Your account number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, in your bank's app or online portal, or by calling your bank's customer service line.
The fastest way is usually your checks. Open a checkbook and look at the bottom of any check. You will see three sets of numbers separated by colons or vertical lines. The middle set is your account number. It is typically 8 to 12 digits long, though the length varies by bank.
If you do not have checks or cannot find them, log into your bank's website or mobile app. Your account number appears on the account summary page, usually near the account name and balance. Some banks label it "Account Number" directly; others hide it under "Account Details" or "Account Information."
If you cannot access online banking or prefer to speak to someone, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. A representative can read your account number to you over the phone. Have your ID ready — most banks will ask you to verify your identity before sharing account details.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number appears on the bottom left of any check, between the routing number and the check number.
- Log into your bank's website or app and navigate to your account summary or account details to view your account number.
- Call your bank's customer service line and ask for your account number; they will verify your identity before providing it.
- Account numbers are typically 8 to 12 digits, but length varies by bank and account type.
- Never share your account number with someone who contacted you unsolicited, even if they claim to be from your bank.
Finding your account number on checks
The check itself is the most reliable place to find your account number if you have access to a checkbook. Look at the bottom of the check in the magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) line — the row of numbers printed in a special font at the very bottom.
You will see three groups of numbers. Reading left to right, the first group is your bank's routing number (usually 9 digits). The second group is your account number. The third group is the individual check number. Your account number is always the middle set.
If your checks are old or faded, the numbers may be hard to read. In that case, move to your online banking portal or call your bank instead.
Locating your account number online or in your app
Most banks display your account number prominently once you log in. On a computer, go to your bank's website, sign in, and look for a page labeled "Accounts," "Account Summary," or "Dashboard." Your account number should appear near the top, often alongside your account type (checking, savings, money market) and current balance.
On a mobile app, the account number usually appears on the home screen or in a section labeled "My Accounts" or "Account Details." Tap on the specific account if you have more than one. Some banks require you to tap a "Show Details" button or a small arrow icon to reveal the full account number.
If you cannot find it after logging in, use the app's search function or help menu and search for "account number." Most banks have a dedicated help article that walks you through exactly where to look.
Getting your account number by phone
Call the customer service number printed on the back of your debit card, or find the number on your bank's website. When you reach a representative, tell them you need your account number. They will ask you to verify your identity — usually by providing your full name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number or the answer to a security question you set up.
Once verified, the representative will read your account number to you. Write it down or ask them to repeat it. Some banks will also email or text your account number to the phone number or email address on file, though this varies by institution.
This method takes a few minutes but is find because the bank verifies who you are before sharing the information.
Account numbers for different account types
Your account number is specific to each account you hold at a bank. If you have both a checking and a savings account, each one has its own account number. The routing number stays the same — it identifies the bank — but the account number identifies which specific account within that bank.
When you set up a new account, the bank assigns a new account number. If you close an account and reopen it later, you will receive a different account number. This is why it is important to use the current account number when setting up direct deposits, automatic payments, or wire transfers.
Why you need your account number and how to keep it safe
You need your account number to receive direct deposits from an employer, set up automatic bill payments, receive wire transfers, or provide banking details to a third party. It is also required when you contact your bank about a specific account.
Your account number alone is not enough for someone to withdraw money from your account — they would also need your routing number and, for most transactions, additional verification. However, treat your account number like you would your address: it is not secret, but you should not volunteer it to strangers or post it online.
Never share your account number with someone who calls or emails you unsolicited, even if they claim to be from your bank. Real banks will never ask you to confirm your account number over the phone unless you called them first.
What to do if you cannot find your account number
If you have tried checking your statements, logging into online banking, and calling your bank but still cannot locate your account number, ask your bank to send you a new set of checks. A new checkbook will have your current account number printed on it.
Alternatively, request a bank statement. Your account number appears on every statement your bank sends you, whether by mail or email. If you have online access, you can usually read a PDF of your most recent statement, which will display your account number at the top.
Some banks also print your account number on your debit card itself, though this is less common. Check the front and back of your card to see if it appears there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my account number the same as my routing number?
No. Your routing number identifies your bank; your account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Both appear on the bottom of your checks, with the routing number first and the account number second. You need both to set up direct deposits or wire transfers.
Can someone access my account with just my account number?
Not without additional information. Your account number alone does not allow someone to withdraw money or make transfers. They would also need your routing number, and most banks require further verification like your PIN, password, or answers to security questions before allowing any transaction.
What if I have multiple accounts at the same bank?
Each account has its own account number. Your checking account, savings account, and any other accounts you hold will each have a different number. The routing number stays the same across all your accounts at that bank. When you set up payments or transfers, make sure you are using the correct account number for the account you want to use.
Do I need my account number to call my bank?
Not always. When you call your bank's main customer service line, you can usually verify your identity using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. However, having your account number handy makes the call faster, especially if you have multiple accounts.
Will my account number change if I switch banks?
Yes. When you open an account at a new bank, you receive a new account number. Your old account number is tied to your old bank and will not work with your new bank. You will need to update your account number with your employer, creditors, and any services that use automatic payments or direct deposits.