Your account number is the second set of digits printed on the bottom left of your check, after the routing number
When you look at the bottom of a check, you see three groups of numbers separated by special symbols that look like colons with extra lines. The first group is your bank's routing number. The second group — usually between 10 and 12 digits long — is your account number. This number belongs only to you and identifies which specific account at your bank the check is drawn from.
Your account number stays the same for as long as you keep that account open. It does not change when you order new checks, move to a different branch, or change your account type. If you close the account and open a new one at the same bank, you get a new account number.
You need your account number when you set up direct deposit, arrange automatic bill payments, or give someone permission to transfer money into or out of your account. Banks also ask for it when you call customer service, though they usually verify your identity first before discussing your account.
Key Takeaways
- Your account number is the middle set of digits on the bottom of your check, between the routing number and the check number.
- Account numbers are typically 10 to 12 digits and are unique to your specific account at your bank.
- You will need your account number to set up direct deposit, automatic payments, and wire transfers.
- Your account number remains the same throughout the life of your account, even when you order replacement checks.
- Never share your account number with someone you do not trust, as it can be used to withdraw money from your account.
Where exactly to find it on your check
Hold your check so you are looking at it straight on. At the very bottom, you will see a row of numbers and symbols. Starting from the left, the pattern is always: routing number, then account number, then check number. The routing number comes first and is usually nine digits. After a colon-like symbol, your account number begins. It is longer than the routing number and is the middle section of the three.
The check number appears on the far right of this bottom row, and it is also printed in the upper right corner of the check in larger type. If you are unsure which section is which, the check number is the easiest to spot because it appears twice on the check in different sizes.
Some checks print the account number in a slightly different order or format depending on the bank, but the bottom-left area is always where you will find all three numbers. If your check is damaged or the numbers are hard to read, you can also find your account number on your bank statement or by logging into your online banking account.
Why banks print your account number on checks
Checks are designed to be processed by machines that read the numbers at the bottom. When someone deposits your check, their bank's machine scans those numbers to figure out which bank to send the money to (using the routing number) and which account to take the money from (using your account number). Without these numbers printed in a machine-readable format, checks would take much longer to process.
The account number is also there for you. If you need to reference a specific check in a conversation with your bank, you can give them the check number. If you need to set up a payment or transfer and do not have a check handy, you can call your bank and they can look up your account number using your name and other identifying information.
Keeping your account number safe
Your account number is printed on every check you write, which means anyone who receives a check from you will see it. This is normal and expected — it has to be visible for the check to work. However, you should not write your account number on anything else or share it casually.
If someone asks for your account number over the phone or email, verify that you called them or that they are who they say they are. Scammers sometimes pose as banks or utilities and ask for account numbers to "verify your information" or "update your account." Your bank will never ask for your full account number by email, and legitimate companies usually only need it if you initiated contact with them.
If you lose a checkbook or suspect someone has your account number, contact your bank right away. They can monitor your account for suspicious activity and, if needed, close the account and open a new one with a different account number.
The difference between account number and routing number
These two numbers work together but do different jobs. Your routing number tells the banking system which bank to send money to — it is the same for everyone at your bank (or sometimes the same for a specific branch). Your account number tells the banking system which account at that bank to send the money to — it is unique to you.
Think of it like an address. The routing number is like the city and state — it narrows things down to one bank. The account number is like your street address and house number — it gets the money to your specific account. You need both numbers for any transfer to work correctly. If you give someone the right routing number but the wrong account number, the money will go to the wrong person's account at the correct bank.
When you need to provide your account number
You will be asked for your account number in several common situations. If your employer offers direct deposit, you will need to give them your routing number and account number so they can deposit your paycheck automatically. If you want to set up automatic bill payments — for utilities, insurance, or loan payments — the company will ask for these same two numbers.
If you are receiving a wire transfer from someone, you will need to give them your account number and routing number. If you are moving money between your own accounts at different banks, you will need the account number of the account you are moving money into. Some online services that connect to your bank account, like budgeting apps or investment platforms, will also ask for your account number during setup.
In all these cases, you are giving out information that is already printed on your checks, so it is not creating a new security risk. The difference is that you are choosing who to give it to, rather than having it visible to anyone who handles your check.
What to do if you cannot find your account number
If you do not have a check in front of you, there are several other ways to find your account number. Log into your online banking account — your account number is usually displayed on the main dashboard or in your account settings. You can also find it on your monthly bank statement, usually printed at the top or in a section labeled "Account Information."
If you have a debit card, the account number may be printed on the back, though not all banks do this. You can also call your bank's customer service line, and after verifying your identity, they will tell you your account number. If you are setting up direct deposit or a payment and need the information right away, calling your bank is usually the fastest option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my account number the same as my debit card number?
No. Your debit card number and account number are different. Your account number identifies your bank account. Your debit card number is a separate number assigned to your card that can be replaced if the card is lost or stolen. You can have the same account number with multiple debit cards.
Can someone withdraw money from my account if they have my account number?
They would need both your account number and your routing number, and even then they cannot straightforward take money. They would need to set up an automatic transfer or write a check, both of which take time and leave a record. If you notice unauthorized activity, contact your bank when ready — they can reverse fraudulent transfers and issue you a new account number.
Why is my account number different from my check number?
Your account number identifies your bank account. Your check number identifies that specific piece of paper. You can write many checks from the same account, so each check gets its own number for tracking purposes. The account number stays the same across all your checks.
Do I need my account number to deposit a check?
No. When you deposit a check, the bank reads the account number printed on the check itself to know where to put the money. You only need to provide your account number if you are the one writing the check or setting up a transfer.
What happens to my account number if I close my account?
Once you close an account, that account number is no longer active. If you open a new account at the same bank, you will receive a new account number. Any checks you have left from the old account will no longer work.