What Is a Routing Number? How to Find Yours (2026 Guide)

Here's the truth: most people only look up their routing number when they actually need it — setting up a direct deposit, wiring money, or filling out a tax refund form. And when that moment comes, you want the answer fast.

I'm Drashco — a fintech professional with 15+ years in payment cards, banking, and EFT-POS transaction processing. In this guide, I'll give you everything you need to know about routing numbers, plus a comprehensive lookup table for every major U.S. bank.

What Is a Routing Number?

A routing number — also called an ABA routing number, routing transit number (RTN), or bank routing number — is a 9-digit code assigned to every U.S. bank and credit union by the American Bankers Association (ABA). The system has been around since 1910.

Think of it this way: your account number identifies your specific account at a bank. Your routing number identifies the bank itself. Both are required to move money electronically.

Here's what the 9 digits actually mean:

ABA vs. ACH vs. Wire Routing Numbers — What's the Difference?

This is where people get confused. And it is that important to get right, because the wrong routing number can delay or misdirect your payment.

• ABA routing number (paper checks): The number printed at the bottom of your paper checks. Used for check processing.
• ACH routing number: Used for electronic transactions — direct deposits, bill pay, and ACH transfers. For most U.S. banks, this is the same number as the ABA number. For some large banks, they may differ by state.
• Wire transfer routing number: Used for domestic wire transfers through the Fedwire network. Usually the same as the ABA number. For international wires, you also need a SWIFT/BIC code.

The rule of thumb: If your bank gives you one routing number, use it for everything domestic. When in doubt, call your bank.

How to Find Your Routing Number (5 Methods)

1. On a paper check: The routing number is the first 9-digit number in the lower-left corner, printed in magnetic ink.
2. In your bank's mobile app: Look under Account Details, Account Info, or similar.
3. On your bank's website: Log in and look for account details or the help/FAQ section.
4. On your bank statement: Some banks print the routing number on monthly statements.
5. Call your bank: Customer service can confirm your routing number in under a minute. Best option for wire transfers.

Routing Numbers for Major U.S. Banks (2026)

Note: banks like Chase and Wells Fargo use different routing numbers by state — the number that applies is the one for the state where you opened your account. Always verify with your bank for wire transfers.

BECU Routing Number

One number nationwide. Full BECU routing number guide →

USAA Routing Number

USAA SWIFT code: USAAUS33. One number nationwide.

Chase Routing Number by State

Chase SWIFT code: CHASUS33. Call Chase: 1-800-935-9935.

Wells Fargo Routing Number by State

Call Wells Fargo: 1-800-869-3557. SWIFT code: WFBIUS6S.

Citibank Routing Number by State

Citibank SWIFT code: CITIUS33. Call: 1-800-374-9700.

Navy Federal Credit Union Routing Number

One number nationwide. Call: 1-888-842-6328.

TD Bank Routing Number by State

Call TD Bank: 1-888-751-9000.

How to Validate a Routing Number (The Math)

Here's something most people don't know: you can validate any U.S. routing number mathematically. Every valid ABA routing number passes this check:

(3×d1 + 7×d2 + d3 + 3×d4 + 7×d5 + d6 + 3×d7 + 7×d8 + d9) mod 10 = 0

Let's verify BECU's routing number (325081403):
(3×3) + (7×2) + 5 + (3×0) + (7×8) + 1 + (3×4) + (7×0) + 3 = 9+14+5+0+56+1+12+0+3 = 100
100 ÷ 10 = 10, remainder 0. ✓ Valid.

If the result isn't divisible by 10, the routing number contains a typo.

Routing Number vs. Account Number vs. SWIFT Code

Data last verified: March 2026. Always confirm with your bank before initiating wire transfers. Routing numbers can change after bank mergers.