Your checking account number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, in the second group of digits after the routing number
The easiest place to find it is the bottom of any check you have. Look at the numbers printed along the bottom edge. You will see three separate groups of digits, separated by colons or vertical lines. The first group is your routing number (nine digits). The second group is your account number (typically 10 to 12 digits, though this varies by bank). The third group is the check number itself.
If you do not have checks in front of you, your account number appears in several other places. Your bank statement — whether you receive it by mail or view it online — shows your account number at the top or in a summary section. Your debit card does not print the account number on the front, but your bank can tell you the number if you call the customer service line on the back of the card. Online banking portals almost always display your account number in the account details or settings section.
The account number is specific to that one checking account at that one bank. If you have multiple accounts at the same bank, each has its own account number. If you move to a different bank, you get a new account number.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number is the second group of digits on the bottom of a check, usually 10 to 12 digits long.
- Bank statements, debit cards, and online banking portals all show your account number if you do not have a check available.
- The account number belongs to that specific account at that specific bank — switching banks means getting a new number.
- You need both your routing number and account number together to set up direct deposit, wire transfers, or automatic payments.
Finding your account number on a paper check
The check itself is the quickest reference. Pick up any check from your checkbook and look at the bottom edge. You will see a series of numbers printed in a special magnetic ink format called MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition). This format allows machines to read the numbers automatically during check processing.
Reading left to right, the groups are: routing number, account number, check number. The routing number is always nine digits. Your account number comes next and is usually between 10 and 12 digits, though some banks use different lengths. Write down the account number carefully — a single digit wrong will cause a transfer or deposit to fail or go to the wrong account.
If your checks are old or worn, the numbers may be faded or hard to read. In that case, move to one of the other methods below rather than guessing at a digit.
Locating your account number on a bank statement
Both paper and electronic statements display your account number. On a paper statement mailed to your home, look at the top section or the account summary area — the account number is usually printed near your name and address. On an online statement, log into your bank's website or mobile app, navigate to your account details or statement section, and the account number will be listed there.
Online statements are often easier to search. Most banking portals have a search function or a dedicated "Account Information" page that displays your account number prominently. If you cannot find it in the obvious places, try searching the page for the word "account" or looking in a settings or profile section.
Statements are reliable because they are official documents from your bank. If you need to write down your account number for a form or to give to someone, copying it from a statement is a safe choice.
Getting your account number from your bank directly
Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Tell the representative you need your checking account number. They will ask you to verify your identity — usually by confirming your name, address, date of birth, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. Once verified, they will read your account number to you over the phone.
This method works even if you have no checks and cannot access your online account. It takes a few minutes but is completely reliable. Write down the number as the representative reads it, then read it back to them to confirm you have it correct.
Some banks also allow you to retrieve your account number through their automated phone system without speaking to a person. When you call, listen for a menu option like "Account Information" or "Verify Account Details." The system will ask you to enter your PIN or answer security questions, then will read or display your account number.
Finding your account number in online banking
Log into your bank's website or mobile app. Look for a section labeled "Account Details," "Account Information," "My Accounts," or "Account Summary." Your checking account number should be displayed there, often alongside your routing number and current balance.
If you cannot find it in the obvious places, try these steps: click on your checking account name to view details, look for a dropdown menu that says "View Account Details" or "Account Settings," or search the page using your browser's search function (Ctrl+F on Windows, Command+F on Mac) for the word "account." Most banks display this information without requiring you to navigate through multiple screens.
Online banking is available 24 hours a day, so this is often the fastest method if you already know your login credentials. If you have forgotten your password, you can reset it using your email address or phone number before retrieving your account number.
What to do if you cannot locate your account number
If none of the above methods work — for example, if you have no checks, cannot access online banking, and do not have a recent statement — contact your bank's customer service line. This is the most direct route. You will need to verify your identity, but once you do, the bank can provide your account number when ready.
Some banks also allow you to request account information by visiting a branch in person. Bring a photo ID and ask a teller for your account number. This is slower than a phone call but works if you prefer face-to-face verification.
Do not share your account number with anyone you do not trust. Legitimate businesses and government agencies will never ask you to provide your account number unsolicited. If someone calls or emails asking for it, hang up or delete the message and contact your bank directly using a phone number from your statement or the bank's official website.
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 you use for direct deposits, wire transfers, and automatic bill payments. Your debit card number is what you use to make purchases or withdraw cash.
Can I use my account number to make purchases online?
No. Online purchases require your debit card number, expiration date, and CVV code. Your account number is used only for transfers between bank accounts, direct deposits, and automatic payments. Giving your account number to a merchant for a purchase is not how online payments work.
What if I give my account number to the wrong person?
Contact your bank when ready. Your account number alone cannot be used to withdraw money, but combined with your routing number it can be used to set up unauthorized automatic payments or transfers. Your bank can monitor your account and help you reverse any unauthorized transactions. You may also want to change your online banking password as a precaution.
Do I need my account number to set up direct deposit?
Yes. You will need both your routing number and your account number. Your employer or the organization sending the deposit will ask for both pieces of information to may support the money goes to the correct account at the correct bank.
Will my account number change if I close this account and open a new one?
Yes. Each account has its own unique account number. If you close your current checking account and open a new one at the same bank, you will receive a new account number. You will need to update any automatic payments or direct deposits with the new number.