ACH routing numbers for credit unions start with 3, and you'll find yours on a check, your online banking portal, or by calling your credit union directly.

An ACH routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific credit union to the banking system when money moves electronically — for direct deposit, bill pay, or transfers between accounts. Credit unions use routing numbers that begin with 3, which distinguishes them from banks (which typically start with 0, 1, or 2). The remaining six digits identify your individual credit union.

You need this number when you set up direct deposit at a new job, pay bills electronically, or transfer money to another bank. The number itself is public information — it's not a security risk to share it — but you should always verify you have the correct one for your specific credit union, because sending money to the wrong routing number can delay or misdirect your transfer.

Key Takeaways

  • Credit union ACH routing numbers always begin with 3, followed by six digits unique to your credit union.
  • You can find your routing number on the bottom left of any check, in your credit union's online banking system, or by calling their member services line.
  • The routing number is different from your account number and is safe to share with employers, billers, and other financial institutions.
  • If your credit union merged with another or changed names, your routing number may have changed, so verify before setting up new transfers.

Where to Find Your Credit Union's Routing Number

The fastest place to look is a check from your credit union account. Open your checkbook and look at the bottom left corner of any check. You'll see three groups of numbers: the first nine-digit group is your routing number, the second is your account number, and the third is the check number itself.

If you don't have checks or prefer not to use them, log into your credit union's online banking portal or mobile app. Most credit unions display your routing number in the account details or settings section, sometimes labeled as "routing number," "transit number," or "ABA number." The location varies by institution, but it's usually under Account Information or a similar heading.

You can also call your credit union's member services line during business hours and ask for your ACH routing number. Have your account number ready when you call. Some credit unions also post their routing number on their website, though you should verify it matches what your account shows before using it for a transfer.

Why Credit Union Routing Numbers Start with 3

The first digit of a routing number identifies the type of financial institution. Banks use 0, 1, or 2; credit unions use 3; and the Federal Reserve and other institutions use other numbers. This system helps the banking network sort transactions to the right place automatically.

The remaining six digits in your routing number are specific to your credit union. Two credit unions in different states will have different routing numbers even if they're part of the same national network. This is why you must use the routing number for your specific credit union, not a general number you find online.

The Difference Between Routing Number and Account Number

Your routing number identifies your credit union. Your account number identifies you within that credit union. Both are needed for electronic transfers, but they serve different purposes. The routing number tells the banking system which institution to send money to; the account number tells that institution which member account to credit or debit.

On a check, the routing number (nine digits) appears first on the bottom left, then your account number (usually 10 to 12 digits), then the check number. When you set up direct deposit or bill pay, you'll enter both numbers. If you enter the correct routing number but wrong account number, the money will reach your credit union but go into the wrong account. If you enter the wrong routing number, the money may be sent to a different institution entirely.

What to Do If Your Credit Union Merged or Changed Names

Credit unions merge, consolidate, or change names periodically. If your credit union went through a merger in the last few years, your routing number may have changed. The safest approach is to check your most recent statement or log into your online banking account — both will show your current, correct routing number.

If you're unsure whether your routing number changed, call your credit union's member services line and confirm. Don't rely on a routing number you used five years ago, even if the credit union still exists under the same name. Using an outdated routing number can cause delays or failed transfers, and you may not know there's a problem until the transaction fails.

Using Your Routing Number for Direct Deposit and Bill Pay

When you start a new job and need to set up direct deposit, your employer will ask for your routing number and account number. Provide both accurately. Direct deposit typically takes one to two business days to process the first time, then becomes automatic on your regular pay schedule.

For bill pay through your credit union's online banking, you usually don't need to enter your routing number — the system already knows it. However, if you're setting up a transfer to another bank or paying a bill through an external service, you'll need to provide your credit union's routing number so the payment reaches the right place.

Routing Numbers and Security

Your routing number is public information and safe to share. It's printed on every check you write and is not a password or PIN. Sharing your routing number alone does not give anyone access to your account — they would also need your account number, and even then, they cannot withdraw money without authorization from your credit union.

However, you should never share your full account number with people you don't trust, and you should always verify you're entering your routing number into a legitimate website or process. Scammers sometimes create fake banking websites to collect routing and account numbers. If you're unsure whether a website is legitimate, call your credit union directly using the phone number on your statement or their official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all credit unions have routing numbers that start with 3?

Yes. The first digit of every ACH routing number identifies the institution type, and 3 is reserved for credit unions. If a routing number doesn't start with 3, it's not a credit union routing number.

Can I use the same routing number for all my credit union accounts?

Yes. All accounts at the same credit union share the same routing number. The account number is what distinguishes one account from another within that credit union.

What happens if I use the wrong routing number?

The transfer may be sent to a different financial institution. If the routing number belongs to another real bank or credit union, the money may end up in their system, and you'll need to contact that institution to recover it. If the number is invalid, the transfer will typically be rejected and returned to you.

Is my routing number the same as my SWIFT code?

No. A SWIFT code is used for international transfers and is different from a routing number. Routing numbers are for domestic ACH transfers within the United States. If you need to send money internationally, ask your credit union for their SWIFT code.

Can my routing number change if I move to a different state?

No. Your routing number is tied to your credit union, not your location. If you move but keep your account at the same credit union, your routing number stays the same.