Where to find your account number on a check
Your account number is printed at the bottom of every check you receive from your bank. It appears in the second group of numbers from the left, after the routing number and before the check number. The account number is typically 10 to 12 digits long, though the exact length varies by bank.
The three groups of numbers at the bottom of a check always appear in this order: routing number, account number, then check number. If you look at the bottom left corner of any check, you will see these numbers printed in a special magnetic ink that machines can read. Your account number is the middle set.
You do not need to memorize your account number — you can refer to your checks whenever you need it. Many people keep one blank check in a safe place just for this reason, since you will not be writing on it.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number appears in the second group of numbers 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 depends on your bank.
- The numbers are printed in magnetic ink that banking machines read automatically, so the print quality and spacing matter if you are depositing a check.
- You can use a blank check as a reference document to find your account number without writing on it.
Why banks print numbers in a specific order
The three numbers at the bottom of a check — routing number, account number, and check number — are printed in magnetic ink so that bank machines can sort and process checks automatically. When you deposit a check, a machine reads these numbers in sequence to figure out which bank issued it, which account to pull the money from, and which check in your series it is.
The routing number comes first because the machine needs to know which bank to send the check to. The account number comes second so the receiving bank knows which customer account to credit. The check number comes last and is mainly for your own record-keeping — it helps you track which checks you have written.
This order is the same on every check in the United States, regardless of which bank issued it. Once you know where to look on one check, you will recognize the pattern on any other check.
Reading the numbers clearly
The numbers at the bottom of a check are printed in a distinctive font called MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition). This font looks slightly different from regular printed text — the numbers are taller and have a particular shape that machines are designed to read.
If you are writing down your account number by hand, copy it exactly as it appears. Do not skip digits or rearrange them. If the numbers are faint or smudged on an old check, ask your bank for a new box of checks or look up your account number in your online banking portal instead.
When you give your account number to someone over the phone or in writing, double-check that you have provided the middle set of numbers, not the routing number or check number. A common mistake is reading the groups from right to left instead of left to right.
What happens if you cannot find a check
If you do not have a check available, you can find your account number through your bank's online portal, mobile app, or by calling customer service. Your bank statement also lists your account number at the top of the first page. You can also visit a branch in person with your ID and ask a teller to write down your account number for you.
Some banks print your account number on your debit card as well, though not all do. Check the back of your card or look at any paperwork your bank sent you when you opened the account.
Using your account number safely
Your account number is not secret in the same way a password is — it is printed on every check you write, and anyone who receives a check from you will see it. However, you should not share your account number with people you do not trust, because someone with both your account number and routing number could potentially set up unauthorized transfers from your account.
If you are giving your account number to a business you know — like your employer for direct deposit, or a utility company for automatic payments — that is normal and safe. If a stranger calls asking for your account number, hang up and call your bank directly using the number on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement.
Keep old checks in a safe place or shred them before throwing them away, since they contain both your account number and routing number together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the account number the same on every check I write?
Yes. Every check from the same account will have the same account number printed on it. The only number that changes is the check number, which increments by one with each new check in the series.
What if the numbers at the bottom of my check are hard to read?
Contact your bank and ask for a replacement box of checks. Faint or smudged numbers can cause problems when checks are processed by machine. You can also find your account number in your online banking portal, on your bank statement, or by calling customer service.
Can I use my account number without the routing number?
Your account number alone is not enough to identify your account to another bank or business. You will usually need both your routing number and account number together for things like setting up direct deposit or automatic bill payments. Ask the organization what information they need before you provide anything.
Do debit cards have the account number printed on them?
Some banks print the account number on the back of the debit card, but not all. If you cannot find it there, check your bank statement or online portal. The account number on your debit card will match the one on your checks.