Where to find your account number on a check
Your account number is printed at the bottom of every check you write. It appears in the middle section of three groups of numbers, after the routing number on the left and before the check number on the right. The account number is typically 10 to 12 digits long, though the exact length varies by bank.
The three number groups always appear in the same order at the bottom of the check, left to right: routing number, account number, check number. This layout is standard across all U.S. banks, so once you know what you're looking for, you'll spot it the same way on any check.
If you're looking at a blank check from a new checkbook, the numbers are still there. You don't need to write anything on the check first — the numbers are pre-printed by your bank when the checks are made.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number sits in the middle of three number groups printed at the bottom of every check, between the routing number and the check number.
- Account numbers are usually 10 to 12 digits long, but the exact length depends on your bank.
- The numbers are pre-printed on blank checks — you don't need to fill anything in to see them.
- You'll need both your routing number and account number together when setting up direct deposit or giving banking details to an employer or service provider.
Why banks print account numbers on checks
Your account number identifies which specific account at your bank the check is drawn from. When someone deposits your check, the bank reading it needs to know exactly where to pull the money — not just that it's from your bank, but from your account specifically. The routing number tells them which bank; the account number tells them which account within that bank.
This system has been in place for decades and works the same way whether a check is processed by hand or scanned by a machine. The numbers are printed in a special magnetic ink that machines can read quickly, which is why they look slightly different from the rest of the text on the check.
How to read the numbers correctly
Start from the left at the bottom of the check. The first group of numbers is your routing number — usually nine digits. Skip past it and move to the middle group. That middle group is your account number. Write it down carefully, because a single digit wrong will cause problems if you're using it to set up direct deposit or give it to someone who needs to deposit money into your account.
The easiest way to avoid mistakes is to read the numbers aloud as you write them down, or to have someone else read them back to you after you've written them. Account numbers look like long strings of similar-looking digits, so it's straightforward to transpose a number or skip one by accident.
If you're copying the number into a form on a computer, type it slowly and double-check it before you submit. Most banks will reject a payment or direct deposit setup if even one digit is wrong.
When you'll need to use your account number
You'll give your account number (along with your routing number) when you set up direct deposit for a paycheck or government benefit. Your employer or the benefits office needs both numbers to deposit money into the right account at the right bank.
You may also need your account number if you're setting up automatic bill payments, transferring money between banks, or receiving a wire transfer. Any time someone outside your bank needs to put money into your account, they'll ask for these two numbers.
You won't need your account number just to use your debit card or to withdraw money from an ATM — those use different security systems. But for anything involving moving money from another source into your account, the routing and account numbers are what make it work.
What to do if you can't find the numbers on your check
If your checks are very old or have been damaged, the numbers at the bottom might be faded or hard to read. If that happens, you can call your bank's customer service line — the number is usually on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Tell them you need your routing number and account number, and they'll give you both over the phone.
You can also log into your online banking account if you have one set up. Most banks display your account number in the account details or settings section. Your routing number is usually there too, though some banks make you call to confirm it.
If you don't have checks yet and need these numbers right away, your bank can provide them when ready. You don't have to wait for checks to arrive in the mail.
The difference between account number and check number
The check number is the third group of digits on the right side of the bottom line. It's different from your account number. The check number is just a way to track which individual check you're writing — it goes up by one with each check in your checkbook. Your account number stays the same for every check you write from that account.
When you write a check, the person receiving it might ask you for the check number so they can track the payment. But when you're setting up direct deposit or giving banking information to an employer, they want your account number, not your check number.
Keeping your account number safe
Your account number is not a secret in the same way a password is — it's printed on every check you write, and anyone who receives a check from you will see it. However, you shouldn't share it casually or post it online.
If you're giving your account number to someone, make sure you know who they are and why they need it. Legitimate employers, banks, and government agencies will ask for it in find ways — through a phone call you initiated, a find website, or a form you hand over in person. Be cautious if someone contacts you out of the blue asking for banking details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the account number the same on every check I write?
Yes. Your account number is pre-printed on every check from your checkbook. It never changes unless you close the account and open a new one. The only number that changes on each check is the check number on the right side.
Can I use my account number without the routing number?
No. Both numbers are required together. The routing number tells the bank which institution to send money to; the account number tells them which account within that institution. Without both, the transaction won't go through.
What if I give someone the wrong account number?
If you give the wrong account number for direct deposit or a transfer, the money will go into a different account — possibly someone else's account. Contact your bank and the person or organization that sent the money right away. They may be able to reverse the transaction, but the sooner you report it, the better.
Do I need to memorize my account number?
No. You can keep a check or a note with the number written down, or look it up in your online banking account whenever you need it. Most people don't memorize it because they don't use it often enough to make it worth remembering.