Your account number is the second set of digits at the bottom of the check

The bottom of a check contains three separate groups of numbers, printed in magnetic ink. From left to right, they are: the routing number (nine digits), your account number (typically 10 to 12 digits), and the check number (usually four digits). Your account number sits between the routing number and the check number. It identifies your specific account at your bank, separate from any other account you might hold there.

The account number is the one you need when you set up direct deposit, arrange automatic bill payments, or give payment instructions to someone who needs to send money to your account. It is not secret information — you can share it freely. The routing number and account number together are what someone needs to move money into or out of your account electronically.

Key Takeaways

  • Your account number is the middle set of digits at the bottom of a 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.
  • You can safely share your account number with employers, billers, and others who need to deposit or withdraw money from your account.
  • If you cannot read the numbers clearly on a check, your bank statement or online banking portal will show your account number.

How to read the numbers in order

Hold the check so the bottom edge faces you. The three groups of numbers are always printed in the same order, left to right. The first group (nine digits) is your routing number. Skip past it and look at the second group — that is your account number. The third group, usually the shortest, is the check number.

The numbers are printed in a special font called MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition), which banks use to read checks automatically. This font looks slightly different from regular numbers, which makes it easier to spot. If the ink is faded or the check is worn, you may have trouble reading them, but the numbers themselves do not change.

What to do if the numbers are hard to read

If a check is old, damaged, or the ink has faded, the numbers at the bottom may be unclear. Do not guess — an incorrect account number will send money to the wrong place. Instead, log into your online banking portal or mobile app and look for your account number there. Most banks display it prominently on the account overview page.

You can also call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch in person. Have your ID ready. A teller can confirm your account number and even print a new check for you if yours is damaged. Some banks also print your account number on your bank statement, though not always in the same location.

Why banks print it on checks at all

The account number on the check is there for the bank's sorting machines, not primarily for you. When you write a check and someone deposits it, the bank that receives it scans the bottom of the check with a machine that reads those magnetic numbers. The machine extracts your routing number and account number, then sends that information through the banking network to your bank to debit your account.

This is why the numbers must be printed in that specific format and position. It is also why you should never write over them or alter them in any way — if the machine cannot read them clearly, the check may be rejected or delayed.

Account numbers versus routing numbers: which is which

The routing number (nine digits, on the left) identifies your bank or credit union. The account number (10 to 12 digits, in the middle) identifies your specific account within that bank. You need both pieces of information to move money electronically. The routing number tells the banking system which institution to contact; the account number tells that institution which account to use.

If you are setting up direct deposit at a new job, you will need to provide both numbers. If you are paying a bill online, the biller may ask for both. Some forms ask for them separately; others ask you to enter them together. Check the form to see what it wants.

Where else to find your account number

You do not have to use a check to find your account number. Your bank statement (paper or digital) will show it, usually near the top or in a summary section. Your online banking portal displays it on the account overview page. Your debit card may have the last four digits printed on it, but not the full number. Your bank's mobile app typically shows the full account number in the account details section.

If you have a savings account, money market account, or other account type at the same bank, each one has its own account number. The routing number stays the same across all your accounts at that bank, but the account number changes for each account. Make sure you are looking at the right account if you have more than one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to give someone my account number?

Yes. Your account number alone cannot be used to withdraw money from your account — someone also needs your routing number, and even then they can only move money if you have authorized it. You can safely share your account number with your employer, your landlord, your bank, or anyone else who needs to deposit or withdraw money on your behalf.

What if I give the wrong account number to my employer?

The deposit will go to the wrong account, either at your bank or at a different bank entirely. Contact your employer's payroll department when ready and provide the correct account number. They can usually redirect the next deposit, but recovering a deposit sent to the wrong account takes longer and may require your bank to file a trace.

Can someone use my account number to steal from me?

Not with the account number alone. They would also need your routing number, and even then they would need your authorization or a valid court order. If someone attempts an unauthorized withdrawal, your bank is required to investigate and restore the funds. Report any suspicious activity to your bank right away.

Do I need to memorize my account number?

No. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe, or store it in your phone's notes app. You will need it occasionally for forms and setup, but you do not need to memorize it. Your bank can always tell you what it is if you forget.