How to find the Routing Number on a check: 2 quick and accurate tips.

When transferring money online, receiving salary via direct deposit , or filling out bank forms, you are often asked to enter a Routing Number . However, many people are still confused about what the Routing Number on a check is and where to find it .

This article will help you quickly and accurately determine the Routing Number on a check without requiring complex banking knowledge. In just a few seconds, you can obtain the correct information for secure transactions, avoiding errors that could cause delays or payment failures. If you're looking for how to find the Routing Number on a check , this is the guide for you.

Tip 1: How to find the Routing Number on a check

Step 1: How to find the Routing Number on a bank check

Check the bottom left corner of the check.

• Take the bank check you have and place it in the normal reading position.

• Look down at the bottom left corner , where there is a series of numbers printed on it.

• This sequence of numbers, usually consisting of 9 digits , is the bank's Routing Number.

How to identify the correct Routing Number

• The Routing Number always comes before the bank account number.

• Printed using magnetic ink (MICR) so that the bank can scan it.

• This does not vary from person to person, but represents the branch of the bank that issued the check.

Important notes when using Routing Numbers

• Only use the Routing Number on a check when:

  • Fill out the direct deposit form.

  • Setting up bank transfers in the US

  • Paying or receiving money from international platforms.

• Do not confuse Routing Number with:

  • Personal account number

  • The check number (usually located in the upper or lower corner of the number sequence)

Step 2: Identify the special symbol on the bank check.

Observe the unusual symbol printed along with the series of numbers at the bottom of the check.

• On a bank check, you may see a special symbol interspersed among the numbers at the bottom.

• This symbol is not a number and often looks quite confusing to the average reader.

Understanding the MICR symbol correctly is crucial to avoid confusion.

• This symbol belongs to the BankerScriber MICR font , used for automated banking machines that read information.

• It's neither a Routing Number nor an account number.

• Its main function is to mark and separate data , helping the check processing system to be more accurate.

Important note when finding the Routing Number on a check.

• When determining the Routing Number on a check , please:

  • Only take 9 consecutive digits.

  • Completely ignore any strange symbols or non-numerical icons.

• Confusing the MICR symbol with the Routing Number can lead to:

  • Incorrect bank information entered.

  • Transaction rejected or processed slowly

Step 3: How to accurately determine the Routing Number, account number, and check number.

Identify the first 9 digits as the Routing Number.

• All routing numbers consist of exactly 9 digits.

• On the check, look at the bottom left corner.

• Following the initial MICR symbol , the next nine consecutive digits are the bank's Routing Number.

Remove the MICR symbol when reading numbers.

• Excluding any special characters (MICR characters) preceding the number sequence.

• Only include the digits , absolutely no symbols.

• This helps avoid confusing the Routing Number with the technical data of the check reader.

Identifying bank account numbers

• Immediately following the Routing Number will be a longer sequence of numbers.

• This sequence continues until the next MICR symbol is encountered.

• This is my personal bank account number.

Compare the check numbers to double-check.

• After the MICR symbol at the end of the account number, there will be a single digit.

• This number must match the check number printed in the upper corner of the check.

• If they match, you have correctly identified the order of the information.

Step 4: Confirm the Routing Number using the MICR symbol on the check.

Correctly identify the pair of MICR symbols surrounding the Routing Number.

• On the line at the bottom of the check, look for the two distinctive MICR symbols :

  • Left : symbol resembling a vertical line

  • Right side : symbol resembling two squares stacked on top of each other.

• The numbers between these two symbols are the bank's Routing Number.

How to read the Routing Number correctly

• Only take the digits between the two MICR symbols.

• Excluding symbols before or after.

• A valid number sequence must have exactly 9 digits.

Why is this method reliable?

• The MICR symbol is standardized so that banking machines can identify the Routing Number.

• This helps you double-check in cases where checks have multiple sets of numbers that can easily cause confusion.

• Particularly useful when:

  • Fill out the direct deposit form.

  • Verify the Routing Number on checks for international transactions.

Step 5: Check the first digit of the Routing Number for quick confirmation.

Observe the first digit in the Routing Number sequence.

• Every valid routing number begins with one of four numbers: 0, 1, 2, or 3.

• This is a standard convention adopted by the US banking system.

How to use this trick to avoid typing errors.

• After identifying the 9-digit Routing Number on the check , do the following:

  • Check the first digit

  • If it's not 0, 1, 2, or 3 , you most likely have:

    • Wrong account number

    • Remove missing or extra characters

    • Includes incorrect MICR notation

Why is this step important?

• Helps you quickly verify your Routing Number without needing to check with the bank.

• Minimize errors when:

  • Fill out the direct deposit form.

  • Set up bank transfer

  • Providing payment information for international platforms.

Tip 2: How to contact your bank to get your Routing Number

Step 1: Look up your bank's Routing Number online.

Understanding the security level of Routing Numbers

• Routing numbers are not confidential information and should be made public.

• You can absolutely find your Routing Number online without compromising your account security.

• Unlike account numbers, routing numbers are used only to identify a bank or branch.

Find the Routing Number directly on the bank's website.

• Access the bank's official website.

• Look for items such as:

  • "Routing number"

  • Direct deposit

  • “Wire transfer” or “Bank information”

• Many banks publish Routing Numbers by state or by transaction type.

Use Google for quick searches when you have trouble finding something on a website.

• Type the following search syntax:

  • Bank name + routing number

• Example: Bank of America routing number

• In many cases, Google provides faster and clearer results than manually searching the bank's website.

Please note to avoid confusion when searching online.

• Check if the Routing Number applies to:

  • Which state

  • Domestic transactions or bank transfers

• Prioritize information from:

  • Bank website

  • Official support page

  • Reputable sources related to banking and finance.

Step 2: Call the bank directly to ask for the exact Routing Number.

Contact the call center or a bank branch.

• Call the customer service hotline number printed on your bank card, app, or official website.

• Or contact the branch where you opened your account.

• Clearly state your need: you need a Routing Number to fill out forms, receive money, or set up transactions.

Why are banks considered a reliable option?

• Experienced bank staff provide accurate Routing Numbers.

• Avoid confusing them with:

  • Routing Number by State

  • Routing Number for direct deposit , wire transfer or ACH

• This can be confirmed verbally or via email by support.

Quick tip – ask the right question

• Get ready:

  • Bank name

  • State/branch where account was opened

  • Purpose of using Routing Numbers

• Ask again to confirm:

  • "Which transactions are these Routing Numbers used for?"

  • "Is it different from the Routing Number printed on the check?"

Step 3: Go directly to the bank to ask for the Routing Number.

Work directly with staff at the branch.

• Go to the bank branch where you opened your account or the nearest branch.

• Meet with a customer service representative at the counter.

• Please specify that you need the Routing Number to receive money, make transfers, or fill out bank forms.

Advantages of asking directly at the bank

• The correct routing number has been confirmed for the branch.

• Avoid confusing different types of Routing Numbers for:

  • Direct deposit

  • ACH

  • Wire transfer

• Information can be written down or printed for later use.

When should you choose this method?

• Friend:

  • No check in hand.

  • I'm not sure if the Routing Number I found online is correct.

  • Absolutely accurate information is needed for important transactions.

• Suitable for those who want to communicate directly, clearly, and understandably.

Important notes for determining the correct Routing Number

Do not read MICR symbols as numbers.

• MICR symbols are used to separate the Routing Number and the account number.

• These symbols do not represent any numbers.

• When determining the Routing Number on a check , you don't need to worry about the symbols ; just focus on the numbers.

Always retain the zero if present.

• If the Routing Number starts or ends with 0 , you must enter it in full.

• The zero cannot be omitted because:

  • The routing number always has exactly 9 digits.

  • Missing zeros will render the information invalid.

• This is a very common error when manually entering the Routing Number.

Do not use your deposit slip to look up your Routing Number.

• Not all banks print the Routing Number on the deposit slip.

• Some examples:

  • The number on the deposit slip is different from the Routing Number on the check.

  • For internal branch use only.

• Therefore, the deposit slip is not a reliable source for determining the Routing Number.

The safest way to avoid mistakes.

• Prioritize obtaining the Routing Number from:

  • Bank check

  • Official website of the bank

  • Bank staff or customer service representatives

• Double-check:

  • Nine digits

  • There is a zero at the beginning or end if it appears.

References

1. http://www.fontmicr.com/

Translated by Ashley Wright Nguyen .