Routing Number vs. Account Number: What's the Difference?

A bank's routing number is a nine-digit number associated with a particular bank or financial institution, while your account number is distinctively assigned to your account within a bank. You can have multiple accounts at one bank, each with a unique account number but the same routing number. Your bank's routing numberand your checking account number are used when writing a check and sending or receiving an electronic funds transfer. The routing number identifies the bank, while the account number identifies the account to be debited or credited within that bank. Discover how your account and routing numbers work and how to locate and use them.Key TakeawaysA bank's routing number is a nine-digit number associated with a particular bank or financial institution.Your account number is distinctively assigned to your account within your bank.The routing number identifies the bank, while the account number identifies the account to be debited or credited within that bank.Account and rout...