Routing number.

In plain English

A routing number is a 9-digit code, also called an ABA routing number, that names the specific bank or credit union an account belongs to. The payment system uses it to route money to the right institution, while your account number points to the exact account inside that bank. It sits in the bottom-left of a paper check, between two boxy symbols. Big banks often use several routing numbers depending on the state where you opened the account, so the right one depends on where your account lives, not just who your bank is.

01Why it matters

If you give the wrong routing number for a direct deposit or transfer, the money can bounce back or land at the wrong bank, delaying a paycheck or a bill by days.

02The math, step by step

To set up direct deposit, your employer asks for your routing number and account number. You find the routing number as the first 9-digit block on the bottom of a check. If your bank has different routing numbers for wires versus ACH, you use the one your bank lists for that purpose.

03What this is NOT

04Receipts

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