Your account number is the second set of digits on the bottom of your check

The bottom of a check contains three groups of numbers separated by vertical lines. Reading left to right, you'll see the routing number first (nine digits), then your account number (usually 10 to 12 digits), then the check number last. Your account number identifies which specific account at your bank the check is drawn from.

The account number appears in the same location on every check from that account. If you have multiple checking accounts at the same bank, each will have a different account number, even though they share the routing number.

You can also find your account number on your bank statement, in your online banking portal, on your debit card, or by calling your bank's customer service line. The check is straightforward the most portable place to look if you have one in front of you.

Key Takeaways

  • Your account number is the middle set of digits at the bottom of the check, between the routing number on the left and the check number on the right.
  • Account numbers are typically 10 to 12 digits long, though the exact length varies by bank.
  • The account number is the same on every check from that account and identifies your specific checking account.
  • If you don't have a check available, your bank statement, online banking login, or a call to customer service will show your account number.

How the three numbers on a check are arranged

The bottom left corner of a check displays three separate number groups in this order: routing number, account number, check number. Each group is separated by a vertical line (called a MICR line because it uses magnetic ink character recognition technology). The routing number comes first because it tells the banking system which bank to send the check to. The account number comes second because it tells that bank which account within the bank to pull the money from.

The check number appears last and is also printed in the top right corner of the check. This number is unique to that individual check and helps you track which check you wrote and when.

Why you might need your account number

You'll need your account number when setting up direct deposit for paychecks or benefits, arranging automatic bill payments, or receiving a wire transfer. Some employers and service providers ask for both the routing number and account number together to process payments into your account. Banks also ask for your account number when you call customer service, to confirm which account you're asking about.

If you're sending money out of your account (paying a bill or sending a transfer), you typically only need the routing number and account number of the recipient's account, not your own. Your bank already knows which account the money is coming from based on how you log in or which card you use.

What to do if your check doesn't show the numbers clearly

Older checks, checks that have been folded or wet, or checks printed with certain fonts can sometimes make the numbers hard to read. If the MICR line at the bottom is smudged or faded, hold the check up to a light source and look at it from different angles. The magnetic ink used for these numbers often shows up more clearly when backlit.

If you still cannot read the numbers, contact your bank directly. You can call the number on the back of your debit card, log into your online banking account, or visit a branch in person. Your bank can confirm your account number and routing number in seconds and can also reorder checks if yours are damaged or illegible.

Finding your account number without a check

If you don't have a check available, your account number appears in several other places. Log into your online banking portal or mobile app — your account number is usually displayed on the main dashboard or in an account details section. Your monthly bank statement lists your account number at the top. Your debit card does not show your account number, but calling the customer service number on the back of the card will connect you to someone who can provide it.

You can also visit your bank branch in person with a photo ID and ask for your account number. Some banks print it on receipts from ATM withdrawals or deposits. If you set up direct deposit at work before, your employer's payroll system may have a record of it.

Account numbers and security

Your account number is not secret in the same way your PIN or online banking password is. It appears on every check you write, which means anyone who receives a check from you sees your account number. However, someone cannot withdraw money from your account using only the account number — they also need your routing number, and even then, most transactions require additional verification.

That said, you should not share your account number and routing number together with someone you don't trust, because together they form the information needed to set up unauthorized automatic payments from your account. If you're providing these numbers to a legitimate business (your employer, your utility company, your mortgage lender), that's normal and expected. If a stranger asks for them, or if you're unsure whether a request is legitimate, contact your bank before providing the information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my account number the same as my card number?

No. Your debit card number is different from your account number. The card number appears on the front of your card and is used for card transactions. Your account number appears on checks and is used for bank transfers and direct deposits. You can have the same account number for years while your debit card number changes each time you get a new card.

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

Not with the account number alone. They would also need your routing number, and even then most banks require additional verification before processing a transfer or setting up automatic payments. If you're concerned someone has your account information, contact your bank when ready and ask them to monitor the account for unauthorized activity.

Why are there different numbers on the front and back of my check?

The numbers on the front (usually in the top right) are printed for your reference when you're writing the check. The numbers on the bottom are in MICR format so they can be read by banking machines during processing. Both sets show the same information — routing number, account number, and check number — just in different locations and formats.

What if my checks have the wrong account number printed on them?

Contact your bank when ready. This is a serious error that could cause checks to be rejected or routed to the wrong account. Your bank can stop the current batch of checks and reorder a corrected set. Do not use checks with the wrong account number printed on them.