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

The fastest way is to look at a check from your account. The account number appears at the bottom, usually after the routing number and before the check number. If you don't have checks, log into your bank's website or app — your account number is displayed on the account overview or dashboard page. You can also call your bank's customer service line and provide your name and identifying information; they will read it to you over the phone.

Some banks also print the account number on your debit card, though not all do. If you've lost access to checks and can't log in online, a phone call to your bank is the most direct route. Have your Social Security number or other identifying information ready so the bank can verify you are the account holder.

Key Takeaways

  • Your account number appears on the bottom left of any check from your account, after the routing number.
  • You can view your account number by logging into your bank's website or mobile app on the account overview page.
  • Calling your bank's customer service number and providing identification will get you the account number when ready.
  • Some debit cards print the account number on the card itself, though this varies by bank.
  • You will need both your routing number and account number together to set up direct deposit or wire transfers.

Finding it through your bank's website or app

Log in to your bank's online portal or mobile app using your username and password. Once you're logged in, look for a page labeled "Account Overview," "Account Details," "My Accounts," or "Account Information" — the exact label depends on your bank. Your account number will be displayed prominently on this page, usually near your account balance and recent transactions.

If you can't find it on the main overview page, look for a link that says "Account Details" or "View Full Account Number." Some banks hide the full number by default for security reasons and require you to click to reveal it. If you're using the mobile app and the number isn't visible, try switching to the web version of your bank's site, as the layout sometimes differs.

Reading it from a check

Open a checkbook from your account and look at the bottom of any check. You will see three sets of numbers printed in a special magnetic ink. The first set (usually nine digits) is your routing number. The second set is your account number — this can be anywhere from 8 to 17 digits depending on your bank. The third, shorter set is the check number.

The account number is always in the middle of these three groups. If you only have a few checks left and want to preserve them, you can photograph the bottom of one check with your phone and refer to the image later. The numbers are printed clearly enough that a photo will be readable.

Calling your bank directly

Find the customer service number on the back of your debit card, on your bank statements, or by searching your bank's name online. When you call, you will be asked to verify your identity — this usually means providing your Social Security number, date of birth, and the answer to a security question you set up when you opened the account.

Once verified, the representative will read your account number to you. Write it down as they say it, or ask them to repeat it so you can confirm you have it correct. This process typically takes fewer than five minutes. If you're calling during business hours, you should reach someone when ready; after-hours calls may be routed to an automated system or a callback service.

What to do if you can't access your account online

If you've forgotten your password or your online access is locked, call your bank before trying to reset it multiple times — too many failed login attempts can temporarily freeze your account for security reasons. A representative can verify your identity over the phone and either reset your password or read your account number to you directly.

If your account has been compromised or you suspect fraud, tell the representative this when you call. They may place a temporary hold on the account or flag it for investigation, which can delay access to your account number by a day or two, but this protects you from further unauthorized activity. In this case, asking the representative to read the number to you is the fastest option.

Account numbers on debit cards and statements

Some banks print your account number on your debit card, usually on the front near your name or on the back. Check both sides. Not all banks do this — many print only the card number for security reasons. If your bank does print it, the account number will be a different set of digits from the card number itself.

Your account number also appears on paper statements if your bank still mails them. Look near the top of the statement, usually in a section labeled "Account Information" or near your name and address. If you receive statements by email, the account number is in the same location on the PDF.

Why you need both your routing and account number

Your routing number identifies which bank you use; your account number identifies which specific account within that bank is yours. Together, they form the complete address for your account. When you set up direct deposit, make a wire transfer, or authorize an automatic payment, you will need to provide both numbers so the money goes to the correct place.

Giving out your account number alone is generally safe — someone cannot withdraw money with only the account number. However, combined with your routing number, these two pieces of information can be used to set up unauthorized transfers or payments. Only share both numbers with sources you trust, such as your employer for direct deposit or a utility company for automatic bill payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to share my account number?

Your account number alone is relatively safe to share — it's printed on every check you write. However, combined with your routing number, someone could potentially set up unauthorized transfers. Only provide both numbers together to trusted sources like your employer or a company you're paying intentionally.

What if I have multiple accounts at the same bank?

Each account has its own account number. If you have a checking account and a savings account, they will have different numbers. When you log into your bank's website, you can usually see all your accounts listed separately, each with its own number. Make sure you're looking at the correct account before using the number.

Can I get my account number from an ATM?

Most ATMs do not display your account number on the screen. Your best options are a check, your bank's website or app, or a phone call to customer service. Some banks have ATMs that can print a mini-statement showing your account number, but this varies by bank and location.

What if my bank is closed and I need the number right now?

Log into your bank's website or app — these are available 24/7. If you don't have online access, check a recent statement or look at a check. If you truly cannot find it any other way, most banks have 24-hour phone lines, though you may reach an automated system that can only direct you to call back during business hours.

Do I need my account number to check my balance?

No. You can check your balance by logging into your bank's website or app with just your username and password, or by calling your bank's automated phone line. You only need the account number when you're setting up transfers, direct deposit, or payments to or from the account.