Routing numbers are only used for domestic transfers in the United States. International transfers typically require a SWIFT/BIC code.
Why banks have multiple routing numbers
Most banks and financial institutions have multiple routing numbers due to one of three factors:
- Federal Reserve processing regions
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Separate numbers for different transaction types (Wires, checks, ACH)
The first two digits of a routing number identify the Federal Reserve district where the bank is located. Since many banks and financial institutions operate in various regions throughout the country, they may have different routing numbers used in different Federal Reserve processing zones.
The Federal Reserve assigns routing numbers through ABA processes and says that routing numbers can remain tied to specific banks or “payable-through” institutions, even when operations change.
Banks may have one routing number for ACH, one for wires, and one shown on paper checks, because each transaction type uses different Federal Reserve networks (FedACH, Fedwire, and check clearing).
Many banks use more than one routing number depending on the type of transaction:
- ACH routing number: Used for direct deposits, online bill payments, and other transfers.
- Wire routing number: Used specifically for domestic wire transfers.
- Check routing number: Printed on the bottom of paper checks.
Your routing number may vary depending on the state where your account was opened or the type of transaction you’re completing.
Safely sharing routing and account numbers
Sharing your routing and account numbers is generally safe when you’re setting up direct deposit, paying bills, or authorizing trusted and verified companies to withdraw from your account.
You should only provide these numbers to known, trusted, and verified parties. Monitoring your account for unauthorized debits is one way to avoid scammers. If your account and routing numbers are compromised, alert your bank or credit union immediately.
Because wire transfer payments are typically irreversible, they are commonly used in scams.
This story was produced by Wells Fargo and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
