You can change your account number, but the bank controls whether it happens and how long it takes

Most banks will change your account number if you ask, but they do not have to do it when ready and some will charge you. The process usually takes three to ten business days. Your routing number — the nine-digit code that identifies your bank — stays the same. Only the account number itself changes.

Banks change account numbers for specific reasons: you suspect fraud, you want a fresh start after identity theft, or you are closing an old account and opening a new one. A few banks will change it straightforward because you request it. Others require documentation of why you need the change. Some will do it for free; others charge $25 to $100.

The real work comes after the number changes. You have to update every place that pulls money from your account or deposits to it — your employer, your landlord, your insurance company, your subscription services. Missing even one can cause a payment to fail or bounce.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank may change your account number on request, but the timeline is usually three to ten business days and some banks charge a fee.
  • Your routing number does not change when your account number changes — only the account number itself is new.
  • After the change, you must update your account number with every employer, creditor, and service that has it on file, or payments will fail.
  • If fraud is the reason, tell your bank when ready and ask whether they will waive the fee and expedite the change.
  • Closing your old account and opening a new one is sometimes faster than requesting a number change on an existing account.

When banks will and will not change your account number

Banks treat account number changes differently depending on the reason. If you report fraud — someone has used your account number without permission — most banks will change it at no cost and treat it as a security issue rather than a customer request. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and most regional banks have fraud departments that can initiate the change quickly.

If you are asking for a change without a fraud claim, the bank has more discretion. Some banks, including Ally and Charles Schwab, will change it on request with no questions. Others require you to explain why. A few will refuse and suggest you close the account and open a new one instead. Call your bank's customer service line and ask directly — the answer depends on their policy, not on federal law.

If your account number was compromised but you have not yet seen fraudulent charges, still report it to your bank. Many banks will change the number preemptively to prevent future fraud, and they are more likely to waive fees when you report a potential breach rather than an actual loss.

The timeline and what happens to your old account number

Once you request a change, the bank typically processes it within three to ten business days. During that time, your old account number is still active. Payments sent to the old number will still go through — the bank does not when ready disable it. This is intentional: it gives you time to update your information everywhere before the old number stops working.

After the change is complete, your old account number becomes inactive. The bank will not accept new transactions to it. If someone tries to deposit to your old number after that date, the deposit will bounce or be returned. This is why updating your account number with your employer and creditors before the change takes effect is critical — if you miss updating someone, their next payment will fail.

Some banks will keep the old account number active for a grace period — usually 30 to 90 days — and automatically redirect incoming payments to your new account. Ask your bank whether they offer this. If they do, it gives you a safety net while you track down every place that has your old number.

What you have to update after your account number changes

Your new account number must be registered with anyone who sends money to your account or pulls money from it. This includes:

  • Your employer (payroll and direct deposit)
  • Government agencies (Social Security, unemployment, tax refunds)
  • Your landlord or property manager (rent payments)
  • Insurance companies (auto, home, health)
  • Loan servicers (mortgage, student loans, car loans)
  • Utility companies (electric, gas, water, internet)
  • Subscription services (streaming, software, memberships)
  • Credit card companies (if you pay by bank transfer)
  • Any other service that has your account number on file

The safest approach is to write down every service you use, then contact each one. Many let you update your account number online through your account settings. Others require a phone call. Some require a written request. Do not assume an old payment will automatically reroute — it will not.

If you miss updating someone, their next attempt to charge or deposit will fail. A failed direct deposit from your employer is a serious problem. A failed automatic bill payment can damage your credit. Start updating as soon as you request the account number change, not after it completes.

Fees and whether you can avoid them

Fees for account number changes range from zero to $100, depending on the bank and the reason. Chase charges $25 to $50 for a non-fraud change. Bank of America charges $25. Wells Fargo charges $30. Smaller regional banks often charge less or nothing. Credit unions frequently waive the fee entirely.

If fraud is involved, most banks waive the fee. If you are straightforward requesting a change for privacy or security reasons, ask whether the bank will waive it anyway — some will if you explain your situation. It never hurts to ask.

If the fee is a barrier, closing your old account and opening a new one is sometimes free or cheaper. New account bonuses can offset the cost of opening a new account, and you avoid the fee for changing the number on an existing account. The tradeoff is that you have to update your account number everywhere anyway, so you are not saving work — only potentially saving money.

How fraud affects the process

If someone has used your account number to make unauthorized charges, report it to your bank when ready. Do not wait. Banks have different timelines for fraud disputes, but the sooner you report it, the sooner they can investigate and change your account number.

When you report fraud, tell the bank specifically what happened: whether someone made unauthorized transfers, set up unauthorized automatic payments, or used your account number for something else. Provide dates and amounts if you have them. The bank will open a fraud case, investigate the charges, and usually reverse them within 10 business days.

During the investigation, ask the bank to change your account number as a precaution. Most will do this at no cost and will prioritize it over a routine change request. Some banks will change the number the same day you report fraud; others take a few days. Once the number is changed, no further unauthorized charges can be made to the old number.

Alternatives to changing your account number

If the bank refuses to change your account number or charges a fee you do not want to pay, you have other options.

Close the account and open a new one. This gives you a completely new account number with no fee at most banks. You still have to update your account number everywhere, so the work is the same. But you avoid the change fee, and you get a fresh start. Some banks offer new account bonuses that can offset any costs.

Use a different account for sensitive transactions. If you are worried about one specific service or person having your account number, open a second account at the same bank and use that account only for that transaction. This isolates the risk without changing your primary account number.

Switch banks. If your current bank will not change your account number and you are unhappy with them anyway, moving to a bank that will is an option. You will have to update your account number everywhere regardless, so the switching cost is mainly the time to set up a new account and transfer your balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my routing number change when I change my account number?

No. Your routing number is tied to your bank and branch, not to your individual account. It stays the same. Only your account number changes. If someone asks for your routing number after your account number changes, give them the same routing number you always have.

What happens if I forget to update my account number with my employer?

Your next paycheck will be deposited to your old account number. Depending on your bank, it may bounce back to your employer, or it may sit in the old account if the bank keeps it open temporarily. Either way, you will not receive the deposit on time. Contact your employer when ready and provide your new account number. Ask them to resubmit the deposit.

Can I change my account number online, or do I have to call the bank?

Most banks require you to call customer service or visit a branch to request an account number change. A few allow it through their mobile app or online banking portal. Check your bank's website or app first. If the option is not there, call the number on the back of your debit card.

How long does the bank keep my old account number active after the change?

This varies by bank. Some deactivate it when ready after the change is complete. Others keep it active for 30 to 90 days and redirect incoming payments to your new account. Ask your bank what their policy is before you request the change. If they offer a grace period, use that time to update your account number everywhere.

Will changing my account number affect my credit score?

No. Your account number is not reported to credit bureaus. Changing it has no effect on your credit score or credit history. Your credit is tied to your Social Security number and name, not to your account number.