Your account number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, or you can find it in your bank's mobile app or online banking portal

Your account number is a unique identifier your bank uses to track your specific account. It is different from your routing number, which identifies the bank itself. You will need your account number when you set up direct deposit, arrange wire transfers, or give payment instructions to employers and other organizations.

The fastest way to find it depends on what you have access to right now. If you have a checkbook, look at the bottom of any check — your account number is the middle set of numbers, usually 10 to 12 digits long. If you do not have checks or prefer not to use them, log into your bank's website or open their mobile app and look for account details or account information.

Key Takeaways

  • Your account number appears on the bottom left of checks, between the routing number and the check number.
  • You can find your account number by logging into online banking or your bank's mobile app under account details or account information.
  • If you cannot access checks or online banking, call your bank's customer service line and have your ID ready to verify your identity.
  • Your account number is safe to share with employers, payroll services, and other organizations that need to deposit money into your account.

Finding your account number on a check

If you have a checkbook, this is the quickest method. Pick up any check from your book and look at the bottom edge. You will see three groups of numbers printed in a special magnetic ink.

From left to right, the first group is your routing number (usually nine digits). The middle group is your account number (usually 10 to 12 digits). The third group on the right is the check number (usually three to four digits). Your account number is the one in the middle.

Write down the account number exactly as it appears. Do not add or remove any zeros or digits — banks are precise about these numbers, and a single digit wrong will send money to the wrong place or cause a transaction to fail.

Finding your account number online

If you have set up online banking with your bank, you can find your account number by logging in on a computer or using the bank's mobile app. The exact location varies by bank, but it is usually under a section labeled "Account Details," "Account Information," or "My Accounts."

Once you log in, look for a dashboard or home page that shows your accounts. Click on the account you want the number for — if you have multiple accounts, each one has its own number. The account number will be displayed prominently, often with an option to copy it to your clipboard. Some banks also show it in a statement or account summary you can read.

If you cannot find it in the obvious places, look for a "Help" or "FAQ" section within the app or website. Most banks have a short guide showing where account numbers appear in their specific system.

Calling your bank to get your account number

If you do not have checks and cannot access online banking, you can call your bank's customer service line. The number is usually on the back of your debit card, on your bank statements, or on the bank's website.

When you call, be ready to verify your identity. The bank will ask for your name, date of birth, the last four digits of your Social Security number, or answers to security questions you set up when you opened the account. Once they confirm who you are, they will read your account number to you over the phone. Write it down carefully and ask them to repeat it so you have it correct.

What to do if you cannot remember your login information

If you have online banking but cannot remember your password or username, most banks have a "Forgot Password" or "Forgot Username" link on their login page. Click it and follow the steps to reset your access. You will usually need to verify your identity using your email address, phone number, or security questions.

If you cannot reset it online, call your bank's customer service line. They can help you regain access to your account and then you can find your account number through online banking. This is safer than having a representative read it to you over the phone, because you will have it in writing in your own account.

Using your account number safely

Your account number is safe to share with people and organizations that need to deposit money into your account — employers, government agencies, payroll services, and benefits programs all need it for direct deposit. You can also safely give it to someone who needs to send you a wire transfer or ACH payment.

However, do not share your account number with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly asking for it, especially if they claim to be from your bank. Real banks already have your account number and will not call you asking for it. If someone calls claiming to be from your bank and asks for account details, hang up and call your bank directly using the number on your debit card or statement.

Account numbers for different types of accounts

If you have more than one account at the same bank — for example, a checking account and a savings account — each one has its own account number. When you need to give your account number to someone, make sure you give them the number for the correct account. If you give your employer your savings account number instead of your checking account number, your paycheck will go to the wrong place.

When you log into online banking, you will usually see all your accounts listed. Each one will have its own account number displayed next to it. If you are not sure which account is which, the account type (checking, savings, money market) is usually labeled clearly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my account number the same as my card number?

No. Your account number is a separate number that identifies your account at the bank. Your debit or credit card number is printed on the card itself and is different. You need your account number for direct deposit and bank transfers, not for card transactions.

Can someone steal money from my account if they have my account number?

Having only your account number is not enough to steal money. A thief would also need your routing number and usually additional verification like your name, address, or authorization from you. That said, do not give your account number to people you do not trust or in response to unexpected calls.

What if the account number on my check does not match what appears online?

This is rare, but if you notice a difference, call your bank when ready. Use the number on your debit card or a recent statement, not a number from an email or letter you received unexpectedly. The bank can confirm which number is correct for your account.

Do I need both my routing number and account number to set up direct deposit?

Yes. Your employer or the organization setting up direct deposit will ask for both. Your routing number tells them which bank to send the money to, and your account number tells them which specific account within that bank. Both numbers are on the bottom of your checks, or you can find them through online banking.