What is a bank routing number?

Bank routing numbers are associated with a checking or savings account from a particular bank branch location, according to Wells Fargo. The number normally appears on the bottom left of a personal check, just to the left of a person's individual account number.

A bank routing number consists of nine digits. Its primary uses include processing of direct deposits and automated transfers by the Automated Clearing House, according to The Fraud Practice. When a customer attempts to set up online bill pay or an electronic payment with a service provider, that provider normally asks for the bank routing number and account number for the ACH transaction, according to VyStar Credit Union.