Your checking account number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, in the second set of numbers after the routing number

If you have a checkbook, open it and look at the bottom of any check. You will see three groups of numbers separated by colons or vertical lines. The first group is your routing number (nine digits). The second group is your account number (usually 10 to 12 digits). The third is the check number itself. Your account number is the one you need when you set up direct deposit, wire money, or authorize automatic payments.

If you do not have checks or cannot find them, your account number appears in several other places. Log into your bank's website or mobile app — it shows on your account dashboard, usually labeled "Account Number" or "Account Details." You can also call your bank's customer service line (the number is on your debit card or bank statements) and ask them to read it to you. Some banks will also text or email it to you if you request it through your account settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Your account number is the second set of numbers on the bottom of a check, after the routing number and before the check number.
  • If you do not have checks, log into your bank's online account or mobile app to find your account number on the account dashboard.
  • You can call your bank's customer service line and ask them to provide your account number over the phone.
  • Your account number is different from your routing number — you need both for direct deposit and wire transfers.

Finding your account number online

Most banks display your account number prominently when you log into your account. On a computer, look for a section labeled "Account Summary," "Account Information," or "My Accounts." On a mobile app, it usually appears on the home screen or under a tab labeled "Accounts." Some banks show the full number; others show only the last four digits for security and require you to click or tap to reveal the complete number.

If you cannot find it in the obvious places, look for a section called "Account Details" or "Account Settings." You may also find it on your monthly statement — many banks print the full account number at the top or in a section labeled "Your Account Information." If the statement is digital, search the PDF for "account number" to locate it quickly.

Calling your bank to get your account number

The fastest way to get your account number if you are not near a computer is to call your bank. The phone number is printed on the back of your debit card, on your monthly statement, or on your bank's website. When you call, have your Social Security number or the phone number associated with your account ready — the bank will ask you to verify your identity before reading the number aloud.

Some banks also allow you to check your account number through their automated phone system without speaking to a representative. When you call, listen for a menu option like "Account Information" or "Check Your Balance" and follow the prompts. This option is usually available 24 hours a day, while customer service representatives may have limited hours.

What to do if you have multiple checking accounts

If you have more than one checking account at the same bank, each one has its own account number. When you log into your online account, you will see all your accounts listed separately, each with its own number. Make sure you are using the correct account number for the transaction you are making — using the wrong number could send money to the wrong account or cause a payment to fail.

If you are unsure which account is which, look for the account nickname or the last four digits of the debit card linked to each account. Many banks let you rename your accounts (for example, "Checking - Emergency Fund" or "Checking - Bills") to keep them straight. If you still cannot tell them apart, call your bank and ask them to confirm which account number belongs to which purpose.

Why you need your account number and what not to share

Your account number is necessary for setting up direct deposit from your employer, receiving wire transfers, paying bills through your bank's bill pay system, and authorizing automatic payments to utilities or subscriptions. It is also needed if you want to transfer money between your own accounts at different banks. In short, any time money needs to move into or out of your account, you will likely need to provide this number.

Your account number alone is not enough for someone to steal from your account — they would also need your routing number and usually some form of verification. However, you should still treat it as sensitive information. Do not share it in emails, texts, or over the phone unless you initiated the contact and you are certain you are dealing with your actual bank. Scammers sometimes call pretending to be from your bank and ask for your account number; legitimate banks already have this information and will not ask for it unsolicited.

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 your card and is different from your account number. Your account number is what the bank uses internally to track your checking account. Your debit card number is what merchants use when you swipe or tap your card. You need your account number for bank transfers and direct deposit, not for everyday card purchases.

Can I use my account number to make a purchase online?

No. Online merchants and payment systems do not accept account numbers as payment. They accept debit card numbers, credit card numbers, or digital payment methods like PayPal or Apple Pay. If a website asks for your account number, it is either a scam or a legitimate bank or financial institution asking you to set up a transfer or automatic payment.

What if I cannot log into my bank's website to find my account number?

Call your bank's customer service line. They can read your account number to you after you verify your identity. You can also visit a branch in person with a photo ID and ask a teller to write it down for you. If you have recent bank statements, your account number may be printed on them as well.

Do I need both my routing number and account number for direct deposit?

Yes. Your employer or the organization sending you money will ask for both. The routing number tells the banking system which bank to send the money to; the account number tells that bank which account within the bank should receive it. Without both, the deposit will not go through.