Do Credit Cards Have Routing Numbers?
Written by
Rudri Patel
Edited by
Melanie Grafil
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
No, credit cards do not have routing numbers. Routing numbers are used by banks and credit unions to process transactions from checking and savings accounts. Credit cards operate differently, using a 16-digit card number, expiration date and CVV to handle purchases and payments.
Find out more around the question, “Do credit cards have routing numbers?”
What Is a Routing Number?
A routing number is a unique nine-digit code used by banks and financial institutions to identify themselves in the United States. It’s an essential part of processing many financial transactions, including direct deposits, electronic payments and automatic bill payments.
Typically found on the bottom of a check, the routing number ensures that funds are accurately transferred between banks during transactions.
Do Credit Cards Have Routing Numbers?
Credit cards do not come with routing numbers. This is because credit cards operate on a different financial system compared to bank accounts.
Credit cards use a 16-digit card number for identification and transaction processing. This card number, along with other details like the expiration date and CVV, is used to authorize and complete credit card transactions. Unlike bank accounts, credit cards do not have routing numbers.
Why Don’t Credit Cards Use Routing Numbers?
Credit cards operate on a different system and use card numbers, which are the long numbers on the front of the card, for identification and processing. Instead of a routing number, credit cards have a 16-digit card number, an expiration date and a CVV for transactions.
Credit card transactions require real-time approval and authorization. There are also fraud checks that are handled by card networks, not by routing and account systems. There is no direct line from your credit card to your bank account.
Why Do People Think Credit Cards Have Routing Numbers?
There is often an assumption that every payment card or type has a routing number. While it’s true that routing numbers are visible on checks and bank documents, that isn’t the case for credit cards. Credit cards use different processing networks to process transactions.
Do Debit Cards Have Routing Numbers?
Yes, because they’re linked to checking accounts. A routing number for a debit card is the same as the routing number for the bank account to which the debit card is linked. It’s used for identifying the financial institution in transactions such as direct deposits and automatic payments.
You won’t find this number on the debit card itself but in your bank’s online portal, on checks or in bank statements. The routing number is typically the first nine numbers that appear on the bottom left-hand corner of your check. The number that follows is your account number.
Comparison Between Credit Cards, Debit Cards and Bank Accounts
| Feature | Credit Cards | Debit Cards | Bank Accounts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Routing number | Not Used | Yes | Yes |
| 16-digit number | Yes | Yes | No |
| Used for direct deposit | No | Yes | Yes |
| Used for purchases | Yes | Yes | No |
How To Find Your Routing Number
Finding your routing number is simple. Here are some ways to find this key number:
- Checks and bank documents. Your routing number is the first nine digits in the left-hand corner of your check. Bank documents often also include routing numbers.
- Bank’s website. Oftentimes, the bank website will have the routing number listed.
- Online banking. You can access your bank’s routing number through your bank’s portal.
Final Take
Credit cards don’t have routing numbers because they operate through separate payment networks like Visa and Mastercard. Instead of routing and account numbers, credit card transactions use a card number, CVV and expiration date. Knowing the difference can help you avoid confusion when setting up direct deposits or paying bills.
Use Routing Numbers For:
- Direct deposit
- Paying bills from a bank account
- Wire transfers
Use Credit Card Info For:
FAQ: Do Credit Cards Have Routing Numbers?
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions on routing numbers and credit cards.- How do I find my routing number on my card?
- Credit cards do not have routing numbers. If you're looking to make a transaction that requires a routing number, you'll need to use a bank account, not a credit card.
- If you are using a debit card, the routing number is not located on the debit card itself. Instead, it's associated with the bank account that the debit card is linked to. You can find the routing number on your bank statements, by logging into your online banking portal or by contacting your bank directly.
- Where is the routing number on a pay card or debit card?
- Pay cards, like debit cards, typically do not display the routing number directly on them. The routing number is associated with the account or financial institution that issued the pay card. To find the routing number for a pay card, you may need to do the following:
- Check the documentation provided with the card
- Access your online account associated with the pay card
- Contact the issuer for this information
- Pay cards, like debit cards, typically do not display the routing number directly on them. The routing number is associated with the account or financial institution that issued the pay card. To find the routing number for a pay card, you may need to do the following:
- Is my routing number the same as my account number?
- No, your routing number is not the same as your account number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the financial institution, while the account number is a unique number that identifies your specific account within that institution. Both numbers are crucial for banking transactions but serve different purposes. Your account number is usually found right next to the routing number on your checks, in your online banking portal or your bank statements.
- Can I use a credit card for direct deposit?
- No, you can't use a credit card for direct deposit. Direct deposits require a bank account with a routing number.
- Do virtual cards have routing numbers?
- No, virtual credit cards also operate without routing numbers.
- Can I find my routing number on a credit card statement?
- No, you can't find a routing number on a credit card statement because credit cards don't use routing numbers at all.
