How do I find my Routing Number and Account Number?

April 5, 2019
April 5, 2019

If you are new to bank payments or electronic funds transfers (EFTs) you might be wondering why we ask for a whole bunch of random numbers off your check in order to start processing payments. Trust me, the numbers on your debit card won’t work.

Furthermore, you might not even have a personal check to begin with and are worried you won’t be able to accept bank payments. I’m here to clear up some of these questions and shed some light on what all this number mumbo jumbo is all about.

Why We Need The Numbers From Your Check (And What They All Mean)

Every check has two sets of numbers that third-party payment processors use to make sure the right funds go to the right place. In most cases, businesses have checks, but many customers do not. For this reason, I will also give an explanation in each section about how you can help your customers find all these numbers alternatively to checks.

Bank Routing Number

This nine-digit code is the first sequence of numbers listed at the bottom of your check. This number helps identify the location where your account was opened. Routing numbers are set up by region in the U.S. and help pinpoint where your bank is located. This number is also available on your online banking account information or it can be requested from your bank.

Bank Account Number

This is your personal account number (keep this one safe), it is a (10-12 digit) number unique to your personal account. You can find this number on your check (see diagram above) following your routing number. Alternatively, you can find this number on your online banking or on a recent bank statement.

 “I Don’t Have A Void Check”

Ok so maybe you don’t have a checkbook and you are still unfamiliar with online banking. There is still one more way. Most banks will give you a “Direct Deposit Form” by request, and it will provide your account details in place of a void check. Then you can use the instructions above to identify each required number, or just attach the whole thing if you are filling out a paper form.

One More Thing

Finally, I want to let you know that if you haven’t made use of bank payments or electronic funds transfers (EFTs) for your business- you’re probably missing out. If you want to learn more, feel free to schedule a call and one of us from Rotessa would love to talk to you about how online payment collection can make your life easier. Check out this blog here for more details as well.