What Is Bell Bank's Routing Number?

A routing number is a nine-digit code assigned by the American Bankers Association (ABA) that identifies a specific bank or credit union in the U.S. payment system. Think of it as a mailing address for your money — when you set up a direct deposit or send a payment, the routing number tells the payment system exactly which bank should receive the funds.

Every bank and credit union in the country has at least one routing number. Large national banks sometimes have several — one per region — but community banks and regional banks like Bell Bank typically use a single number across all locations.

What routing numbers are used for

• Direct deposit — setting up your paycheck to land directly in your account
• ACH transfers — automatic bill payments, subscription charges, and account-to-account transfers
• Wire transfers — faster, larger payments often used for real estate closings or business transactions
• IRS tax refunds — directing your federal refund to your bank account
• Linking your bank account to a payment app or external financial account

Routing number vs. account number

These two numbers work together but mean different things. The routing number identifies Bell Bank as the institution. Your account number identifies your specific account at Bell Bank. You need both to set up direct deposit or receive a wire transfer — one without the other won't work.

Bell Bank's routing number is 091300541. This is the single routing number for Bell Bank — it does not vary by state, branch location, or account type. Whether you bank out of Fargo, Minneapolis, or Phoenix, you use the same number.

When you'll need it

• Setting up direct deposit with an employer or payroll provider
• Authorizing automatic payments for utilities, subscriptions, or loans
• Receiving a wire transfer from another bank or person
• Filing your taxes and directing a refund to your Bell Bank account
• Linking your Bell Bank account to a payment app or an account at another bank

Where to find it on your own

• On a check: The first nine digits printed along the bottom edge of any Bell Bank check, starting from the left
• Online banking: Log in and look under account details
• Bank statements: Printed on paper and electronic statements
• Bell Bank customer service: Call directly to confirm if you're unsure

The routing number identifies Bell Bank as the institution. Your account number identifies your specific account at Bell Bank.

Setting up direct deposit takes a few minutes. You'll need Bell Bank's routing number (091300541) and your Bell Bank checking account number, which you can find in online banking or on the bottom of a personal check.

1. Log in to Bell Bank online banking and locate your account number under account details
2. Fill in the routing number — 091300541 — and your account number on your employer's direct deposit form
3. Specify the account type (checking or savings)
4. Submit the form to your payroll or HR department
5. Most direct deposits activate within one to two pay cycles

Bell Bank offers early direct deposit for qualifying accounts — funds can post up to two days ahead of the standard payday. Early deposit availability depends on when your employer submits the payroll file. Setting up direct deposit correctly, with the right routing number, is the first step to unlocking this benefit.

Both wire transfers and ACH transfers use Bell Bank's routing number (091300541), but they work differently and suit different situations.

ACH transfers

ACH stands for Automated Clearing House — the network that handles most direct deposits, bill payments, and account-to-account transfers in the U.S. ACH transfers are typically free or low-cost and settle within one to three business days. This is the method you'll use for everyday bill pay, payroll deposits, and linking accounts.

Wire transfers

Wire transfers move money faster and are commonly used for larger or time-sensitive payments — real estate closings, large personal transfers, and business payments. They require the routing number plus the recipient's account number. For international wire transfers, you'll also need a SWIFT code; contact Bell Bank directly to confirm the current SWIFT code before initiating an international transfer. Fees apply for wire transfers — check with Bell Bank for current fee schedules.

Which to use

• Everyday bill pay, payroll, and account linking: ACH
• Large, urgent, or one-time transfers: wire
• When in doubt: ask the receiving party which method they require

Routing numbers are not secret. Bell Bank's routing number — 091300541 — is the same for every Bell Bank customer and is publicly listed. Knowing someone's routing number alone is not enough to access their account.

Your account number is a different matter. It's specific to you and should be shared only when setting up a legitimate, verified payment or transfer. When you hand your account number to a payroll department, a utility company, or a financial app, make sure you're dealing with a party you trust.

Routing numbers and account numbers together — paired — give another party the ability to initiate transactions. Keep your account number private and share it only through secure channels.

Bell Bank is a full-service bank headquartered in Fargo, North Dakota, founded in 1966. It is employee-owned and operates branches across North Dakota, Minnesota, and Arizona. Bell Bank is FDIC insured, meaning deposits are protected up to at least $250,000 per depositor, and holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Bell Bank is built for customers who want full-service banking with real branch access — checking, savings, home loans, business banking, and wealth management under one roof. For customers who value walking into a branch and working with the same people over time, Bell Bank is designed for exactly that.

See JumpSteps' full review of Bell Bank for the current editorial assessment, including scores, product details, and ratings.