Bank-Specific

• Every bank uses a nine-digit routing number to identify itself in interbank transactions and ACH transfers. If you plan to set up your savings account to receive direct deposits from your employer, you need to provide your employer with both that nine-digit routing number and the account number for your savings account. You can find the routing number for your savings account by calling your bank and requesting the information.
  
  

Multiple Routing Numbers

• Use caution when finding the routing number for your bank, since the same bank can have several different routing numbers. For instance, if your bank is national in scope, it might have one routing number for accounts in the Northeast, another for Midwest accounts and a third for accounts in Western states. The easiest way to find your routing number is to visit your local branch and ask a teller. You can also call your local branch and ask for the information.
  
  

Direct Deposit

• If you need to set up a direct deposit of a paycheck or government check to your bank account, you need to first find the routing number and the account number for your savings account. You can find the account number on your monthly savings account statement, but you need to contact the bank to get the routing number. If you are dealing with a national bank, ask the teller for the routing number associated with your state.
  
  

Verify Number

• If you do need to provide someone with the routing number for your savings account, it is important to verify that number several times before you finalize the information. If you submit the wrong nine-digit routing number, your direct deposit will not go through and your payment could be delayed for weeks or even months. Check the routing number on your direct deposit form or tax return and carefully compare it to what your bank has provided you. Finalize the transaction only after you are completely certain that the number is correct.