Your bank account number is on your checks, your bank statement, and in your online banking portal

The fastest way is to look at a check from your checking account. Your account number appears at the bottom, usually after the routing number and before the check number. If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app — your account number is listed in the account details or summary section, sometimes labeled "Account Information" or "My Accounts".

If you cannot access online banking and do not have checks, call your bank's customer service line. The number is on the back of your debit card or on your most recent paper statement. Have your Social Security number and photo ID ready. The representative will read your account number to you over the phone.

Your account number is unique to that specific account at that specific bank. If you have multiple accounts — a checking account and a savings account, for example — each one has its own number. The account number alone does not let someone withdraw money, but it is necessary information for setting up direct deposit, wire transfers, or automatic bill payments.

Key Takeaways

  • Your account number appears at the bottom of any check you have from that account, printed between the routing number and the check number.
  • Log into your bank's website or app and look for "Account Information" or "My Accounts" to see your account number without writing a check.
  • Call your bank's customer service number if you cannot access online banking; have your ID and Social Security number ready.
  • Each account you hold — checking, savings, money market — has its own separate account number.

Reading your account number from a check

At the bottom of a check, you will see a series of numbers printed in a special magnetic ink. From left to right, the order is: routing number (nine digits), account number (usually 10 to 12 digits), then check number. The account number is the middle set.

Not all checks show the account number in the same position or with the same spacing, depending on your bank's format. If you are unsure which number is which, the routing number is always nine digits and starts with 0, 1, 2, or 3. Your account number is longer and comes when ready after.

If you have a starter set of checks or temporary checks from when you opened the account, those are valid. The account number on them is current and correct.

Finding your account number online

Log into your bank's website using your username and password. Look for a section called "Accounts," "Account Summary," "Account Details," or "My Accounts." Click on the specific account you need the number for — if you have both checking and savings, they will be listed separately.

The account number is usually displayed prominently on that page, sometimes with the last four digits highlighted or the full number shown. Some banks also display it in a section labeled "Account Information" or "Account Settings." If you cannot find it, look for a link that says "View account details" or "Account number."

You can also read your bank statement from the online portal. Your account number appears at the top of the statement, along with the statement date and your account type.

Getting your account number by phone

Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card, on your bank statement, or on your bank's website. Tell the representative you need your account number. They will ask you to verify your identity — usually your Social Security number, date of birth, and the answer to a security question you set up when you opened the account.

Have a pen and paper ready. The representative will read your account number slowly. Ask them to repeat it if you need to, and read it back to confirm you have it correct. Some banks will also email or mail the information to you if you request it.

If you call during business hours, you will usually reach a representative within a few minutes. Some banks offer 24/7 phone support; others have limited hours. Check your bank's website for the exact hours and phone number for your region.

Account numbers for different account types

If you have a checking account and a savings account at the same bank, each one has a different account number. When you set up direct deposit or a wire transfer, you must use the correct account number for the account you want the money to go into. Using the wrong number will send the money to the wrong account, even though it is at the same bank.

Money market accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), and other savings products also have their own account numbers. Your online banking portal will list all of them separately. If you are unsure which account is which, the account type is usually labeled next to the number.

If you have accounts at multiple banks, each bank's account numbers are independent. A Bank of America checking account number is completely different from a Wells Fargo checking account number, even if you own both.

What to do if you cannot find your account number

If your online banking is not working, you do not have checks, and you cannot reach customer service by phone, visit a branch in person. Bring a photo ID and your Social Security number. A teller can look up your account number and write it down for you on the spot.

If you have a debit card, the card itself does not print your account number, but the bank can look it up using the card number and your identity. This takes a few minutes but is reliable.

If you recently opened the account, check your welcome packet or the email confirmation you received. Many banks include the account number in the initial setup materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my account number the same as my debit card number?

No. Your debit card number is printed on the front of the card and is different from your account number. The account number is what the bank uses internally to identify your account. You need the account number for direct deposit and wire transfers, not the debit card number.

Can someone take money from my account if they know my account number?

Not without additional information. Your account number alone is not enough to withdraw money. Someone would also need your routing number, your bank name, and authorization from you (or a court order). Banks require multiple forms of verification before processing transfers.

What if I have a joint account?

A joint account has one account number, shared by both account holders. Either person can use that account number to set up direct deposit or other transfers. Both names appear on the account, and both people have access to the full balance.

Do I need my account number to use my debit card at a store?

No. Your debit card number is what you use at stores and online. Your account number is only needed for bank-to-bank transfers, direct deposit, and bill payments where you are giving the bank permission to move money.

Will my account number change if I close and reopen an account?

Yes. If you close an account and open a new one at the same bank, the new account will have a different account number. The old number is no longer active. Make sure to update any direct deposit or automatic payments to use the new account number.