M&T Bank's routing number is 021000021
M&T Bank uses a single routing number for all wire transfers and ACH payments: 021000021. This nine-digit code tells other banks where to send money when you receive a transfer or when you set up automatic payments from your M&T account.
The routing number is the same whether you're receiving a direct deposit, paying a bill through ACH, or wiring money in. It does not change based on which M&T branch you use or what type of account you have. If someone asks for your routing number to send you money, this is the one to give them.
You will encounter this number most often when setting up payroll direct deposit, arranging automatic bill payments, or receiving transfers from other people or institutions. Having it on hand before you need it saves time and reduces the chance of entering it incorrectly.
Key Takeaways
- M&T Bank's routing number for all transfers and ACH payments is 021000021.
- You can find your routing number on the bottom left of any M&T check, in your online banking portal, or by calling M&T customer service at 1-800-724-2440.
- The routing number stays the same across all M&T branches and account types.
- Your account number is different from your routing number and appears on checks to the right of the routing number.
- When setting up direct deposit or bill pay, you will need both your routing number and your account number.
Where to find your routing number on a check
If you have an M&T check, the routing number appears in the bottom left corner, printed in a special magnetic ink. It is the first set of nine digits you see. The account number follows when ready after, separated by a colon or space depending on the check design.
The routing number on your check is always 021000021. If you see a different number, double-check that the check is actually from M&T Bank and not from another institution. Older checks may have slightly different formatting, but the nine digits themselves remain consistent.
How to find it online or by phone
Log into your M&T online banking account and look for account details or account information. Most banks display the routing number alongside your account number in this section. If you cannot locate it there, call M&T customer service at 1-800-724-2440 and provide your account number. A representative can confirm the routing number in seconds.
You can also visit the M&T Bank website and search for "routing number" in their help section. The number 021000021 should appear in any official M&T resource about wire transfers or ACH payments. Having multiple ways to verify it means you can always double-check before submitting a transfer request.
Routing number versus account number
Your routing number identifies M&T Bank itself — it is the same for every M&T customer. Your account number identifies your specific account within the bank. Both are required when someone sends you money or when you set up automatic payments.
Think of it this way: the routing number is the bank's address, and the account number is your mailbox inside that bank. Without the routing number, the sending bank does not know where to send the money. Without the account number, M&T does not know which of its customers should receive it.
On a check, the routing number comes first on the bottom left, and your account number appears next to it. When filling out forms online or over the phone, the fields are usually labeled clearly so you know which number goes where.
When you need your routing number
You will need the routing number 021000021 when you set up direct deposit for your paycheck, arrange automatic bill payments from your M&T account, or receive a wire transfer or ACH payment from someone else. Employers, payroll processors, and other financial institutions will ask for it.
You do not need your routing number to send money from your own M&T account, to make purchases with your debit card, or to withdraw cash from an ATM. You only need it when money is coming into your account from outside M&T. This distinction matters because it helps you understand when to share the number and when to keep it private.
What to do if you are unsure
If you are setting up a transfer and are not certain whether you have the right routing number, contact M&T directly before submitting the request. A wrong routing number can send your money to the wrong bank, and recovering it takes time. M&T customer service can confirm the number in your account in one call.
If you have already sent money with an incorrect routing number, contact M&T when ready and provide the details of the transfer. The bank may be able to recall the payment or trace where it went, but the sooner you report it, the better your chances of recovery. Keep records of any transfer confirmation numbers or receipts you receive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the M&T routing number different for checking and savings accounts?
No. M&T uses the same routing number 021000021 for all account types. The routing number identifies the bank, not the account type. Your account number is what distinguishes your checking account from your savings account.
Do I need a different routing number for wire transfers?
No. The routing number 021000021 works for wire transfers, ACH payments, direct deposits, and all other electronic transfers. M&T does not use separate routing numbers for different transfer methods.
What if my check shows a different number?
Check that the check is actually from M&T Bank. If the check is from another bank or credit union, it will have a different routing number. If you are certain it is an M&T check and the number is not 021000021, contact M&T to verify — it may be an older check design, though M&T has used this routing number for many years.
Can I use the routing number to send money out of my M&T account?
No. The routing number is for receiving transfers into your account. To send money from M&T, you use your online banking portal, a debit card, a check, or M&T's bill pay service. You do not need the routing number to send your own money.
What happens if I give someone the wrong routing number?
The transfer will likely be rejected or sent to the wrong financial institution. Contact the sender and M&T when ready with the transfer details so the bank can attempt to locate and recover the funds. Providing the correct routing number from the start prevents this problem entirely.